Smithills Open Farm
An interactive farm experience with diverse animals, milking demos, and delicious homemade ice cream. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Smithills Open Farm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An interactive farm experience with diverse animals, milking demos, and delicious homemade ice cream. Fun for all ages!
"The best, most interactive farm we have ever been to! We loved it here."
🎯 Interactive Animal Fun
Feed and pet a wide range of animals; it's a highlight for kids!
🍦 Taste the Farm Freshness
Don't miss the amazing homemade milk and ice cream!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Encounters
Petting Corner & Animal Pens
Get up close and personal! Feed, pet, and hold a variety of gentle farm animals, from lambs to goats.
Milking Demonstrations
Milking Parlour
Witness the fascinating process of cow milking and learn about dairy production. Educational and engaging for all ages.
Fresh Milk & Ice Cream
Farm Shop
Savor delicious, locally produced ice cream and milkshakes made right on the farm. A sweet treat you won't want to miss!
Donkey & Tractor Rides
Designated Ride Areas
Enjoy fun rides that kids (and adults!) will love, adding an extra layer of excitement to your farm visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Dress for Farm Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Interactive Animal Fun
Feed and pet a wide range of animals; it's a highlight for kids!
🍦 Taste the Farm Freshness
Don't miss the amazing homemade milk and ice cream!
🚜 Rides for Everyone
Enjoy donkey and tractor rides for an extra dose of farm fun.
📚 Educational Talks
Attend informative talks about the animals and farm life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Interactive Animal Fun
Feed and pet a wide range of animals; it's a highlight for kids!
🍦 Taste the Farm Freshness
Don't miss the amazing homemade milk and ice cream!
🚜 Rides for Everyone
Enjoy donkey and tractor rides for an extra dose of farm fun.
📚 Educational Talks
Attend informative talks about the animals and farm life.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be walking a lot, so comfortable footwear is a must.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Smithills Open Farm for its incredibly interactive animal experiences and educational value, making it a top choice for family days out. The farm's fresh milk and ice cream are frequently highlighted as delicious treats. While most experiences are positive, a few reviews mention customer service issues, suggesting occasional inconsistencies.
"We visited Smithills Open Farm during the school holidays with the kids, and it was such a fantastic day out! The highlight was seeing the full process of how cows are milked and how the milk is stored — really fascinating and educational. The children loved getting hands-on, feeding the cows and other farm animals, and learning more about farm life.
There are so many activities for kids, and it’s a great balance of fun and education. The staff were friendly and made the experience engaging for both children and adults. Overall, a brilliant day out for families — highly recommend!"
Mohamed Imran Khilji
"Love this place, but if something for all of us. Getting so close to the cows isn't something kids from the city get to do that often and it's great. Staff seem to love their jobs and It does make it extra enjoyable.
Some of the other local farms are good for an hour or two but we regularly spend 4-5 hours here"
Gareth
"We visited Smithy Open Farm last month as a family, and it was a truly wonderful experience. The farm is well-kept and full of charm, and the animals are all very gentle and friendly — perfect for children to interact with. From calves and lambs to many other farm animals, you can really enjoy close-up encounters and even watch the process of milk production, which was fascinating to see.
There are plenty of activities for children and families, and feeding the animals is made easy with affordable feed available on-site. It’s both fun and educational, giving kids the chance to experience farm life in an authentic and enjoyable way.
One of the highlights for us was trying the farm’s own freshly made yogurt — it was absolutely delicious and highly recommended!
Overall, it’s a fantastic place for a family day out, especially with young children. Warm atmosphere, well-cared-for animals, and plenty to see and do — we’ll definitely be coming back again."
Kris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smithills Open Farm is located in Bolton. You can drive and park for free on-site. Public transport options include taking a bus from Bolton town centre, which takes about 20 minutes.
Yes, Smithills Open Farm offers free parking for visitors.
Yes, you can take a bus from Bolton town centre to reach the farm, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes.
The address is Smithills Dean Rd, Bolton BL1 7NS.
While specific accessibility details aren't widely published, farms generally have uneven terrain. It's advisable to contact the farm directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically range from £11 for children (2-16 years) to £13 for adults. Children under 2 often get in free. Family tickets are also available.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times like school holidays, to secure your entry and potentially save time.
Smithills Open Farm is usually open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
While specific discount codes aren't always advertised, keep an eye on their social media or local deal sites. Some TikTok videos mention 'PR invites', suggesting potential collaborations.
Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to check the terms and conditions at the time of booking or contact the farm directly for their policy on cancellations or rescheduling.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, rabbits, chicks, and more. There are opportunities to feed and pet many of them.
Absolutely! There are petting areas, donkey rides, tractor rides, and opportunities to feed animals, making it very engaging for young children.
Yes, you can feed many of the animals. Animal feed is available for purchase on-site, making it easy to interact closely.
The milking demonstration shows the full process of how cows are milked and how the milk is stored, offering an educational insight into farm life.
Yes, the farm features several parks and play areas for children to enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are on-site shops where you can purchase refreshments, including delicious locally produced ice cream and milkshakes.
While specific policies aren't always stated, many farms allow visitors to bring their own picnics. It's best to confirm this with the farm directly.
The farm's own fresh milk and ice cream are highly praised by visitors for being delicious and a must-try.
Food options can vary. It's recommended to check with the on-site cafe or shop for specific dietary offerings.
Yes, there are shops on-site where you can purchase souvenirs and local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The farm offers many picturesque scenes with animals, farm buildings, and natural landscapes, perfect for capturing memorable moments. +1
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos of the animals. Just be mindful of the animals' comfort and avoid using flash photography directly at them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming for commercial purposes might require prior permission.
The petting corner, the milking parlour during demonstrations, and any area with young animals or scenic farm views are great for photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted at attractions like farms to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. It's best to assume this is not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
+1 The farm also offers engaging donkey and tractor rides, perfect for little ones. With dedicated play areas and educational talks, there's a great balance of fun and learning. The affordability of animal feed and the delicious farm-fresh ice cream are added bonuses that make for a stress-free and enjoyable day out.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
The ability to purchase affordable animal feed allows for extended interaction without breaking the bank. Bringing your own picnic can further reduce costs, and the free on-site parking adds to the savings. It's a destination where you can easily spend several hours enjoying a full day of entertainment without a hefty price tag.
🍎 Educational School Trips
The hands-on nature of feeding and petting animals fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. The variety of activities ensures that all students, regardless of age, can find something to engage with and learn from.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Jazz & Milk Connection
+1The idea is that the music helps the cows relax, leading to a more peaceful environment and, consequently, better milk production. Visitors have noted the unique and entertaining aspect of this initiative, adding another layer of interest to the farm experience.
While the primary focus remains on the farm's animals and activities, this quirky approach to dairy farming provides a memorable talking point and showcases the farm's innovative spirit. It's a testament to how creative methods can be integrated into traditional farming practices.
A Day of Hands-On Animal Interaction
+1Beyond just petting, the farm offers specific activities like holding baby animals in the 'Pets Corner' and participating in feeding sessions. These interactive elements are designed to be both fun and educational, allowing children to learn about animal care and behavior in a safe and controlled environment.
Many reviews highlight the gentle nature of the animals and the friendly staff who facilitate these interactions, making it a positive and memorable experience for all ages, from toddlers to adults.
Family Fun Beyond the Animals
Donkey rides and tractor rides are popular highlights, adding an element of adventure and excitement to the visit. These activities are well-suited for younger visitors and contribute to the overall festive atmosphere of the farm.
Complementing the fun, the farm also provides educational opportunities through specific animal talks, where visitors can learn more about the different species and their roles on the farm. This blend of entertainment and education makes Smithills Open Farm a well-rounded destination for a family outing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit