Yesterday I discovered the hidden gem that is Smithills Open Farm and I havent stopped talking about it since!
Located right next to the historic Smithills Hall and Restaurant in an idylic and rural part of Bolton, all I can say is
"Wow! what a great family day out"
Of course I had heard of Smithills Open Farm and seen the sides at the side of the road, but I had no idea to the extent and variety of facilities they have up there.
Children can be very hands on with their large variety of animals. What youngster wouldn't jump for joy at the thought of bottle feeding baby lambs, getting up close and personal with newborn calves, piglets, puppies. In fact you name it and it seems to be there in some form.
I was treated to the joys of the unusual, the 'rescue' tarantulas donated by Bolton residents, enormous pythons and the recent addition of their birds of prey section, where children can have photographs taken while handling the birds.
Although the weather was changeable as we come to expect in this country, there are plenty of things to do indoors as well as outside, in fact they positively encourage you to bring a picnic and relax in the pasture for a while. Hot and cold food is also available on site too.
As well as this being a great day out where children and adults alike could easily spend the whole day crammed with things to see and do, they also cater for school trips, birthday parties and are even hosting a small wedding reception with a band in the barn instead of the usual bouncy castles.
I cant encourage you enough to use this hidden local facility. Why travel miles when we have it on our doorstep in Bolton.
Smithills Open Farm is open all year round with seasonal activities for you to take part in. Coming soon will be their Halloween Haunted Trail with fancy dress and lots of prizes.
For the unusual, local and unexpected, visit Smithills Open Farm.
PS......I forgot to tell you, they have a fantastic, well stocked pet shop on site selling supplies for all your pet needs.
