I absolutely love this place....Twice winner of the Wiltshire Family Attraction of the Year Award, Cholderton Rare Breeds farm is a picturesque park showing off Britain's farm animal heritage. It's hidden away in the Wiltshire countryside and I'm sure many people don't know it's there...
The heart of this farm is Rabbit World, showing over 50 varieties from giant to dwarf - the largest collection of breeds of farm animals in the area - housed within a huge barn...at the end of which there is the opportunity for you and the children to sit with and stroke some of the younger rabbits. At certain times of the year, there will be babies that can be seen nestling with their mums. Some of the animals including sheep, chickens, and rabbits are even up for sale which is more of a pre-warning as the children
will definately want to take them home. In addition to the rabbits, there is a vast array of different and ancient breeds of sheep, pigs, poultry as well as ponies, goats, cows, etc.
On entrance to the park, you can buy animal food mixes to feed all of the rabbits and other animals. However, you must not take the food in to the goat enclosure - an ample area for you and the family to get up, close and personal with these fabulous, but sometimes, unpredictable creatures. It is advised to leave your bags outside and just let the goats come to you.
Around the site there are large, free-range pens for all the various breeds of sheep, goats, pigs, ponies, birds, poultry, and chipmunks (hidden away near the tea rooms!). Signage and keeper presence is few and far between and this could be an issue if a higher degree of education was desired.
The famous pig racing occurs at peak times (summer hols and weekends) where you can place an informal bet if you should wish. There are also tractor and trailer rides. In addition, there are beautiful gardens, water gardens, picnic areas, and a small woodland walk to really add more variety to the day.
The car park is large but there is no shading so it's advised to put windscreen sunshades in the car to avoid having an oven to return to!!
There is a tea room which serves the usual freshly made small meals. There is a conservatory style room in which to eat as well as picnic areas - there is also a waitress service. There are only a handful of toilets which can only be accompanied by a small queue in the peak days at lunchtime!
And finally, there is a shop which has lots of different nik naks to purchase.
Owing to the fact that visitors are often left alone during the day, interaction with animals is probably best suited to an older youngster who is slightly more responsible and aware of the changing behaviours of animals. In saying that, I have accompanied a group of reception children on a visit their as part of there annual school trip and found that it was an enjoyable experience for them.
Personally, I love the atmosphere of this place. It's peaceful and just doesn't rush you. There are great photo opportunities and a chance to see many breeds of rabbits, and more importantly breeds of farm animals that are now very rare and rely upon effective breeding programmes for their survival.
And finally...a note to the dad's....if you really want to get away, drive 2 minutes back into Cholderton because there is a great pub there to while away a few bevies!!
Location Travel by car: Just off the A303/A338 and only 4 miles from Stonehenge. Large Car park available, able to accommodate coaches.
Travel by Bus: from Salisbury on the 63 or 63X, with Wilts and Dorsetbus company, hourly Monday-Saturday, no service on a Sunday, no service in the evenings.
Travel by train: Grately station is only 3.5 miles on foot. On the Salisbury - Waterloo line.
Price: I can't remember accurately but I'm sure it was around £5.5-£6 for an adult ticket.
Events: They often do special events particularly for mothers/fathers day. On fathers day for instance, the dads get to try their hand at tractor driving ... well worth looking at the website further for more details.
Overall impression...IT'S LOVELY
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Advantages: Lots of play areas catering for different age groups Disadvantages: Run down, needing a lick of paint. Would be nice if there was more to it.
Advantages: Lots of play areas catering for different age groups Disadvantages: Run down, needing a lick of paint. Would be nice if there was more to it.
Advantages: Good family day out particularly for younger children Disadvantages: Handling can sometimes be slightly uncontrolled to the detriment of individual animal welfare
dribsndrabs 23.06.2006 (23.06.2006)
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Review of Finkley Down Farm
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Jun 23rd, 2006
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