Visit South Devon Takes a Trip to Pennywell Farm

Like many people in South Devon, we have very fond memories of visiting Pennywell Farm with our parents or whilst on a primary school trip. Last month we were lucky enough to be invited by the team to spend the day reliving these childhood memories whilst making some brand-new ones together.

Pennywell Farm is conveniently located on the A38, just 30 minutes from Exeter and Plymouth, near Buckfastleigh. Being situated on the A38 makes for easy access from areas north and east of Devon such as Birmingham and London. This attraction first opened its gates in 1989 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Nicky, and the farm has been in the family for over 30 years. Whilst Chris has taken a step back to let his son Angus run the day-to-day operations, he’s still very much involved and has plenty of ideas for the future!

The farm contains a great number of farmyard animals such as pigs, goats, cows, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, horses and more! Whilst many of us Devonshire country bumpkins have seen farmyard animals aplenty whilst living here, it’s a wonderful place for families who live in urban areas and cities to take part in real hands-on animal experiences, and to make memories that children will remember well into adulthood.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the friendly staff at the entrance who handed us a couple of bags of feed and a blanket. We were told to take a look at the activity board outside to check and see what activities we could join in with next. From 9am to close, there’s a different activity every 30 minutes, with so much to see and do it’s impossible to get bored here!

The first activity we took part in was goat milking in the main barn. We were given a brief insight into goat milking and we learnt some very fascinating facts. For example, did you know that those with intolerances to cow’s milk are able to drink and digest goats' milk much easier? – how interesting! We watched our Pennywell activity leader to learn how to hold the udder and then it was our turn to squeeze the milk into a bucket – Sydney (our Marketing Manager) was a natural! She must have been a farmer in another life!

Up next, we decided to head down to the show field to watch the pig racing; Pennywell Farm have a dedicated piggy racing track complete with hurdles and objects for the little animals to jump over. Who knew that watching miniature pigs race around a track could be so much fun?! Each racer had their own pig-themed name including Harry Sty-les, Hamala Anderson, Albert Swinestein and Piggy Azalea!

Were you wondering why we were given blankets at the entrance? Well, it was for perhaps the best and most memorable experience of all… the animal cuddles! In the Pennywell Theatre you’re able to take a seat and spend some time cuddling the miniature pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and even the teeny tiny mice. The smile on each person’s face when being handed a baby pig is big and bright, it’s a wonderful experience for all people, young and old.

These activities are just the tip of the iceberg at Pennywell Farm. Other ones include pony pampering, ferret racing, bottle feeding, hedgehog meeting, goat walking, deer feeding and even more!

Between the activities you’re free to roam around the farm as you please. The attraction is split into sections each containing different animals. With the bags of feed, you’re able to pet the goats, pigs and sheep and let them eat from your hands. It’s fascinating and quite hilarious to watch how excited they look when they see you approaching with a hand full of food, each of them clambering over one another to try and get to you first.

Opposite the main barn is a section complete with different pens of animals. Here you can say hello to the kids (baby goats, of course!) and calves alpacas, miniature ponies, shire horses and donkeys. Pennywell Farm also offer brushes next to the pens so you can groom the horses, ponies and donkeys at your own leisure.

Aside from the animal-based activities and experiences, Pennywell Farm boasts a fantastic range of rides and playground equipment. If you’re looking to tire your little tykes out before heading home, why not let them try the commando course or the willow maze. The tractor ride was a firm favourite of ours!

Although we’re a couple of mid/late twenty-year-olds, we still had the most amazing and nostalgic day out at Pennywell Farm. We can definitely say that this attraction is not just for kids! So, whether you’re a family with little ones, or a couple of animal-loving, child-free adults looking for a fun day out, Pennywell Farm will certainly not disappoint!

Find out more about Pennywell Farm here.
  

 

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Book tickets below:

https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/buy-day-out-tickets