Review: Cockfields Farm near Manchester – more than a petting farm for children
We visit Cockfields Farm in Oldham on a busy half-term day to assess this popular attraction
What is it?
Cockfields Farm is a petting farm with indoor and outdoor play areas and themed events throughout the year.
Where is it?
It is in Oldham in Ashton-under-Lyne, 10 miles east of Manchester, in north-west England.
What did we think?
I was very impressed – when we went there was a fantastic wizardry Harry Potter-style event. Staff had gone to lots of trouble and expense to make it special, plus children were encouraged to dress up for it.
We ended up staying over five hours and the children loved it. Without the Harry Potter activities there would have been less to do but there are indoor and outdoor play areas including a big bouncing pillow. The weather was good which helped as we were outside for half the time.
There are a selection of animals to see including llamas, pigmy goats, pigmy hedgehogs, lizards, snakes, rabbits and guinea pigs. A relatively small collection but there are set times throughout the day where you can meet and hold them.
Highlights:
*The variety of activities on offer and areas to play.
*An indoor role play ‘street’ with shops, a police station and a theatre.
*A big bouncy ‘pillow’ outside – a mixture between a bouncy castle and a trampoline.
*The chance to hold some of the animals during special sessions.
*The fantastic themed events during school holidays.
*The outdoor sandpit and play areas.
Our video
Watch our video of our day at Cockfields Farm then read our top tips for visiting Cockfields Farm below.
Our top tips
*Check out the website to see what themed events are coming up – the Harry Potter themed week when we went was amazing.
*Get there when it opens in school holidays as it gets really busy and the car parks fill up fast, although there is a parking marshall.
*Make sure you know what time events are on throughout the day so you don’t miss something your children would enjoy.
*It is costly so plan to spend a long time here if you can, on a nice sunny day to get your money’s worth.
*There is a café but to save spending extra money you can take a picnic – there are quite a few picnic benches outside.
*Some of the activities cost £1 extra including the diggers and quad bikes, so have some pound coins ready if you want to and take this extra cost into consideration when deciding whether to go. All the animal talks and interaction are included.
Cockfields Farm information
Food: There is a café or you can take a picnic – there are benches and tables outside.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm. Sundays 10am to 4pm.
Cost: £8.95 per person (children under the age of one are free). Check the website for prices before you visit as they can be higher during special events. Discounts online.
Best for: Ages three to eight
Time needed: From two hours (we spent five hours there)
Access and restrictions: Flat site, no stairs
Address: Cockfields Farm, Lees Road, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8AR.
Have you been? What did you think?