On a warm and sunny day in August, my friend Kim, her daughter M and I had a wonderful day out at the Small Breeds Farm Park at Kington, Herefordshire. We arrived just in time for opening at 10.30am. M was excited and couldn’t wait to see the various birds and animals.
Admission was £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for children (aged 2-16). There was also the option of buying a small bucket of feed (which is worth doing, especially if you have children with you).
First up were the owls. Small Breeds Farm Park has a wide range of owls from around the world. It’s said to be one of the finest breeding collections of owls in Europe.
Some of the owls seem quite interested in us visitors, others not so much (which isn’t surprising considering most owls are nocturnal). One owl decided to surprise me by flying straight towards me unexpectedly!
I am aware of the ethical dilemma of these birds being kept in captivity, and that there are many pros and cons. Small Breeds Farm Park takes good care of their owls and a number of the breeds are listed as vulnerable, near threatened or threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Next up were the animals. We took our time visiting a variety of sheep and goats, donkeys and alpacas, micro pigs and guinea pigs, as well as other birds such as black swans, geese, rhea, chickens and more. All enjoying the lush green grass in the park. M squealed with delight at seeing the various animals, especially when they came over to see us.
Some of the animals, mostly the goats, had enclosures you could enter. However, you had to leave your bucket of feed on a hook at the gate (probably so they didn’t rob you of it!). They were very friendly and loved all of the attention. This was, in no doubt, M’s favourite part of the visit. She loved being able to stroke and cuddle the goats.
Kim’s favourite part was seeing the alpacas. I noticed her face lighting up as she gave them a fuss. Although, we’re still not sure whether one of the alpacas spit or sneezed at her!
I have to say that my favourite part of the day was seeing the owls. Their inquisitive faces, feather patterns… they’re just so cute!
A small tearoom and gift shop are on-site, as well as several picnic tables. Of course, M came out of there with a couple of cuddly toys as well as some other goodies.
Small Breeds Farm Park is fairly accessible with most of the enclosures being on a gentle slope. While we were there, there were a couple of people on mobility scooters making their way around the park, as well as parents with prams & pushchairs.
We spent a few hours at the Small Breeds Farm Park, but we probably could have spent even longer there. It’s a great place for all ages and I would definitely consider going again.
49 Comments
Kelly
What a fun post with so many excellent photos! I would have loved visiting this place and, like you, the owls would definitely be my favorite part! I do love the colors of that guinea pig and the last chicken.
Nikki
Those feathers are amazing, aren’t they?
David M. Gascoigne
The bird you label as a Tengham’ Owl – could that be Tengmalm’s Owl perchance? The face is scrunched up and it’s hard to see all the field marks but it looks like Tengmalm’s to me – known as Boreal Owl on this side of the Atlantic.
Nikki
David, you’re correct! I have corrected my typo. Thank you for letter me know!
A ShutterBug Explores
Wow! Wonderful series of ‘critter’ photos ~ very professional photography ~ thanks, love them all ~
Wishing you good heatlh, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
clm ~ aka (A Creative Harbor)
Nikki
Thank you!
Kris P
That would be a fun day trip. I love owls but I hear them more often than I see them. Even when spotted nearby, they’re usually visible only in the shadows at night. The little one standing on one leg with one eye open is particularly cute!
Nikki
There’s an owl which sits in the trees in the field behind our house. We can hear him most nights.
CherryPie
The owls are so cute. I have a shelf with owl ornaments on. Some were gifted to me by friends 🙂
Ginnie Hart
This is definitely a place for children of all ages, Nikki! My SIL has a pass to a similar place where he can take his daughter (now 6) at any time during the year. Well worth the money! You had me at the owls, so I’m with you there. But baby goats come in second, especially if they’re hopping and running all over the place. HA! What a fun post.
Nikki
The owls are definitely a favourite!
lisl
I think I would have spent a long time with those wonderful owls, Nikki. I was struck by the intricate patterning on that lovely hen, too
Nikki
I’ve never seen feathers like that before.
Jo
That’s definitely my kind of day out, I just love anywhere with animals, and if you can pet them, all the better!
Nikki
It was definitely worth the trip!
Astrid
Adorabel a thousand times over, Nikki. What a delight and what is it with owls. So endearing and then the rest of the animals. I was telling Ginnie about our Guinea Pig my brother and I had when a child. I had a toy van made out of tin and we gave the Guinea Pig rides in it…. I doubt that he liked it, but we liked it. Indeed my son has a year pass of such a place and they can feed the animals, a joy always.
Your post made me think of going to an animal farm again and just enjoy.
Thank you for your wonderful images. A delight, every time I visit.
have a wonderful day.
Nikki
Astrid, that reminds me of when I was a child and would pull the cats around in a box!
Eastside Cats
Simply ADORE owls!
Would pay the entrance fee for sure.
Nikki
They’re wonderful creatures, aren’t they?
somewhereinireland
The owls are a special treat seeing them. Love all the small adorable animals. What a nice place to visit and enjoy the company of all the animals. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day.
Ann
As an animal lover, this sounds like a wonderful place to visit.
I particularly love the owls!
Thank you for sharing Niki! xxx
Stephanie Finnell
We live near the woods where we listen to them each evening. Such a soothing call! Love your post!
Nikki
There’s an owl in the trees in the field behind the house, we hear him most nights.
Sharon Robinson
What beautiful photos you managed to take at the farm , especially those gorgeous owls.
Nikki
Thank you.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
The owls would definitely be my favourites too, especially the cute pair at the beginning. Goats would be a close second.
Johanna Bradley
The animals look beautifully cared for, Nikki, and your owl photos are fabulous. Everyone should have a goat to cuddle!
Nikki
Thank you!
Carol
I’d love that park. Animals are wonderful.
DeniseinVA
Oh wow! You took amazing photos of all the animals and birds! I smiled at each and every one of them. Thank you so much for sharing them Nikki. Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Wishing you a very happy weekend!
Nikki
Thank you! Thanks for dropping by, I’m glad to have made you smile!
Her Digital Coffee
Wonderful job capturing these beautiful animals, Nikki! It sounds like a great experience. I’d love to visit one day. Thank you for sharing!
Nikki
Thanks 🙂
Anca
Considering what they are selling in the restaurant/cafe, it’s not a place that I would visit, in the end there is no difference between pig and pork. I would have visited if it was a rescue type of place though.
Nikki
I’d say it’s an educational talking point between parents & children if the children aren’t already aware of where meat comes from.
Peter B.
What a fun place! I especially like the owl collection, although not a fan of having one fly at me. That would be scary!
Nikki
There is a video of the owl flying at me on Instagram, if you’re interested! https://www.instagram.com/p/C-xRqCiCqWy/
Soma @ InkTorrents.com
Lovely photos! Your owl photos are specially gorgeous.
-Soma
Nikki
Thank you!
sustainablemum
How lovely that you can get in the same enclosures as the animals, I am sure children would love that.
Wonderful photos, the Owls look amazing.
Marty
What a fabulous place. We hear owls near us but never really see them. Your close-up shots are really great, Nikki. Well done!
Nikki
Thanks!
jeanie
Oh, I would love this! Every photo is a gem, Nikki, but those owls — they are remarkable, every single one.
hena
So many cute animals!
Ju-Lyn
What a fabulous venue for a day out! I love the little critters all! but the one that takes the cake is the little scruffy owl which flew at you! Cute & spirited.
Beverley
All your photos of the animals and birds at Small Breeds Farm Park are amazing. I really loved seeing all the owls. It looks like it was a fun day for you.
Denise Bush
Wonderful place, post and photos!
Diana Studer
I wonder if Your Owl was offended by the camera looking at him?
Peter B.
I’d love to take my granddaughter there. She’s such an animal lover!