A Free Range Family Day out at the Bocketts Farm
We visited the Farm on Tuesday 14th July between 1 – 5.30 pm.
Due to my tardiness, I forgot to book the tickets the night before. When I checked online, all the slots were sold out. I phoned up the Farm, and they said I could come down at 1.30 pm and just walk in. In my excitement, we arrived at the Farm at 1 pm sharp, and they happily let us in without a pre-booking. Their website states it is essential to book. While they have reduced their capacity to 500 -650 per day from the typical 1,000, they are still managing to meet capacity, and I noticed a lot of children were coming after school for the last session. So, I would strongly recommend booking in advance.
Bocketts Farm Park is one of the best days out we’ve had in Surrey. There is so much to do across all ages. Initially, I was conscious that due to Avery’s age, there might not be a lot for him to do as is the case in many places. I can honestly say, with him just turning two there was so much to keep him entertained.
Avery loved meeting the farm animals in the Animal Discovery Barn, Little Hoppington Village, Stable Yard and on both Farm Walks outside. They have all the typical farm animals you’d expect; sheep, goats, pigs and cows and so much more. You can also feed the animals, the food is available at the ticket office, for £1 a bag. They also have small animal encounters throughout the day (10.30 am – 1 pm and 2-3.30pm).
There is plenty of acres of outdoor play including (but not limited to):
- The ‘Dig it’ sandpits. The sand play frames are suitable for children aged 3 +, but the rockers are ideal for children aged 2 +. I’d suggest you bring your bucket and spade as the ones usually there have been taken away to reduce the spread of COVID
- Jumping pillows; we love these-there’s a toddler pillow for the under 5’s as well as one for the older children. The jumping pillows have been sectioned to allow family groups to enjoy their own bounce space, but let me be honest no child was staying in their quarter
- Go-karts are excellent for everyone (including adults!), again there is a mini track for under 5’s too
- The Super 6 trampolines for 2 – 14-year-olds, have been moved outside
- Panning for Gold (an additional £2) is at 11 am – 3.30 pm and Waterwars (other £1) is from 1 – 3.30 pm, weather permitting. A change of clothes might be a good idea as you’ll get wet.
This would be a good time to mention that there are no ATM’s on-site; however, you can request ‘cashback’ of up to £50 (in multiples of 10) with a card transaction at the ticket office.
We managed to get some lunch from The Cow Shed Coffee Shop. Their menu can be found online and mainly consists of sandwiches, baps, paninis and salads. I opted for a toasty and drink and got Avery ‘The little Farmers Picnic Box’; this was £5.25. Based on my experience children’s boxes tend to be £5- so it’s near enough. This included; a choice of sandwich (Ham, cheese, egg mayo, tuna mayo or jam), apple/orange juice/water, a bag of crisps and any two snacks (fruit, chocolate bar, frube, raisins). He finished it all up.
We had an incredible time. I can imagine when everything is open, you can spend a whole day here without children getting bored. I actually cannot wait to take Avery and Levi back.
The important Bits
WHERE is it?
Leatherhead, Surrey
WHEN is it open?
Daily 10 am – 5:30 pm
HOW much is it ?
- Adult £12.25
- Senior 60 years + £10.50 Children
- 3-17 years £13.25
- Children 2 years £11.25
- Children Under two years FREE
- Disabled £9.50
Who is it suitable for?
There is something for all ages.
WHAT is closed to reduce the COVID spread?
- Tractor and Trailer rides
- The indoor play barns
- Pony rides
- Pig racing
- Tractor rides
- The young driver zone
- Small animal encounters; and
- Goat milking demonstrations.
- Ample hand washing facilities and hand sanitiser stations across the entire site.
- Enclosed first aid room available for private breastfeeding, please inform a member of staff, and they can direct you.
- Microwaves & Baby Food
- Baby Changing Facilities available
- Picnic Patch’ on the Farm and many undercover barns around the Farm. The Old Barn Tearooms is open between 9.30 am – 11.30 am serving light refreshments.
- The Cow Shed coffee shop is open and serving hot and cold food for takeaway. You are given a pager that will alert you when your food is ready for collection.
- The Snack Shack is open for takeaway drinks, snacks and ice cream (weather permitting) until around 3.30 pm.
- FREE parking
- Pushchair friendly, with wide flat areas undercover in the main barns and animal barns and many easily accessible areas outside.
Would we come back?
Of course, we will. I’m hoping they do something special for Christmas- I can imagine only greater things can happen. I recommend Bocketts Family Farm Park, especially for those with young children. With all, that’s available its such good value for money. With Bocketts Farm park being in Surrey, it borders Kent to the east, East Sussex to the southeast, West Sussex to the south, Hampshire to the west, Berkshire to the northwest, and Greater London to the northeast- it’s a perfect location for everyone to get to.
