Barleylands Farm is situated in Billericay, Essex. It is open all year round and will keep the family entertained for the whole day. So much to do and see there, spoilt for choice!
Check out our video for a slideshow of our day.
We visited in January for a day trip, it was not a particularly warm day, but no rain thankfully!! We tried to do everything we could whilst there, missed out on a few events. But still had a fabulous time.
On entry, there is food to buy for the animals at £1 per bag. The goats were very quick to rush over to us when they saw us coming with the food bag! So gentle to take the food straight from our hands.
Next were some cheeky sheep poking there head through a window! We then moved into the warmer barn to see some more animals. Horse, Llama, Cows & Sheep were all there to greet us. All very friendly and happy to be petted!
The star of them all for me was Flossy, whilst I was taking a picture of her neighbour Polly, she jumped up on the wall to greet me, then gave me the best pose ever, whilst I took her photo!
Let's not forget the little ones too, plenty of guinea pigs and rabbits in the barn too!
Back outside we had a look around at the feathered friends.
A bounce on the pillow and a zip on the wire to let some energy out! There is also swings, slides, play fort & a sandpit there.
Birds of Prey Display at Barleylands Farm
It was now that we got a chance to check the timetable and rushed back to see the 'Birds of Prey Display'
We had Freya the Buzzard who happily showed off her impressive wingspan to us
Then Bob, a Vulcan who was so quick and gave us a good show of catching her food.
We then went for a Bumpy tractor ride! Kids found it hilarious bumping along (ps if you want the bumpiest ride, sit at the end, like we did) I didn't get many photos here as couldn't keep the camera still!
After many giggles, the kids found there own form of transport to get us to the Lamb's for bottle feeding. There is plenty of these mini tractors around for all the kids to enjoy!
Feeding the lamb's
Highlight of Luke's day was feeding the lamb's, it was amazing how quickly they guzzled the milk down!!
We also stopped to see the Miniature Donkey's Eeyore, Tiny Tim & Jenny, my daughter loved these, so cute.
Time was speeding away and we still had so much to see! So we headed on down to the discovery barn to see the old farm machinery.
Nocturnal & Exotic Animals
Located at the end of that barn on the lower floor is the new Nocturnal House, full of creatures and animals who love the dark!
It was hard to get a picture in here, was so so dark! But there were bats, scorpions, hedgehogs, there were a few empty enclosures, awaiting the arrival of new creature/animals? We then headed upstairs to see the exotic animals.
This was my highlight, I love exotic animals! So many to see, spiders, giant land snails (we actually have our own at home), frogs, snakes, turtles, insects, lizards.
By this point, Luke & I were gasping for a coffee! Just next door is the Play Barn, the kids let off some steam whilst we warmed up! Great play area, with massive slides the blue one was my two's favourite. The red drop slide was a bit too steep, only for the more adventurous!
We finished the day with as promised a spin around the Barleylands Farm Speedway, these take a £1 coin and the kids loved it, had the whole track to themselves.
Just outside of the farm there is also 'The Village' to visit, which has gift shops, crafts, beauty, dog grooming, music shop, Tiptree Tea Room & Magic Mushroom Restaurant. We had a little walk around but everything was just closing up.
The kids popped into the 'Bon Bon Jar' sweet shop for one final treat and we picked up some Strawberry Tiptree Jam to have the next day on our homemade cob loaf, before we said our goodbyes!
Thank you Barleylands Farm for a fantastic family day out! We had a fabulous time and hope to come back again in the Spring/Summer to get involved in the bits we missed out on this time!
Before you go don't forget to take a look at our Easy Step by Step Recipe Ideas!
Tami
That picture of Polly is hilarious! What a fun farm to take your kids or grandkids to!
Kay
Polly was so funny!! She literally jumped right in front of the camera and full-on posed for me! Is a great place for the family, we loved it!
Fatima Torres
I love when places like this sell their own products. It's so important for them to connect with the locals.
Kay
Hi Fatima
Thanks for your comment!!
We totally agree the local products are great especially the jam, it tastes amazing 🙂
Nina
looks like yous had a great day! I love animals. I went to a farm nearby recently, it was an interesting day
Kay
Hi Nina
Thanks for your comment!
We love the animals and its great to get the kids out for a fun-packed day:)
Krysten Quiles
SO FUN! And I am OBSESSED with birds of prey. This looks really cool and kid friendly too. Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us!
Kay
Hi Krysten
Thanks for your comment!!
The Birds of prey was amazing and the kids had a fantastic time 🙂
Candace Hampton
This looks great! It looks like an awesome way to spend valuable family time. Feeding the animals is something I'm sure they'll never forget. Great pictures!
Kay
My son loved feeding them! Better than being sat playing computer games!!
GiGi Eats
One day I am sure we will bring out son to a farm like this so he can experience the animals. It's crazy to think that he's never seen these animals in real life yet - he's only 1 so it makes sense but still!
Kay
He will love it, definitely take him soon!
Natalia
This farm looks like a wonderful spot for a visit, especially for kids. I love the idea of teaching kids how certain things work through observing them. Cute farm animals! 🙂
Kay
Hi Natalia
Thanks for your comment!
We had a great day at Barleylands farm and the kids do get to learn a lot and have a lot of fun at the same time 🙂
Marie Phillips
What a fun day! And that picture of Flossy is hysterical! We have a farm in our city and absolutely love it.
Kay
Hi Marie
Thanks for your comment!
We loved Flossy, she was so funny jumping up to greet everyone LOL
Cindy Ingalls
What a fun day for you and the kids! I bet the kids had a lot of fun with the animals.
Kay
Hi Cindy
Thanks for your comment!
We all had a great time, and the animals there was great, especially Flossy the Pig LOL 🙂
Chad
I love going to farms with my kids, so much fun...I would love to visit this one, seems great.
Kay
Hi Chad
If you do get to visit Barlylands, I'm sure you and the kids will have a great time:)
Enjoy!!
Heidi
What a cool place. I have one daughter I know would love all of those animals. You got some great pics!
Kay
Hi Heidi
Thanks for your comment
Glad you liked the pics:)
Tara Pittman
What a fun place. My boys would love to pet all these animals
Kay
Hi Tara
Thanks for your comment!
Our kids had a great time, your boys would defo have fun seeing all the animals:)
Amber Myers
What a neat spot! I know my kids would love it. They are all about hanging out with animals.
Kay
Hi Amber
Thanks for your comment!
Our kids loved the animals, such a fun day 🙂
Hollie
Wow what a fun farm. I like zoos and my family has a farm but I've never actually been outside to visit a farm before. How cool!
Kay
Hi Hollie
We had a great day out at Barleylands!
Its great day out with the kids:)