We discovered Birchfield Ice Cream Farm in the heart of Nidderdale, Yorkshire, a 5 generation farm since 1906, no less, when one of Florence’s classmates held their fifth birthday party there at the end of the summer, and we’ve returned three times since then, which is testament to quite how brilliant it is.
My teens enjoy it just as much as my 4 year old thanks to how much there is to do and see ‘down on the farm’. You can roam around the grassy terrain, feed the goats; pet rabbits and guinea pigs at set times, marvel at the pigs and their piglets and greet the friendly cows (who fyi, love to lick visitors). There are also donkeys and ponies on the farm, living their best lives!
This visit was right before Halloween and boasted a pumpkin festival theme that felt like a movie set!
On site you’ll also find two indoor play areas, one offering bouncy play, an outdoor adventure playground with zip wire, giant sandpit and depending on the season, you can pick pumpkins or wildflowers (and take part in seasonal events such as the corn maize) and we’ve heard their festive offering is magical too with a visit to Father Christmas, ginger biscuit making and crafts-galore. We’re hoping to make it this season.
There are pedal go karts for 3-8s and a woodland walk where you can build dens and learn about the local area thanks to the fact boards dotted around.
It’s fast become one of this family’s favourite Yorkshire spots as it’s not so vast that it feels overwhelming yet there’s a whole day’s worth of activities on offer.
It’s engaging and interactive and the ice cream is just as good as any gelato you’ll eat in Italy (and I say that as someone who once lived in Rome).
We popped over with friends during half-term a few days ago, and despite the rain, had such a memorably fun day there. For lunch, we plumped for pulled pork, cheesy chips and salted caramel ice cream (enjoyed in the barn as the indoor cafe is closed at this time of year) and felt like brand new humans on leaving, thanks to the fresh farm air and petting the cuddly animals (hello bunnies). We even spotted a rainbow as we left.
Argh, Birchfield Farm never disappoints!
Have you visited?
Please note no dogs are allowed in the farm ( except service dogs) and eregnant woman should not have contact with any pregnant sheep , goats or newborns .
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