You probably know that the kids and I love a trip to Cockfields farm? You’ve probably read my reviews especially of the fab special events like the magical Christmas Experience or Pumpkin picking, and I’m sure you’ll have seen some of my photos!?
Well this week I was invited to come along to check out all the changes that have been implemented since they reopened after lockdown.
OUR VISIT:
They have massively reduced their capacity therefore tickets must be booked online, you cannot just show up on the day. Timed arrival slots have been introduced in order to stagger people arriving at the farm or crowding in the entrance. What I liked was that your tickets are valid from your arrival time until the farm closes, so if you like to spend the day there, book an early slot!
There’s a one way system throughout the indoor areas and in the main animal barn in order to keep socially distance. At the moment the indoor role play area is still closed, however there is plenty to do outside and due to the current climate I’d rather be outside anyway.
Like our usual visits, we headed to the main barn first to feed the animals. A member of staff was managing the entrance, reminding people about social distancing and watching how many people at one time. Due to reduced capacity and staff managing how many people enter the barn at one time, my children had the freedom to feed all the animals like normal, the only difference is we followed the one way arrows on the floor.
The kids love feeding the goats and it was extra special on this visit as there were so many baby goats which were extremely cute. The kids also got to hand feed sheep, ‘Dancer’ and ‘Prancer’ the reindeer, cows and Llamas. The reptile room had a sign on the door asking for 2 families at one time which people did seem to adhere too.
All are favourite things to do we’re available including playing on the beach and climbing frame, the swings and tunnels were lots of fun. I did notice the extra picnic benches dotted everywhere which is fab both indoors and outside, brilliant whether you visit the cafe or bring your on picnic. There was also hand sanitiser everywhere. Throughout the day I noticed several members of staff called the ‘Clean Team’ cleaning the bathrooms, refilling the soap and hand sanitiser, paper roll and just generally cleaning up.
My three love the jumping pillow and it was great to be able to use it during our visit. There sign outside asked people to use be considerate when using the equipment and to wait for a bench to come free, meaning a reduced number should be on the pillow at all time. From what I saw, the majority of guests adhered to this and were happy to wait their turn which was fantastic.
A brilliant new addition to the farm was the old time carousel. Included in the price of your ticket (which with three children is a bonus), your children can ride it as many times as they want! And you better believe it, my three did! We lost count of how many times they went round throughout the day, certainly 7 times minimum. A very friendly member of staff (who didn’t get bored of seeing my three) sanitised the ride after every use which was great. There was also separate way in and way out ensuring no groups of people at one time.
The best bit of the day and I think the greatest change was the new animal handling section. Every half an hour there’s a different animal to see and touch, from bunnies and chicks to reptiles. As you enter the farm you are given a timetable so you can plan your day around these sessions, don’t worry as they are repeated throughout the day meaning no one misses out. What I like was how each family got there own space and own animals to see and touch. Each family enter the barn and firstly sanitise their hands. Not only is this much safer due to the current pandemic as were in our own space, it also meant my children had their own table with little animals on all to themselves.
We had a fantastic day and like usual we arrived as the farm opened in the morning and left at closing time! We love to make a full day out at Cockfields Farm and my three certainly never get bored. My little boy was sad on the way to the car as he wanted another go on the carousel! This visit was probably my favourite ever visit to the farm (apart from Christmas of course!). Book your visit now.
I was invited to Cockfields Farm for the day in exchange of an honest review, all views are my own.
Out and about mummy 