Seeing all the animals at Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Family Day Out

A family day out at Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park?

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park is a 44-acre farm in the Buckinghamshire countryside that offers a lovely day out for everyone.

Onsite, you’ll discover a large variety of farm, pet and wild animals alongside numerous play areas.

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Pet Lambs in Buckinghamshire

What is there to do?

There is so much to do! There are lots of animals to see alongside opportunities to play, eat and unwind.

As you enter, you’ll notice the daily animal encounters illustrated. These include feeding and interactive opportunities.

You can then choose to follow the nature and/or farm trail which loop around the paddocks.

There’s an expansive outdoor play area, field, soft play barn, messy play barn, eco-centre, greenhouse and walled garden, the animal barn, pond and even go pedal karting!

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Reindeer in Buckinghamshire

What animals can I expect to see?

You can expect to see lots of animals – and not just farm animals either! There’s also a pet corner and wildlife zone.

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Farm Animals

Farm animals

You’ll certainly get to see the usual suspects. The farm animals you can see include:

  • Alapacs
  • Cattle – Dairy Shorthorn, Highland, Friesian and Dexter
  • Chickens – Black Marans, Buff Orpington, Cream Legbar, Dark Brahma, Ex-Battery, Jersey Giant, Lemon Pyle Brahma, Light Sussex, Red Orpington, Speckled Maran and Wellsummer
  • Ducks – Aylesbury, Cayuga, Khaki Campbell, Silver Appleyard and Tufted
  • Equine – Donkey
  • Geese – Roman and Toulouse
  • Goats – Anglo-Nubian, Golden Guernsey, Old English, Pygmy and Saanen
  • Pigs – Gloucester Old Spot and Oxfordshire Sandy and Black
  • Sheep – Badger Face, Balwen, Boreray, Herdwick, Jacobs, Poll Dorset, Portland and Soay
  • Turkeys – Crollwitzer

You can get up close to the alpacas and sheep within the barn. You’re even welcome to feed them with pellets pre-bought at the entrance. It’s honestly such a wonderful experience and was the highlight of our day!

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Pets Corner

Pets corner

There are lots of cute animals to see in the Pets corner. Expect amphibians, arthropods, molluscs, reptiles and small mammals!

Animals you can see include:

  • Amphibians – African Clawed Frog, Axolotl and Poison Dart Frog,
  • Arthropods – (arachnids, insects and myriapods) – Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula, Cricket, Giant Millipede, Hissing Cockroach, Locust, Pachnoda Beetle and Stick Insect
  • Molluscs – Giant African Land Snail
  • Reptiles – Bearded Dragon, Corn Snake and Panther Chameleon
  • Small mammals – Chinchilla, Continental Giant Rabbit, Ferret, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Harvest Mouse, Rat, Skunk and Tenrec
Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Wildlife Zone

Wildlife Zone

There are lots to see in the Wildlife Zone too. Expect owls, eagles, wallabies, small cats, squirrels and foxes.

Wildlife animals you can see include:

  • Birds of prey – Common Buzzard, European Kestrel and Golden Eagle
  • Mammals – Deer, Red Squirrel, Reindeer and Silver Fox
  • Marsupials – Bennett’s Wallaby
  • Mustelids – European Polecat
  • Owls – Barn Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Little Owl and Tawny Owl
  • Passerine birds – Raven
  • Small cats and wild cats – Eurasian Lynx and Scottish Wildcat
Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Bouncy Pillows

Is Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park family-friendly?

It’s super family-friendly and perfect for all ages.

Children under two are free and our one-year-old absolutely loved it. We had so much fun feeding the alpacas, stroking the sheep and bouncing on the ginormous bouncy pillows outside.

Children can also take advantage of soft play, the outdoor play area, the amazing bouncy pillows, and for those slightly older, peddle karts!

There is just so much to do and it’s well worth the entrance price.

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Park

Where can we eat and drink?

There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or drink and you’re also welcome to take your own picnic. These include:

Playbarn Café

The Playbarn Café is within the Play Barn. They offer adult and children’s menus and serve hot and cold dishes and snacks. There are a few gluten-free options available.

We opted for the children’s Grab ‘n’ Go Bag (£5.95) for our toddler, Theo, which includes:

  • Tuna mayo or cheese sandwich
  • Pom-Bear® crisps
  • Gingerbread man
  • Fruity pot, or fruit, or yoghurt
  • Your choice of drink

They open at 10 am each day and close at 5.30 or 6 pm depending on the time of year.

Takeaway Pizza Saturdays

On a Saturday, you can order and collect fresh wood-fired pizza by the pond with a host of toppings.

Coffee and Snack Truck

Open on select days, the Coffee and Snack Truck is located outside the play park. It serves hot and cold snacks and drinks.

Bring your own picnic!

Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own picnic! The picnic area is next to the play park and there’s also a field available under the shade of willow trees.

You can eat within the picnic shed or messy play barn on rainy days.

Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park | Toddler Friendly

How much does Hogshaw Farm and Wildlife Park cost?

Please see the entrance prices below:

  • £10.95 – Adult
  • £9.95 – Child (age two to 15 years)
  • £8.95 – Senior citizen
  • £8.95 – Concession for visitors with disabilities (one registered carer goes free of charge).

Entrance to the farm is free for visitors under two years old. There are unique encounter opportunities available at an extra cost.

The farm is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm and you can pre-book tickets for your visit.

Have you been to Green Dragon Eco Farm yet?

Stephanie xox

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Exploring Boarstall Duck Decoy with the National Trust ?

A family day out at Boarstall Duck Decoy

Boarstall Duck Decoy welcomes visitors to see one of the few remaining duck decoys in the UK.

Built in the 16th-century, the duck decoy was used to catch waterfowl for Boarstall Manor.

Although once very common in Britain, there are now only four left in the country. This one was built around 1697.

What is there to do?

Surrounded by woodland, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among bluebells, ancient trees and wildlife in this charming place.

It offers visitors an hour of tranquility as you wind your way around the lake.

Is Boarstall Duck Decoy family-friendly?

It is to an extent. I’d probably suggest leaving your buggy or pushchair at home.

The area is mostly covered in wood shavings but there are some muddy and uneven areas if you stray from the main path.

You may choose to navigate them with your buggy but I’d probably bring a carrier instead for younger children.

There is lots to see! A highlight is the lovely children’s natural play and den building area with carved wooden mushrooms dotted around.

There are plenty of places to stop and appreciate your surroundings and lots to discover in the woodland. It is also surprisingly quiet, adding to the tranquility.

Please note, that there are no baby-changing or breastfeeding facilities. However, there are male and female toilets available.

Where can we eat and drink?

There is no cafe but you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy and dedicated picnic tables are available.

How much does it cost?

Boarstall Duck Decoy offers free entry for National Trust members. If you are not a member, please see the entrance prices below:

  • Adult – £5
  • Child – £2.50
  • Family – £12.50
  • Family with one adult – £7.50

Boarstall Duck Decoy is open on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 3 April to 25 September 2022. You do not need to pre-book your visit and it’s cash only.

Looking for more UK days out?

Exploring Waddesdon Manor’s House and Grounds with the National Trust ?

A family day out at Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor welcomes visitors to its grand Neo-Renaissance country home and grounds each day from 10am to 4/5pm.

This impressive French-style château was built in the 1870s and offers surrounding views of the Chilterns Hills, Oxfordshire and the Vale of Aylesbury.

Exploring Waddesdon Manor - Fountain

What is there to do?

There’s so much to see and do, Waddesdon Manor is an entire day out in itself as the House and Grounds are so expansive.

Exploring Waddesdon Manor - Aviary

Exploring the Grounds

You’ll start your day in the stunning Victorian Gardens. In spring, Waddesdon comes to life in a wash of colour. You’ll spot over 6000 tulips on the Parterre and plenty of daffodils left in Daffodil Valley.

The Aviary is charming. This ornate green and gold cast iron aviary features many exotic birds including the Rothschild mynah, a bird native to Bali. This bird was named after Walter, second Lord Rothschild (1868-1937), a famous zoologist.

All around you, there are things to discover. Whether it be the beautiful gardens, exquisite statues and sculptures, or the contrasting landscapes.

Things to see on the Grounds include:

If you fancy a more guided experience, check out the garden walks and maps.

Exploring Waddesdon Manor - Neo-Renaissance House

Exploring the House

You could spend a few hours appreciating the grandeur of the House. Inside, you’ll discover a plethora of stately rooms, renowned paintings, exquisite furnishings, and fine porcelain.

The current Alice’s Wonderlands exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of Alice de Rothschild.

Exploring Waddesdon Manor - The Red Drawing Room

Things to see in the House include:

  • The East Gallery
  • The Breakfast Room
  • The Conservatory and Ante Room
  • The Dining Room
  • The Red Drawing Room
  • The Grey Drawing Room
  • The West Gallery
  • The Small Library
  • The Baron’s Room and the Tower Drawing Room
  • The West Hall
  • The Morning Room
  • The Treasury
  • The State Dressing Room, State Bedroom, and Green Boudoir
  • The Fountain Bedroom and Bathroom
  • The Blue Dining Room
  • The Armoury Corridor
  • The Bachelor’s Wing
  • The Smoking Room

Once you’re finished, you may browse the Manor Shop or dine in the Manor Restaurant.

Exploring Waddesdon Manor - Dining Room

Is Waddesdon Manor family-friendly?

Waddesdon is super family-friendly and is honestly the perfect family day out!

I’d probably suggest leaving your buggy or pushchair at home. Although there are buggy-friendly routes, there are lots of hills and access from the car park is difficult.

From the car, the route takes 15 minutes to walk and is partly covered in wood shavings and in parts is uphill. This makes it awkward to navigate.

So, if you take a buggy or pushchair, you’ll want to utilise the shuttle bus (separate fee) or pay for parking outside the House (£20 per car). Alternatively, do what we did, and bring a carrier.

Please also note that buggies and pushchairs cannot be taken into the House and you are advised to bring a carrier.

You’ll find baby-changing, breastfeeding, and toilet facilities available at the Manor and Stables.

Exploring Waddesdon Manor - Picnic

Where can we eat and drink?

Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, there are plenty of dining options at Waddesdon.

You can enjoy afternoon tea in the Manor Restaurant, grab a bite to eat at the Stables, Woodland Playground, or Manor Terrace, and even pre-book a picnic!

Alternatively, if you fancy something a little different, why not bring your own yummy picnic to enjoy on the Grounds?

How much does it cost?

Waddesdon Manor offers free entry for National Trust members. If you are not a member, please see the entrance prices below:

Grounds only

  • Adult – £13.20
  • Child – £6.60

House and grounds

  • Adult – £25.20
  • Child – £12.60

Children under five are free.

Please note, that visitors to Waddesdon Manor are advised to book Grounds admission in advance and online booking is essential for timed entry to the House.

Stephanie xox

Waddesdon Manor in spring on TikTok

@stephmulz

Exploring Waddesdon Manor in spring. ? A beautiful day exploring this huge country home and grounds in Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, with our National Trust membership! #waddesdonmanor #nationaltrust #ntchallenge #waddesdon #spring2022 #countryhouse #discoveruk #familyday #lifestyleblogger

♬ One Summer’s Day – Smyang Piano

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Exploring National Trust Stowe ?

A family day out at National Trust Stowe

National Trust Stowe welcomes its visitors to a vast Georgian landscaped garden and parkland each day from 10 am-4 pm.

Once parked at New Inn, there’s a short walk downhill to the garden entrance where you will be free to explore over 250 acres of nature.

Image of property map by National Trust Stowe

What is there to do?

There is lots to do and you can expect plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Stroll around the scenic garden at your leisure before heading into the surrounding parkland to discover its secrets.

You’ll see lakes, temples and plenty of monuments, alongside beautiful flora and fauna. If you choose to go off-the-beaten-track and explore further, you’ll be spoilt.

You could easily spend an entire day wandering around discovering new sights and sounds throughout the parkland.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, feel free to grab a bite to eat in the cafe, browse second-hand books at the Old Dairy Book Shop or treat yourself to local produce at the gift shop – all located at New Inn on the way out.

Exploring National Trust Stowe - The Palladian Bridge

Is National Trust Stowe family-friendly?

It is indeed! There are buggy-friendly routes around the garden and surrounding parkland and you’ll also find baby-changing, breastfeeding, and toilet facilities available at the New Inn entrance.

The onsite cafe offers a children’s menu and high chairs are available also.

How much does it cost?

National Trust Stowe offers free entry for National Trust members. If you are not a member, please see the entrance prices below:

  • Adult – £13.00
  • Child – £6.50
  • Family – £32.50
  • Family One Adult – £19.50

Children under five are free.

Please note, if you would also like to visit Stowe House, this is charged separately.

Stephanie xox

Looking for more UK days out?