The farm park is also home to a large adventure playground
Smithills Open Farm, Bolton (Image: Smithills Farm)
Little ones love nothing more than a trip to see the animals and here in Greater Manchester there’s a farm that’s been ranked one of the UK’s best.
Smithills Open Farm in Bolton has made it onto a list of the country’s top farm parks according to experts at holidaycottages.co.uk.
With online searches for ‘farm day out’ increasing by 42% last month, it’s clear that such trips are popular with families looking for places to keep the kids entertained.
Holidaycottages found that: “Smithills Open Farm is a favourite for families thanks to its large, accessible site and strong focus on animal welfare and education. It’s home to an impressive variety of animals, from classic farm favourites like cows, sheep, and ponies to more unusual residents, including meerkats, Burmese pythons, and skunks.
Adventure playground at Smithills Open Farm, Bolton(Image: Smithills Farm)
“Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences like bottle-feeding calves and lambs, milking demonstrations, and daily animal talks.
“Beyond the animals, Smithills offers plenty of play and leisure options with a large adventure playground, inflatable assault course, donkey rides, tractor tours, and indoor play areas, perfect for fun in any weather. The on-site café even serves homemade ice cream made from the farm’s own cows.”
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The farm has won numerous awards over the years, including the People’s Choice Award at the North West Family Business Awards in 2024.
It even has its own holiday cottage where families can stay, giving VIP access to the animals.
Visitors can watch the cows being milked (Image: Smithills Farm)
Other attractions making it onto the list of best farm parks include Matlock Farm Park in Derbyshire, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in South Wales, Tattershall Farm Park in Lincoln, Mabie Farm Park in Dumfries, Bocketts Farm Park in Surrey and Cotswold Farm Park in Gloucestershire.
Commenting, Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “With the summer season upcoming, many families will want to make the most of the beautiful weather over the weekends – and a farm visit is the perfect way to do so.
“From learning about Britain’s farming history, experiencing the animals up close and personal, to getting crafty, there is plenty of fun for all the family – even if the weather does take a turn.”