From deer safaris to bottle-feeding the lambs, there’s never a dull moment at this thriving working farm.
What is it…
Snettisham Park – which includes Park Farm – is a 329-acre working arable and livestock farm. The difference here is that it’s open to the public and has been since 1986. They grow wheat for animal feed, malting barley, sugar beet and grass, as well as having a flock of 400 ewe, a herd of red deer and stables full of horses and ponies. All of which you can see and experience for yourself.
Will the kids love it?
Whatever the time of year, there is hands-on fun for all. From March to September, for example, you can bottle feed the orphan lambs – quite possibly one of the cutest activities you’ll ever do (you can feed the calves in season, too). Help collect and grade the 100s of fresh eggs that the Rhode Island Reds lay every day. Or why not lend a hand at grooming the ponies – and they offer rides and treks during the school holidays. Plus, there are three walking trails: the Farming Trail (2/3rd mile); the Discovery Trail (1.5 miles); and the Archaeology Trail (2.5 miles), all of them the perfect balance of education and enjoyment. Make sure you bring wellington boots – it can get muddy.
What can I do?
See above. They’ll love it. There’s also a chance to meet the farm’s menagerie of small animals from goats and pigs to guinea pigs and tortoises, while the children’s play area comes complete with a toy tractor track and a sandpit.
Is there somewhere we can eat?
Park Farm, which is on-site, has a buzzing café which is cosy in winter and has a large sunny terrace for the warmer months. The menu includes all-day breakfasts, burgers, soups, jacket potatoes and homemade cakes – plus there are children’s lunch boxes. Afterwards, swing by the farm shop where you can pick up fresh free-range eggs, venison, honey, jams and the like – much of the produce is from the farm and the rest is sourced from within 20 miles.
If you do one thing…
Make it the deer safari. Jump aboard the tractor and covered trailer – or you can go on a Safari Land Rover ride – for the 45-minute round trip. You’ll get up close to the herd of red deer and be able to feed them. You might see stags sparring or the hinds going for a swim and, in calving season, look out for the little spotted babies. The guides are super knowledgeable and, as well as giving you the lowdown on the deer, can fill you in on the farmland, local wildlife (of which there is plenty, from Shelduck and oyster catchers to coots and bar-headed geese – bring your binos) and the workings of a farm en route.
When’s a good time to visit?
Snettisham Park is open seven days a week, year round; 10am to 4pm from March to September and 9am to 5pm during the Easter and Summer holidays. Out of season, October to February, it is open 10am to 3pm. In our opinion, a lovely time to visit is in the Spring when the lambs are making an appearance. Ewe won’t regret it and don’t forget to book your luxury Norfolk cottage with us today.
Snettisham Park, Bircham Road, Snettisham, PE31 7NG; snettishampark.co.uk
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