Animal Experiences

Step into farm life and join us on Wednesday mornings for Westerton Farm School - a relaxed, hands-on learning experience where children can get involved with our animals, discover how a working farm operates, and learn through real-life experiences. Designed especially for home-educated children, each weekly session gives young farmers the opportunity to help with the regular jobs involved in caring for our animals. From feeding and watering to collecting eggs, providing hay and checking on the animals, children will begin to understand the importance of routine, responsibility and good animal welfare. Every week will be a little different. Alongside our regular animal-care routine, we'll make the most of what's happening on the farm and the changing seasons. Children may get involved with planting and growing, exploring nature, creating, harvesting, learning about food and farming, or helping with other suitable jobs around the farm. There is no rigid classroom-style lesson plan - Westerton Farm School is about learning by doing, getting outdoors and experiencing real farm life. Children will have the chance to build confidence, develop practical skills, learn about caring for animals and the environment, and discover where food comes from, all while having fun and making new friends. What's Included Hands-on care of our animals Feeding and learning about animal diets Learning about animal behaviour, welfare and daily routines Seasonal farm activities such as planting, growing and harvesting Nature, outdoor and creative activities Practical jobs and projects inspired by what's happening on the farm Learning about farming, food and where our food comes from Friendly, hands-on guidance from a member of the Westerton Farm team Activities will vary from week to week depending on the season, weather and what is happening on the farm. This means children can experience the farm as it really is, following the natural rhythm of the seasons and getting involved with genuine, age-appropriate farm activities. FAQs How long is the session? Each session runs for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, from 10:30am to 11:45am. Who is it suitable for? Westerton Farm School is designed for home-educated children aged 5 years and over. Where do we meet? Please meet at the Farm To Table shop at your booked start time. Do parents need to stay? Parents and carers are welcome to stay and enjoy the café and shop during the session, or join us in the field. What should children wear? Please dress children appropriately for a working farm and the weather. Sturdy outdoor footwear and clothes that can get muddy and wet are recommended! How do we stay safe? Hand washing is required after handling animals, with sinks available in the Farm To Table shop. Children must be supervised at all times and will be given guidance by our farm team when working with the animals. Please remember that Westerton is a working farm, and tractors, machinery and farm vehicles may be operating. Roads, pathways and farm areas must be crossed and used with care. Make a Day of It Why not stay a little longer after Westerton Farm School? Enjoy a hot drink, lunch, children's lunch box or seasonal treat at our Farm To Table café, browse the shop, or make use of the outdoor play areas and any additional farm activities available during your visit. Come back every Wednesday and watch the farm change with the seasons — there is always something new to learn, discover and get involved with at Westerton Farm School.

Potions & Poultry Join us at Westerton Farm for a hands-on Halloween adventure with our friendly farmyard animals. Get creative in the barn as you make a colourful Halloween potion for our chickens and an autumnal forage bundle for our goats using seasonal foliage, vegetables and other tasty treats. Once your creations are ready, it’s time to meet the animals and watch them enjoy their Halloween treats. You’ll get the chance to spend time with our chickens, learn about their diets and behaviour, and head into the goat enclosure to meet our curious goats and give them their handmade forage bundles. A one-hour experience for up to 8 children, with accompanying adults welcome to join in for free.  Your ticket also gives you access to our Pick Your Own Pumpkins for the day, so you can make a full autumn day of your visit! Experience Highlights Make a colourful Halloween potion for our chickens Get hands-on creating an autumnal forage bundle for our goats Meet and feed our friendly farmyard animals Learn about animal diets, behaviour and daily routines Enjoy a hands-on Halloween activity in the barn Access to our Pick Your Own Pumpkins included FAQs   How long is the session?   Each session runs for approximately 1 hour.  How many children can attend?   Each session is suitable for a maximum of 8 children.  Who is it suitable for?   Potions & Poultry is designed for children aged 4 years and over who enjoy animals, nature and getting hands-on.  Where do we meet?   Please meet at the Farm To Table shop at your booked start time.  What should children wear?   Please dress children appropriately for a working farm and the weather. Sturdy outdoor footwear and clothes that can get muddy and wet are recommended!  How do we stay safe?   Hand washing is required after handling animals, with sinks available in the Farm To Table shop. Children must be supervised at all times and will be given guidance by our farm team when working with the animals. Please remember that Westerton is a working farm, and tractors, machinery and farm vehicles may be operating. Roads, pathways and farm areas must be crossed and used with care.  Make a Day of It   Why not make the most of your visit to Westerton Farm? Your Potions & Poultry ticket includes access to our Pick Your Own Pumpkins, so you can head out into the pumpkin patch after your experience and choose your own pumpkin to take home. You can also enjoy a hot drink, lunch or seasonal treat at our Farm To Table café, browse the shop or make use of the outdoor play areas and any additional farm activities available during your visit.

Meet Our Animals at Westerton Farm Get ready for a fun, interactive farm adventure where you’ll meet our friendly alpacas, playful goats, cheeky chickens, and more! Perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking to spend a memorable hour outdoors, this experience lets you get up close and personal with our animals in their natural enclosures. Experience Highlights Gently pet our soft alpacas and learn about their unique personalities Feed our mischievous goats and watch them show off their playful antics Collect fresh eggs from our curious chickens Meet our other friendly residents, including deer and seasonal grazing animals like sheep Enjoy a hands-on, guided experience with a friendly and knowledgeable Westerton Farm team member Whether it’s giggling at the goats’ antics, stroking an alpaca, or collecting fresh eggs, this experience is both educational and entertaining for all ages. It’s the perfect way to spend quality time outdoors and make lasting family memories. FAQs  What animals will I meet? You’ll meet goats, chickens, deer, and alpacas up close in their pens. We often have visiting animals too, like sheep, who love a friendly hello! Where do we meet? We will meet you at Farm To Table shop, at your start time. Can I book for less than 3 people? To keep the experience enjoyable and viable, our minimum group size is 3 people. What do I need to do to stay safe? Wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals - there’s a sink by the coffee machine in the Farm To Table shop. Supervise children closely in the fields. Remember this is a working farm: stay alert around moving vehicles or machinery. What else can I do at the farm? While you’re here, explore Farm To Table, our on-site shop and café, open 7 days a week. Enjoy hot drinks, healthy lunches, children’s lunch boxes and sweet treats. Seasonally, you can pick your own vegetables or lavender, enjoy our free outdoor play area, or join in on regular pop-ups, workshops, and events. Why Choose Westerton's Animal Experience? More intimate, hands-on access to a variety of animals Friendly guided sessions that let you learn about each animal’s personality Extra farm activities like pick-your-own vegetables and outdoor play for a full-day outing A relaxed, family-friendly environment where children and adults can interact safely with animals