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Nick’s Farm is a petting farm on the outskirts of Bournemouth, where children can visit, see some of the animals and learn more about nature and the farming industry.

How to get to Nick’s Farm

The farm is 4 miles north of Bournemouth town centre, just above Castlepoint Shopping Centre. By car, it is just off the A338/Castle Lane West. The nearest bus stop is about a mile away at Mount Pleasant Drive. Note: The road to the farm is very narrow, I wouldn’t recommend walking along it.

Access

Access can be a little bumpy for pushchairs. I’m not sure I would want to try it if the ground was wet and muddy.

Parking

There is ample free parking on site.

Opening Times

The farm is open daily except Thursday, from 10 am until 4 pm.

Price

Entry costs £5 per person. Children under 2 are free. You can pay an additional £3 to purchase a bag of food, which can be given to most of the animals on the farm.

Suitable for age

The farm is suitable for all ages. Younger children will enjoy petting and feeding the animals. For older children, there are activities such as Young Farmers, where you can get involved in helping care for the animals.

Details

You can take a wander round the farm’s enclosures and meet some of the animals, which include horses, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, geese and peacocks.

Anmial Feeding

You can purchase bags of food at reception, which can be given to any of the animals except the horses. In addition, it might be possible to bottle feed baby lambs, depending on the season.

For younger children, the goats are particularly fun to feed, because they take the food out of your hand so gently. Even little Orla could enjoy getting involved.

Cuddle Station

At the cuddle station, you can have a cuddle with one of the smaller animals. We were offered the choice of rabbit, guinea pig or chicken, and opted for a cute little rabbit.

Play Areas

There are several play areas around the farm, to stop and play for a while.

Other Activities

At weekends, you can opt to take in activities such as Young Farmers and goat & sheep trekking. Or how about a pig experience, where you get to give Boris the pig a bath?

During school holidays, there are additional activities such as meet a princess, magic shows, face painting and falcon displays, all of which are included in the ticket price.

Food & Drink

There are no catering facilities on site, but you are welcome to bring a picnic to eat on the farm. There are several picnic benches, both outdoors and in a polytunnel in case of inclement weather. We sat and had our lunch in front of a field of very interested horses.

Shop

There is a very small shop where you can purchase local produce (mainly eggs) and soft drinks.

Toilets/Changing Facilities

There are toilets on site. There are also hand washing facilities at several points around the farm.

For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth with young children, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth with Babies and Toddlers here.

• Updated: July 2024