Cotswold Farm Park; a must-do family day out

You might know TV presenter and farmer Adam Henson from his best-known work on Countryfile; but did you know he also owns a family farm and runs a farm park too? Cotswold Farm Park is well-loved by locals and easily accessed from Cheltenham. We chat to Farm park team member Martin Baxter about the farm park...

Tell us about Cotswold Farm Park? What do people experience; what do they get to see; who is it for?

Cotswold Farm Park is for everyone that loves animals, and there are plenty of activities to entertain people of all ages. What's lovely about the park is that visitors can get up close to our animals, including bottle feeding our lambs and goats, and cuddling our bunnies and fluffy chicks. For families with children, kids always enjoy our Bouncy pillows, Tractor School and various play areas and there's plenty to keep them entertained all day.

As well as fun, there are also many opportunities to learn about the Farm and our rare breed farm animals. Our Rare Breeds Through History Walk transports visitors through time as they can see images of farm animals throughout history and also meet some rare native breeds. Visitors can also sit back, relax and take a ride on the Farm Safari as the Tractor and Trailer ride takes you for a tour around the whole site and all year round we hold seasonal demonstrations, which at the moment are milking and shearing.

Cotswold Farm Park is not in Cheltenham; why should people travel?

Cotswold Farm Park is about 30 minutes’ drive away from Cheltenham so it’s a very do-able day trip. The drive over is also lovely as you pass through glorious countryside and rolling hills.

What is the best way to reach you?

Due to the rural location, you do need a car to get to the site. However, if you have got a car, it is definitely worth a trip!

When is the best time to visit?

We are open 10.30am – 5.00pm every day up until Christmas Eve! There are plenty of seasonal demonstrations and events throughout the year so there isn't really a 'best' time to visit, just different ones.

Cotswold Farm Park is owned by TV Personality Adam Henson. Tell us about Adam? Is he still hands-on at the Farm?

Adam is very hands on, as is his business partner Duncan. Adam does pop into the Farm Park regularly so if you’re lucky you may spot him! He gets really busy with his other commitments but the Farm and the Farm Park are still at his heart so he’s careful to make time to stay as hands-on as he can.

Martin, what about your role at the Farm Park? What do you do?

They threw me in the deep end being interviewed as I only started in this role three weeks ago! I think they thought it would be interesting to see how I respond!

I already feel so lucky to work here; the location is beautiful and the animals are adorable. My role is very varied but as Marketing Administrator, it involves supporting the Marketing Manager in all things marketing.

What might a local resident or visitor be surprised to learn about Cotswold Farm Park?

We were the first ever Farm Park! It was such a novel idea at the time that Joe Henson (Adam's Dad) was almost denied planning permission to open his farm to the public. They won by just one vote and he opened the Farm gates in 1971.

How can people find out more about the Cotswold Farm Park?

People can find out more on the Visit Cheltenham website here, or on our website...

We are also on Facebook (Cotswold Farm Park) and Instagram (@cotswoldfarmpark).

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The Cotswold Farm Park has been loved by locals and visitors alike for years, and has long been a pioneer in rare breed preservation and care thanks to Joe Hensen's passion for the project. For those who are spending time in Cheltenham with their family, we can definitely recommend a trip!