Located in Buckfastleigh, Devon, Pennywell Farm is a beloved attraction known for its diverse range of interactive animal experiences, family-friendly activities, and unique charm. Open year-round with advanced booking, it offers an array of farm experiences and seasonal events, making it a popular choice for families, animal lovers, and school trips. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of a visit to this award-winning destination.
Meet Pennywell’s Famous Miniature Animals
One of the biggest highlights at Pennywell Farm is the chance to get close to its renowned miniature animals, especially the miniature pigs, which are famous not just for their size but for their engaging personalities. Every day at noon, the farm hosts a lively pig race that has become a crowd favorite. In addition to the pigs, visitors can encounter other miniature animals such as donkeys and ponies. Petting, feeding, and even grooming sessions provide children with hands-on interaction, fostering a deeper connection with the animals and giving them memorable experiences.
Animal Feeding and Farmyard Fun
Pennywell Farm is home to an extensive variety of animals, including pygmy goats, deer, chickens, and rabbits, all eager to be fed. The “Goatarama” is a dedicated space for guests to hand-feed the pygmy goats, which are known for their playful antics. Other highlights include bottle-feeding lambs, milking goats, and interacting with the farm’s heavy horses, Duchess and Delilah.
Exciting Rides and Outdoor Play Areas
The farm includes several family-friendly rides, such as the Rainbow Railway, the Red Rocket, and tractor rides, ensuring entertainment for all ages. The outdoor play areas feature trampolines, mazes, and a commando course, as well as the recently opened Treetops Adventure Towers, providing a great space for children to explore and play. Indoors, the Picnic and Play Barn offers bouncy castles and play zones that allow families to relax and enjoy a snack from the coffee cabin or ice cream parlor, perfect for rainy days.
Seasonal Events and Themed Activities
Throughout the year, Pennywell Farm hosts a variety of events to celebrate holidays and seasonal themes. The farm’s Pumpkin Festival in October, festive Christmas activities, and special Easter events are designed with families in mind. These seasonal offerings often include themed crafts, holiday treats, and unique animal interactions. Pennywell’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment extends to themed events where kids can dress up and participate in fun holiday activities.
Dining Options and Picnic Areas
For refreshments, the farm has several dining options that focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The Coffee Cabin serves Devon pasties, wraps, snacks, and drinks, while the seasonal Ice Cream Parlour offers a selection of Langage Farm ice creams. Other seasonal outlets, such as Noah’s Barn and the Coffee Shack, open during school holidays and weekends, providing stone-baked pizzas, German hot dogs, and more. Families are also welcome to bring their own picnics, with ample scenic areas for dining outdoors.
Visitor Information and Planning Tips
Pennywell Farm is open every day, and due to its popularity, online booking is required to manage visitor numbers and ensure safety. The farm offers seasonal tickets for regular visitors and an open policy that allows ticket holders to return within seven days if it rains for more than 30 minutes during their visit. Accessibility considerations are in place, with parking, wheelchair-friendly areas, and dog facilities to make visits enjoyable for all.
Educational Programs and School Visits
The farm hosts educational tours and programs designed for schools, where children can learn about animal care, the environment, and farm life. These programs align with curriculum standards and are tailored to different age groups, making Pennywell a popular destination for educational field trips. The knowledgeable staff leads engaging sessions that combine fun with learning.
FAQs
What is Pennywell Farm, and what can visitors expect?
Pennywell Farm is a popular family-run farm attraction located near Buckfastleigh in Devon, England. It’s a working farm that combines hands-on animal interactions with a variety of outdoor and indoor activities suitable for all ages. Visitors can expect a full day of activities including animal encounters with pigs, lambs, goats, ponies, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Pennywell is also home to its famous miniature pigs, which are a highlight of the farm. Other attractions include tractor and trailer rides, a miniature railway, play areas, and animal shows, all designed to provide a memorable and educational farm experience.
What are Pennywell Miniature Pigs, and why are they so famous?
Pennywell Miniature Pigs are a unique breed developed at Pennywell Farm. These tiny pigs are known for their small size, friendly personalities, and adorable appearance, which have made them a favorite attraction. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with these pigs through petting and cuddling sessions, which is a unique experience not commonly found at other farms. The farm’s breeding program maintains a focus on producing healthy, friendly pigs that visitors of all ages can safely enjoy. The “pig cuddles” experience is particularly popular and can become a treasured memory for many visitors.
What types of animal encounters and activities are available for children?
Pennywell Farm is especially well-suited for families with young children. Animal encounters are a major part of the experience, with hands-on opportunities to bottle-feed lambs, cuddle small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, and meet the miniature pigs. For children, there are also pony rides, ferret racing, and opportunities to help with farm chores. The farm also offers a variety of play areas, such as an indoor soft play barn and outdoor adventure playgrounds. Tractor and trailer rides add excitement, and there’s even a miniature railway that’s especially loved by younger visitors.
What kind of seasonal events does Pennywell Farm host?
Pennywell Farm celebrates various seasonal events, offering themed activities throughout the year. At Easter, for example, there are egg hunts and lamb-feeding activities. Summer often features additional outdoor games and family events. In autumn, the farm hosts a pumpkin festival with pumpkin picking and other fall-themed activities. Pennywell Farm is also well-known for its Christmas event, where children can meet Santa Claus, enjoy festive decorations, and take part in holiday crafts and games. These events make the farm a popular destination all year round.
Are there food and dining options available at Pennywell Farm?
Yes, Pennywell Farm has on-site dining options to accommodate visitors’ needs throughout the day. The farm features a café that offers a variety of hot meals, snacks, and beverages, including options for both adults and children. Typical menu items include sandwiches, homemade pasties, jacket potatoes, and freshly baked cakes. There’s also an ice cream parlor for summer days and outdoor picnic areas if visitors prefer to bring their own food. The farm focuses on using local ingredients whenever possible, supporting nearby producers and adding to the Devon experience.
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