Family days out, UK

Longdown Activity Farm – a great family day out

July 29, 2014 6 Comments
Tin Box Tot on a toy tractor


If you’ve been following Tin Box Tot’s first words on Pinterest you’ll know that ‘tractor’ is one of her favourites.


So when we had the chance to visit Longdown Activity Farm with TBT’s nursery we couldn’t say no. 



Longdown Activity Farm sign


The farm, which is on the edge of the New Forest at Ashdown, has a full schedule of activities. From hand-feeding calves and goats, to meeting baby animals and tractor rides – there’s a range of farmyard experiences. It’s all very well organised – we didn’t have to wait too long in line for any of it, which as unexpected since we visited on the first Saturday of the school holidays.


You can also collect eggs freshly laid by the farm hens, feed the pigs, and say hello to the guinea pigs, rabbits, horses and ducks.

Two pigs at Longdown Activity Farm


Mr Tin Box and Tin Box Tot with a horse



Tin Box Tot looks at ducks
TBT got a little upset when we were feeding the goats. I’m not sure whether it was the hungry look in the eyes of the baby billies or the fact we said no when she tried to take a slurp of the milk herself.

Goats being bottle fed
Goats at Longdown Activity Farm
Other farmyard activities TBT enjoyed we’re playing in the straw barn, riding on the toy tractors, and helping Mr TB steer the oversized tricycles. 

Tin Box Tot comes down a slide

She wasn’t so impressed by the electric cars, but Mr TB wanted a go so she reluctantly endured a spin around the track.

Mr Tin Box and Tin Box Tot in an electric car


There’s lots if to do for slightly older kids such as face painting (£3), an indoor soft play area, a playground, and pony rides (£3). There’s also plenty of signs introducing the animals and explaining what happens on the farm.

We had a picnic lunch with the other nursery families but there’s no need to come prepared with your own food. Longdown serves packed lunches, cream teas and other meals in its tea rooms. There’s also a baby changing area and quiet room for feeding.

By early afternoon TBT was a very happy and tired little girl, ready for her nap. She fell asleep in the car on the way home and continued her snooze for a good hour in her cot.

Tin Box Tot sleeping in her car seat



We can highly recommend Longdown Activity Farm for a truly hands-on farm experience for all the family.

We were lucky enough to get free entry to Longdown Activity Farm thanks funding from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. Our nursery is on a naval base, so the majority of us have a connection to the armed forces.

Admission usually costs £8.75 for adults, £7.25 for OAPs, £7.75 for children aged three to 14 years old, and free for under three. A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £30. 

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