Hesketh Farm Park

Hesketh Farm Park is a working farm run by a family on about ten acres just outside the village of Bolton Abbey, in the Yorkshire Dales. It keeps well over a thousand animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, donkeys, guinea pigs, rabbits and giant tortoises, and visitors can feed and stroke many of them. Younger children tend to enjoy the giant sandpit and straw maze in the large undercover barn, which also gives shelter when the weather turns, and there is an outdoor adventure play area. Tractor rides and pedal go-karts add to the fun, and on some days there are hands-on sessions with the animals. A small cafe serves snacks and hot drinks, and families can bring a picnic to eat in the picnic areas. The farm suits toddlers, pre-schoolers and older children alike, and it also hosts birthday parties and school groups during term time.