Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Latest Reviews
This is a lovely attraction for those interested in historic rural life. The staff were unfailingly helpful and friendly and the displays were very interesting throughout. We had a delicious lunch in the school house cafe, accompanied by friendly free range chickens! We also enjoyed visiting the animals but were disappointed that there were no heavy horse shows on offer due to the wagoner being unavailable, as this was one of the main reasons we visited. However, overall it was a lovely, peaceful and tranquil place to visit and we would definitely recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were both big fans of The Victorian Farm and were very much looking forward to our visit here. However, after experiencing Blists Hill last year we were somewhat disappointed. Even though it was the school holidays there was no-one (not that we could see) "populating" the place. My grandparents farmed in the 1920's though to 1960's and particularly disappointing was the Bailiffs Garden. Full of weeeds and very unloved, no self-respecting Bailiff would have ever let a garden go to seed like that. Normally we can spend all day in placed like these but left after just over an hour. Much better spend your money and get a full day out at Blists Hill.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four adults and four children aged 2,6,7 and 9 had a fantastic day out. The children spun wool, fed lambs, held chicks, saw piglets, cows, sheep and many chickens and loved every minute.
We also watched shires Joe and Charlie ploughing and ridging and Dusty the donkey planting potatoes.
This truly is a wonderful place and really does allow you to step back in time and see Victorian working farm. I guess you need to be connected to farming or the countryside to fully appreciate how good this place is but it will appeal to everyone who is truly interested and takes the time to explore.
We also watched shires Joe and Charlie ploughing and ridging and Dusty the donkey planting potatoes.
This truly is a wonderful place and really does allow you to step back in time and see Victorian working farm. I guess you need to be connected to farming or the countryside to fully appreciate how good this place is but it will appeal to everyone who is truly interested and takes the time to explore.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a look great place for the children lot to see and great staff to make the day more interesting great value season tickets aswell
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I wonder if some of the people giving this beautiful place bad reviews would have been better catered for at Alton Towers or some other location for thrill seeking. This is exactly what it says it is, a historic working farm, not an all singing all dancing tourist attraction. I visited yesterday with an elderly but agile visitor who is staying with us, and we could have spent a lot longer there than we did. For him, a retired farmer, it was a great taste of yesteryear, and I learned so much from both my companion and the guides and staff at the farm. We watched a wheelwright's demonstration and also followed the tour of the farmyard with Mike. He obviously had a great enthusiasm for the farm and all the animals and this shone through in his stories and demonstrations and he was very happy to answer any questions from his entourage. The animals are beautifully cared for and the staff are relaxed and happy about contact between visitors and animals. In other words, it hasn't been spoiled by a load of health and safety garbage. Be sensible and responsible and you will have a great day is the clear message. How refreshing in these days of the nanny state.
We had sandwiches like doorsteps from the cafe with a fresh salad, so we were very happy with that too. All the staff, whether in the cafe, shop, ticket office or on the farm were really helpful, friendly and welcoming. As I converted my day ticket to a season ticket for just an extra pound, I will definitely be making some return visits during the summer. £7.95 for an adult is excellent value anyway, but £8.95 for the season?? Incredible.
I would recommend this attraction to anyone who is interested in learning about our agricultural and folk history. A fantastic place to take children, who can learn and have fun at the same time - what could be better. But if you want all out action and bright shiny things, go someplace else....
We had sandwiches like doorsteps from the cafe with a fresh salad, so we were very happy with that too. All the staff, whether in the cafe, shop, ticket office or on the farm were really helpful, friendly and welcoming. As I converted my day ticket to a season ticket for just an extra pound, I will definitely be making some return visits during the summer. £7.95 for an adult is excellent value anyway, but £8.95 for the season?? Incredible.
I would recommend this attraction to anyone who is interested in learning about our agricultural and folk history. A fantastic place to take children, who can learn and have fun at the same time - what could be better. But if you want all out action and bright shiny things, go someplace else....
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Caught them at lunch time when they all stop for lunch which is usual in the country but not so for a visitor attraction, so very traditional. 1st lesson! Plenty to see, lots of small/young animals so very children friendly. Yes they can touch them and get involved with handling as well. Some good demonstrations, some times could be co-ordinated better. ITs not all razmataz like some places so the better for it, more realistic. Some people with an idealized view will not find it entertaining enough, however I believe it is the better for how it is. The children loved the muck and rough edges to the presentation side. Plenty of room for them to mess around and let off steam and upset no one. The staff were very understanding and helpful. Best of all was the food, with cakes and chocolate creations to satisfy everyone. Sausage Rolls with 70% meat that were delicious. The service was outstanding. Why not just go and eat there? Well worth the trip. Long Live Salop.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Acton Scott having driven past it and wondered what it was like. It is expensive at £7.95 but we'd hoped it was worth it. The place is very tatty by the entrance and didn't give a good impression. However as we walked further, it was much nicer and started looking a bit more cared for. Watching the ploughing was interesting particularly hard work for the staff on such a cold and windy day. Mostly friendly staff apart from the man that felt the need to push past us right at the entrance. Toilets weren't very clean and the lock was very stiff on my door, I nearly got locked in! There was a lot of information and interesting features such as the old farm equipment. It was good to get close to the animals and the new set of piglets! Inside the cottage, we laughed at the laminated sign in the classroom, we didn't know laminators were so historic! Good shop but didn't try the cafe. It's a shame that more wasn't made of the Victorian farm series around the site. We were lucky to enjoy in a sunny day, however I don't think it would be much fun in the rain.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the most fabulous place. A season ticket is so cheap that I can take my 18month old as often as we like. There is so much to see and do, the staff are all so friendly and helpful and always willing to answer any questions you may have. Such wonderful demonstrations going on all the time and a wonderful cafe and shop on sight. A must see place
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Usual farm things, pigs and piglets, chicks, lambs. Shire horses etc. Very interesting seeing them plough with shire horses.
The children enjoyed holding the chicks and feeding the lambs.
The cafe was lovely, and the man who served us very pleasant and went to a lot of trouble. Nice food.
The children enjoyed holding the chicks and feeding the lambs.
The cafe was lovely, and the man who served us very pleasant and went to a lot of trouble. Nice food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We decide to visit the working farm on Easter Monday . On arrival it's was nice not to have to pay to park. We really enjoyed walking around , everything was sign posted extremely well , and plenty of toilet facilities around the site, all the staff on site were very friendly and very informative and we were able to watch some craftsman in action . We stopped for drink at the cafe again the staff really friendly but I did think a tea coffee and two flapjacks for £7 was just a tad expensive , but I suppose they have to make their money ,however there are some lovely spots for a picnic and you are able to take in some breath taking views, the farm is child friendly and encourages them to be involved if they so wish. All in all an enjoyable visit
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although it was a Good Friday we had no problems parking. Lots to see and good facilities. Food was really good and it was nice to see so many families with small children enjoying this working farm.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here on Sunday which was it's 2nd day of opening in the new season, although there was nothing to give this impression as everything was so well organised. We had a marvellous day from start to finish and were very impressed. Lots of baby animals - lambs and piglets, and other animals including ducks, geese, horses, a donkey, sheep, pigs. Other highlights for us were the griddle scone making, the flax-seed planting, and watching the horses pull the plough, not forgetting the joy that we had in watching our 2 year old daughter give a bottle of milk to a very young lamb.
We took a picnic as I usually do not think that the catering is very good at attraction, however the next time that we visit here, we will eat at The School House as everything looked fantastic and it was lovely to talk to the chef and hear about how he had picked the spinach for the soup at 7am that morning. The soup looked absolutely delicious, as did the home-made pate. I did however think that the slices of cake could have been a little more generous for £2 - the victoria sponge in particular.
We loved our day here and we met such lovely, friendly, helpful people who work here. We ended up staying for 5 hrs and if we lived a little closer, would certainly have purchased an annual pass. I would highly recommend a visit to here.
We took a picnic as I usually do not think that the catering is very good at attraction, however the next time that we visit here, we will eat at The School House as everything looked fantastic and it was lovely to talk to the chef and hear about how he had picked the spinach for the soup at 7am that morning. The soup looked absolutely delicious, as did the home-made pate. I did however think that the slices of cake could have been a little more generous for £2 - the victoria sponge in particular.
We loved our day here and we met such lovely, friendly, helpful people who work here. We ended up staying for 5 hrs and if we lived a little closer, would certainly have purchased an annual pass. I would highly recommend a visit to here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a wonderful day out we have just had. The children loved the new born lambs and the piglets. My husband was fascinated by the wheelwrighting and the cafés fresh baked cakes were worth every penny. We shall be back and I am thinking of signing up for one of their wonderful courses.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our children to Acton Scott last summer (seems like a million years ago now!) and we all had a wonderful time. Lots to see and do and learn, and very friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
It is worth saying that you can park your car free at their car park.....use their toilets..and explore the surrounding countryside with many suggested walks on their website. When you return they will admit you free if you wish.to use..their charming and very reasonable café in the old school house. As we have visited this museum many times in the past....we find the museum is a very useful gateway/base to exploring the countryside around the area.The cost of admission is prohibitively expensive..I suspect their main revenue is the courses they run....but these too are very expensive.Straightened times I suspect!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fantastic day for all the family.
Great to stroke all the animals and staff very friendly. Great for all ages
Great to stroke all the animals and staff very friendly. Great for all ages
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a pleasant enough visit this weekend but on the whole thought it was far too expensive. Not a great lot was happening and it seemed a bit random in some respects with regards to the layout.
The Baliffs cottage could have been a better attraction, but instead seemed a bit half hearted with 4 ladies on a lace course in one room, upstairs a couple of shoddy displays and a school room?!!!
I also found it a bit rough around the edges,such as a plastic tub of clothes upstairs in the Baliffs house, a concrete breeze block in the ditch as you cross the pond and modern hose-lock hose in the farm yard. I realise they are little things but I found it to detract from the overall feel of the place.
The Baliffs cottage could have been a better attraction, but instead seemed a bit half hearted with 4 ladies on a lace course in one room, upstairs a couple of shoddy displays and a school room?!!!
I also found it a bit rough around the edges,such as a plastic tub of clothes upstairs in the Baliffs house, a concrete breeze block in the ditch as you cross the pond and modern hose-lock hose in the farm yard. I realise they are little things but I found it to detract from the overall feel of the place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I enjoyed my visit, particularly with the input from the people working there who were very knowledgeable and passionate about the farm. We also had a very good meal in the restaurant.
The area accessible to the public was quite limited and without the talks it would not have taken very long to go round. The exhibits of old farm machinery could usefully have been displayed with more background information. More information on display about the farm animals would also have been useful, if one did not participate in a guided tour.
The farm seemed to be aimed more at school groups and children. Two groups were there during our visit towards the end of the farm's open season, and a few other adults. We were therefore able to wander round quite leisurely. I would not have relished the thought of being there at the height of the holiday season.
For what was on offer, the entry price was a little on the high side - though there was the possibility of upgrading to a seasonal pass for unlimited free entry during the year.
The area accessible to the public was quite limited and without the talks it would not have taken very long to go round. The exhibits of old farm machinery could usefully have been displayed with more background information. More information on display about the farm animals would also have been useful, if one did not participate in a guided tour.
The farm seemed to be aimed more at school groups and children. Two groups were there during our visit towards the end of the farm's open season, and a few other adults. We were therefore able to wander round quite leisurely. I would not have relished the thought of being there at the height of the holiday season.
For what was on offer, the entry price was a little on the high side - though there was the possibility of upgrading to a seasonal pass for unlimited free entry during the year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited for a few hours last week and was slightly disappointed that there was not more going on in terms of as advertised "working farm". Glad that the very helpful lady let me in for half price as I was late arriving. Good if you like lots of old farm machinery but very few animals. I liked the Dairy and the old cottage. Also would have been nice to be able to buy farm produce to take away.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Words cannot describe the charm of Acton Scott Farm. We purchased days tickets which turned out to be available for free repeat visits over the season. As a consequence we have made various return visits over the past few months.
Positive points:
- plenty to do and see.
- interesting livestock and poultry
- interesting demonstrations in areas such as wheelwrighting, butter making, horse ploughing, bodging, etc
- an excellent and superb tea room with a wide ranging menu of home produced and locally sourced food products
- helpful and friendly staff/volunteers
- interesting array of agricultural equipment.
- interesting old farm buildings, unspoilt by modernisation.
Negatives:
- avoid during the high season when it may become crowded.
What not to expect:
- Acton Scott is not a theme park, it is a living museum
- It is not a children's activity centre full of play areas but it is friendly for intelligent and inquisitive children interested in the countryside, livestock, horses or poultry.
They are also very friendly towards cyclists visiting the tea room. I recently visited during a cycle event and they were very accommodating to our group.
Positive points:
- plenty to do and see.
- interesting livestock and poultry
- interesting demonstrations in areas such as wheelwrighting, butter making, horse ploughing, bodging, etc
- an excellent and superb tea room with a wide ranging menu of home produced and locally sourced food products
- helpful and friendly staff/volunteers
- interesting array of agricultural equipment.
- interesting old farm buildings, unspoilt by modernisation.
Negatives:
- avoid during the high season when it may become crowded.
What not to expect:
- Acton Scott is not a theme park, it is a living museum
- It is not a children's activity centre full of play areas but it is friendly for intelligent and inquisitive children interested in the countryside, livestock, horses or poultry.
They are also very friendly towards cyclists visiting the tea room. I recently visited during a cycle event and they were very accommodating to our group.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great afternoon out for kids and grown-ups! V interesting things to see and do, fantastic summer to be out and about. Good value for money too, we thought.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
We spent the good part of a day here. It's a lovely place to take young kids and there are lots of interesting things for them to look at. There's also plenty of space to run around safely. We particularly enjoyed looking in on the pigs and the little ones enjoyed riding in a cart on the back of a pony. There are lots of suitable places if you're planning a picnic - as we did. Well worth the money. A good old fashioned day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Acton Scott is always a pleasure to visit - I've been a few times. Lots of interesting things to see and everyone is very helpful and pleasant. It is also good value for money - the entrance fee is very reasonable and the items in the cafeteria are also modestly priced. I'd recommend a visit to Acton Scott for everyone.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My wife and I visited here on a hot Saturday. What a treat. We wandered round the various exhibits and buildings and chatted to the guides and people working there who were uniformly willing and informative. The range of farm animals is good though at this time of year many were grazing the fields and so they should. The site cafe has by far the best pork pie I have tasted and should be sampled by one and all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What lucky people to own and live in such a place!the grounds are beautiful, lots of things to see and watch.Baby pigs,chickens and ducks,bought some butter which was yummy!One of the shires was turning a small hay field which was good to see,well worth a visit.The staff were lovely too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
