Longdown Activity Farm on the edge of the New Forest is a great place to head for farmyard fun with young children. Here’s what you need to know before you visit.
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Activities at Longdown Farm
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.
Here’s all of the things to do on the daily programme at Longdown:
- bottle feed calves and kid goats
- meet small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits
- goat feeding
- meet the pigs
- tractor and trailer rides
- duck feeding
You can also visit the mini golf, meet larger animals in their stables, and head to the indoor and outdoor play areas throughout the day.
It’s all very well organised – we didn’t have to wait too long in line for any of the experiences.
Tot 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.
Other farmyard activities Tot enjoyed were playing in the straw barn, riding on the toy tractors, and helping Mr Tin Box steer the oversized tricycles.
She wasn’t so impressed by the electric cars, but Mr Tin Box wanted a go so she reluctantly endured a spin around the track.
There’s plenty of signs around the farm park that introduce the animals and explaining what happens on the farm.
By early afternoon Tot 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. Hurrah!
We can highly recommend Longdown Activity Farm for a truly hands-on farm experience for all the family.
Food and drink
We brought our own picnic lunch but there’s no need to come prepared.
Longdown serves packed lunches, cream teas and other meals in its tea rooms.
Family facilties
There’s also a baby changing area and quiet room for feeding.
Handy things to know about Longdown Activity Farm
Here’s some useful information before you visit:
Are dogs allowed at Longdown Activity Farm?
Dogs are not allowed in the farm. If you do have a pet with you there are lockable dog kennels that you use for free. Ask at reception.
Tickets for Longdown Activity Farm
You can buy day tickets and season tickets for the farm. Under threes visit for free. Check the latest priced on the farm’s website.
When is the farm open?
Longdown Activity Farm is open every day, all year round.
Where is Longdown Activity Farm?
You’ll find Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst on the edge of the New Forest.
Here’s the address and a map: Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, Southampton SO40 7EH
Find out the latest prices and opening information on the farm’s website.
More family days out in Hampshire
If you’re looking or more things to do in Hampshire with kids, check out these posts:
- Manor Farm in Hampshire
- Things to do in Southampton
- Family days out in Portsmouth
- Things to do in Winchester.
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.