Explore The Adventure: Church Farm Stow Bardolph

A few weeks ago we had the loveliest surprise when family came to stay for a couple of days. With only a short time together, we packed in as many adventures as we could including a spontaneous trip to the farm. And honestly, you can never go wrong with a farm day. Our visit to Church Farm in Stow Bardolph turned out to be absolutely perfect.

We bottle-fed lambs, cuddled a goat and a sheep (as you do), hopped onto a tractor ride to feed the pigs, bounced until our legs gave up, and even witnessed a lamb being born.It was one of those wholesome, joy‑filled days that stays with you.

Church Farm is bursting with things for families to enjoy with rare breed animals, adventure play, and endless opportunities to get hands-on. Visiting just after the Easter holidays was ideal. There were so many chances to meet the farmyard residents up close, from new born lambs to rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats and more. The friendly farmers are always nearby, ready to introduce you to your new furry friends and share a little of the farm’s charm.

My daughter’s favourite part of the whole day was, without question, getting to pet the animals which was something that was completely new for both of us. She adored wrapping her arms around every sheep and goat she could find, though I’m fairly sure the poor sheep were all hugged out by the end of it.

I’m so glad we chose to visit during lambing season, because there were so many little ones being born. The children didn’t fully grasp the magic of it, of course, but they absolutely loved feeding the “baby lambs” their bottles. It was such a lovely way for my daughter to get up close to them and enjoy a gentle cuddle… even if a few lambs did make a quick escape from her enthusiastic toddler snuggles.

My favourite part of the whole day had to be meeting the pigs. I’ve been fascinated by them for as long as I can remember. I’m not even sure why, I just adore them. So when the chance came to step inside the piglet pen, I didn’t hesitate for a second. The piglets were so friendly, trotting straight over to us and gently nibbling at our hands.

My daughter, of course, took it upon herself to name every single one. And I bet you can guess the theme… Daddy Pig, Mummy Pig, Peppa Pig, George Pig, and even Jakey Pig who was named after our pet beagle cross Jack Russell.

After spending plenty of time with the pigs, we wandered over to the play area. The trampolines were our first stop and these weren’t your typical trampolines. They were set deep into the ground, which meant the children could bounce to their hearts’ content without us worrying about any dramatic tumbles.

My brother‑in‑law tried his best to avoid getting on, but once we realised we had the perfect opportunity to give him a little “help” onto the trampoline, well… we couldn’t resist. The children thought it was hilarious and spent ages bundling him and using him as their personal springboard. Poor Uncle Andrew never stood a chance.

But the fun definitely didn’t end there. In the children’s adventure play area, we spotted a row of little ride‑on tractors and when the chance to be a big kid stares you in the face, you simply have to go for it. So my husband and I joined in, racing alongside the children. They won, of course… or at least that’s the story we’re sticking to.

Alongside the tractors, there was a hay barn, a sandpit, and even a football pitch to burn off the last bits of energy. And we can’t forget the indoor play area, complete with a gated under‑5s section filled with toys and books. Perfect for little ones who need a quieter moment.

Our final adventure of the day was the tractor ride to feed the pigs and at only £1, it was an absolute bargain. I expected it to be a quick loop around the field, but we were easily out for a good 20 minutes, spotting even more animals along the way before stopping to feed the pigs.

There was just so much to see and do at Church Farm, especially for the price. It’s one of those places where every corner holds a new little adventure, and you genuinely find yourself surprised by how much there is to enjoy as a family.