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So, with the gorgeous weather we had last week you’d be excused for thinking that spring had well and truly sprung and when we were invited to Mrs Dowsons Farm Park to review we thought we’d take advantage of their opening weekend in the new Spring weather. However it rained…and rained…. and rained!

What did we think of Mrs Dowsons Farm Park?

As true Brits we went along anyway, and we were so glad we did!

Mrs Dowsons Farm Park is a working farm, owned by the family for the last 50 years; (I’m told this is new in farming terms) and you could instantly tell that this family team were so proud and passionate about their work.

New staff and experienced members form what appears to be a lovely team. We were met by Daniel who explained the various activities going on, from lambs to cattle feeds and then whipped through to take part in some hands-on chick and rabbit holding. Of course, my two were delighted!

There are a few things which struck me as an adult visitingMrs Dowsons Farm Park.  Clean fresh bedding for the animals, clear walkways, lots of soap and reminders about handwashing. I know, it’s a farm and it was their second day of opening, but you couldn’t escape the care and love shown. This was not only in the in depth of knowledge shared by Ethan; the son of the family who was greeting guests and providing talks, but the general surroundings which were clean and oddly not that smelly!

The host of animals who await include the cutest baby lambs; if you visit in the next few weeks more are due to be born so you may even, if you’re very lucky, get to see a new arrival. On our visit we met numbers 1-9 even including some quadruplets who the children got to feed with bottles. The Alpacas, Curry and Rice were a firm favourite with their oval shaped eyes and gorgeous soft coats (a good jumper could definitely be had!)

The hide was Emilie’s favourite place, we were the only ones down there and I had to agree that the Nature Pond was tranquil. On a fine day, I imagine, with its’ wooden tipi and chipped stone paths it will be a lovely addition, where children can explore the wildlife and educational signage which reminded me very much of the quality seen at major attractions like Chester Zoo.

Tea time rolled round, and we popped to the café. Again, served by friendly and helpful staff, we managed to find a sorbet my little ones can eat. Both of my children are dairy intolerant, which is generally a hazard on a dairy farm. Obviously, it would have been rude not to try the DELICIOUS Ice cream produced by the dairy, and to take 3 tubs home for £10 was just an added bonus! My favourite was the white chocolate but the array of flavours, from banana and toffee to bright green bubble gum literally seemed to provide something for everyone. You could buy snacks here but I’ll be honest and say I washed it down with a hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream.

When back outside my two made use of the (now soaking) play area. New equipment including ride on tractors and cars accompany an ample, wooden play area. On a clear day this will be a great addition and I could certainly see us spending the day here, taking in the various talks, playing on the park and meeting the animals.

I couldn’t end my review without a mention of Water buffalo, carrot eating Miss Honey and the calves the children fed. A new one for me, I thought this was lovey and a different experience from other farms we have visited. Miss Honey (in my amateur eyes, a big black cow) gave Charlie a good lick which caused much hilarity. 

How much does it cost to visit Mrs Dowsons Farm Park?

Admission to the farm is £4.95 with under 2’s free. We also noticed that active armed forces and emergency services get a free pass here and if you book online there is an £18.95 option for a family ticket of 4 people.

Where is Mrs Dowsons Farm Park?

Why not PIN this post about Mrs Dowsons Farm Park near Blackburn Lancashire