Charming little farm on good paths
5
5
Date of visit: September 2016
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
Took the steam train, had a snack in the little cafe and a gentle meander around the farm. Small area with quite smooth tracks looping around the animals. Plus side you can select one of several owls to touch. Downside, wheelchair access into the paddocks to pet the animals (walk in only through small gates) on request only through a larger gate. Most animals poke their heads through to pet outside and you can feed them pellets for about 50p. 1-2 hours will be enough to look around. No benches to sit on that I remember and plenty of farm sounds. Small toilet at the station only.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
The farm and entrance is ramped throughout. People in large powerchairs and scooters probably won't be able to do the turn into the cafe. My powerchair fit fine. The farm animals were easily visible and reachable when they came up to the wire fences. Paths were compact earth and smooth making it a gentle ride. Signs in print only and plenty of animal noises and you can touch the Owls. Just right for a few hours.
Parking & Transport
Excellent
We came via steam train. Train has ramp access and the station has a hard surface slope down to the track to cross to the farm ( see pictures).
Accessible Toilets
Bad
Short ramp up to the door, heavy spring, door only opens half way. I only just got in. Door opens inwards and the toilet is exposed to people on the train platform if carer/assistant exits. No toilet on the farm side of the railway.
Staff
Excellent
All very friendly who we met.
Additional Information
Coffee shop is very small with a 90 degree turn to enter over a door lip. I managed in my small powerchair but the tables were too low to get under. Staff said we could re arrange the tables as we needed to fit around. Good basic food, panini, soup, jackets and pasties. Nice fresh salads. Carers went in free but it was cheap to get in anyway. Outdoor areas under cover to eat and lots of picnic tables.
