Rutland Farm Park is a small 18-acre Victorian working farm in the market town of Oakham, Rutland – England’s smallest county. It is open all year round for you and your family to explore its tracks and meet and feed the wonderful and friendly animals.
The farm park was opened in 1979 by John and Daphne Ball who were both teachers in Kenya, where John prepared educational material which was used in conjunction with him broadcasting lessons over the radio. They returned to the UK in 1974 to run the family beef farm, but as teachers they wanted to establish an educational farm for visitors to learn about farming and animals, focusing on rare native breeds of livestock.
The farm has all the animals you would expect to see on a farm, a wide range of poultry including the white peahens, geese, chickens and ducks. Cheeky goats who love a handful of food including the bag if you’re not careful! A variety of breeds of pigs who all enjoy a back scratch and an apple, John and Daphne the donkeys, Lady Bridie and Bear the heavy horses. Children can enjoy cuddle time with the rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as feeding the alpacas, llamas, cows and sheep.
Rutland Farm Park gives visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature and animals. A variety of workshops are offered during the year from learning to spin wool to making a Christmas wreath, and the entertainment space can accommodate school visits, family celebrations or even offers businesses the opportunity for employees to join in daily farm activities.
Visitors can visit Daphne’s Tea room which offers a wide range of hot and cold food, and all of the cakes are made in the tearoom, including a good range of ‘free from’ sweet treats. Afternoon teas are a favourite with visitors (though these need to be pre-booked before a visit), and food can be served as takeaway if required.
Rutland Farm Park is proud to offer traditional friendly fun – it is a small family run business which understands the needs of families, with free parking, facilities for small children, toilets and feeding facilities. Visitors can experience fun for all ages with all the different animals, and there are woodland walks and outdoor play, as well as picnic benches to enjoy a rest or meal.
The farm is a working farm, not a manufactured attraction, and has commercial sheep and cattle raised off-site, and it makes its own hay from its pastureland. Rutland Farm Park is currently run by generations four and five of the Ball family, and its seasonal activities are all advertised on Facebook. Visitors can sponsor an animal for themselves or purchase as a gift from the gift shop offering a range of toys and gifts.
For more information:
T 01572 722122