Meet and feed many of our friendly animals
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Windmill Animal Farm

4.7
·2k reviews·Burscough, United Kingdom

A vibrant family farm offering hands-on animal encounters, a fun train ride, and indoor play areas for a full day of adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer animals

CrowdLow
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Meet and feed many of our friendly animals

Windmill Animal Farm

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer animals

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant family farm offering hands-on animal encounters, a fun train ride, and indoor play areas for a full day of adventure.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A brilliant time with plenty of animals to feed and a great train ride!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Feed the Animals!

Purchase feed bags to interact with many of the animals. It's a highlight for kids and adults alike!

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety and comfort.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

Various enclosures and petting areas

Meet and feed a wide variety of farm animals, from goats and sheep to llamas and pigs. Guinea pig petting is a hit with little ones!

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Critters 2 You Reptile House

Critters 2 You Reptile House

Indoor attraction

Get up close with fascinating reptiles and creepy crawlies. A unique experience for all ages, even if you're a bit squeamish!

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Farm Train Ride

Farm Train Ride

Departs from station

Enjoy a scenic ride around the farm, often illuminated during special events. A beloved attraction for families!

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Play Barn & Soft Play

Play Barn & Soft Play

Indoor play area

A fantastic indoor space with a ball pool and soft play, perfect for burning off energy, especially on rainy days.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

While walk-ins are possible, booking tickets online, especially for special events like the Santa Train, is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check for 'half-price adult tickets' promotions often advertised for September.Instagram

Dress for Farm Fun

Expect to get hands-on with animals! Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking around the farm and potentially muddy areas. Layers are a good idea as farm weather can change quickly.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer animals
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn (October)
Why
Pumpkin patch events
Crowd
Medium
When
December
Why
Magical Santa Train
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pitching my silly little TikTok ideas to the boss like… 📱 Farmer Matt loves a TikTok! #farmlife #windmillanimalfarm #summer #jobsagoodun
windmillanimalfarm
0 likes • 9.4K views

🎯 Feed the Animals!

Purchase feed bags to interact with many of the animals. It's a highlight for kids and adults alike! InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety and comfort. Reddit

Windmill Animal Farm 🐮 If your looking for a fun filled farm adventure in Lancashire then take a visit to @windmillanimalfarm We spent the whole day enjoying exploring the farm! There was so much to do including - • meeting and feeding the farm animals 🦙 • critters 2 you reptile house 🦎 • cuddle fluffy Bunnies and Guinea pigs 🐰 • bottle feed the baby Lambs 🐑 • train ride around the farm 🚂 • ca...
life_withaimee.x
586 likes • 8.4K views
🚂WINDMILL ANIMAL FARM🚂 [Ad - PR Visit] All aboard the Santa Train @windmillanimalfarm! This immersive Christmas experience also gives you a full day out at the farm - where else can you party with the elves🧝, ride an illuminated train 🚂 and hold a live snake 🐍 all on the same day?? There’s a brilliant soft play here too so, whatever the weather, you’re guaranteed hours of fun. The Santa Train ex...
hoveandbeyond
40 likes • 3.7K views

📱 Check for Deals

Look out for special offers like half-price adult tickets in September! Instagram

🌧️ Indoor Play Options

The play barn is a lifesaver on rainy days, ensuring fun regardless of the weather. Instagram+1

📍Windmill Animal Farm L40 1UQ 💰Half-price adult tickets throughout September 🐐Goats, sheep, cows, llamas, pigs, donkeys, deer 🌽 Maize Maze 🚂 Train ride 🐹 Guinea pig petting 🐍 Critters 🐑 Lamb bottle feeding Upcoming events 🎃 11th-31st October ticket includes all farm attractions and 1 pumpkin per person 🎅🏻 December 2025 Santa train ride includes a complimentary hot drink for the adults...
northwestfamilyguide
21 likes • 524 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Feed the Animals!

Purchase feed bags to interact with many of the animals. It's a highlight for kids and adults alike! InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Closed-toe shoes are a must for safety and comfort. Reddit

📱 Check for Deals

Look out for special offers like half-price adult tickets in September! Instagram

🌧️ Indoor Play Options

The play barn is a lifesaver on rainy days, ensuring fun regardless of the weather. Instagram+1

☕ Cafe Food is Good

The cafe offers tasty food, with burgers being a particular recommendation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Windmill Animal Farm for its friendly staff, engaging animal encounters, and excellent facilities like the train ride and play barn. It's a highly recommended family destination that offers great value and a memorable day out, though some noted a lack of shelter in animal enclosures.

"Lovely little farm with a great train ride too. Play areas for the children too. Only thing I didn't like was there were no shelters in the enclosures for the animals. Nice big car park and staff were friendly."

Terri Allain

"We visited the farm yesterday with our daughter (18m) and we all had a brilliant time! Theres plenty of animals and you can feed most of them, which our daughter loved. The facilities and great, and the train ride was brill. The staff are super friendly and helpful, especially Ryan who took the time to talk to us and introduced our daughter to plenty of animals and critters, he was very informative and was a real credit to the farm. The food from the cafe was lovely, especially the burger! Can't recommend this place enough, we look forward to returning."

Aidan Q

"Staff and animals were very friendly!
I went with my great Nephews both under 3 and sister.
We rode the train which they loved.
Hands on with the guinea pigs too."

Maria Martin

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Interactive animal feeding
Great train ride

What People Dislike

Lack of animal shelter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Windmill Animal Farm is located at Red Cat Lane, Burscough, Ormskirk L40 1UQ. It's accessible by car, with a large car park available.Instagram Public transport options might be limited, so driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the farm.

Yes, there is a nice big car park available for visitors, making it easy to access the farm by car.Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on daily opening times.

While possible, reaching Windmill Animal Farm via public transport might be challenging. It's advisable to check local bus routes and train connections to Ormskirk and then consider a taxi or local bus service to the farm.

Absolutely! Windmill Animal Farm offers a full day of activities, from animal encounters and rides to play areas, making it an ideal day trip destination for families.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are generally around £15.95 for kids (1-15) and £14.95 for adults, with under 1s free.Instagram Keep an eye out for promotions like half-price adult tickets in September.Instagram

Yes, you can typically buy tickets at the gate, but booking online in advance is recommended, especially for popular events like the Santa Train, to guarantee entry.TikTok

Promotions like 'half-price adult tickets' are sometimes available, particularly during quieter months like September.Instagram It's worth checking their social media or website for any current deals.

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended for special events such as the Santa Train to ensure you secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.TikTok

General admission tickets usually include access to all farm attractions, animal feeding opportunities, the train ride, and play areas. Special event tickets may have additional inclusions, like a pumpkin for Halloween events.Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a wide variety of animals including goats, sheep, cows, llamas, pigs, donkeys, and deer. There are also opportunities to meet and feed many of them.Instagram+1

Yes, you can feed most of the animals by purchasing feed bags. This is a highlight for many visitors, especially children.InstagramReddit

Yes, there's a popular farm train ride that takes you around the grounds. It's often a highlight for families and can be specially themed for events.Instagram+1

Windmill Animal Farm features a great play barn with a ball pool and soft play areas, making it perfect for younger children, especially on days with unpredictable weather.Instagram+1

While not always advertised, sheepdog demonstrations have been a feature in the past, adding to the farm experience. Check onsite for any scheduled activities during your visit.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves food. Visitors have praised the food, with the burgers being a particular recommendation.Reddit

The cafe offers a range of options, including meals like burgers, which have been positively reviewed. It's a convenient place to grab lunch or snacks during your visit.Reddit

While not explicitly stated, most family attractions allow visitors to bring their own picnics. However, enjoying the cafe's offerings is also a popular choice.Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon arrival about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs.

Yes, there are typically seating areas available at the cafe for visitors to enjoy their meals. Outdoor seating might also be available during warmer months.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture adorable moments with the animals, the scenic farm landscapes, the train ride, and the joy on children's faces in the play areas. The Critters 2 You house also offers unique photo ops.Instagram+1

Yes, with many animals in accessible enclosures and opportunities for feeding, you'll have plenty of chances to get great shots. Patience is key for capturing candid animal moments.

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially of staff or during private events.

Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting for farm scenes.

Yes, photography is usually permitted during special events like the Santa Train or Halloween events, allowing you to capture the festive atmosphere.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Windmill Animal Farm is a dream for families with young children. The ability to feed and pet many of the animals, especially the guinea pigs, is a huge hit.InstagramReddit The farm train ride is a gentle adventure for little ones, and the indoor play barn with its ball pool and soft play is perfect for burning off energy, rain or shine.Instagram+1 Staff are noted for being friendly and engaging with children, making them feel welcome and informed.Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Bring snacks and drinks, though the cafe offers decent food options.Reddit The farm's layout is generally easy to navigate with strollers, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented. Special events like the Santa Train are particularly magical for this age group.

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

Windmill Animal Farm offers good value for money, especially when considering the range of activities included in the ticket price. Look out for promotions like 'half-price adult tickets' which are sometimes offered, particularly in September.Instagram While ticket prices are competitive, the ability to feed many of the animals adds significant value to the experience, as feed bags are reasonably priced.Reddit

Packing your own picnic can also help manage costs, although the on-site cafe is praised for its food quality and reasonable prices.Reddit The farm provides a full day's entertainment, making it an economical choice for a family outing compared to multiple smaller attractions.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Windmill Animal Farm offers a charming rural setting with plenty of subjects. Capture candid moments of children interacting with animals, the picturesque farm landscapes, and the unique characters of the farm's residents.Instagram The train ride provides opportunities for dynamic shots, and the Critters 2 You house offers a chance for close-up, detailed photography of reptiles and insects.Instagram+1

Mornings often provide the best natural light and fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed shooting. The golden hour in the late afternoon can also create beautiful, warm tones across the farm. Be prepared for a mix of indoor and outdoor shooting environments, and always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Animal Encounters: More Than Just Looking

Windmill Animal Farm truly shines with its hands-on approach to animal interaction. Visitors can purchase feed bags to offer to a variety of farm residents, including goats, sheep, and llamas.Instagram+1 This direct engagement is a major draw for families, creating memorable moments for children and adults alike. Beyond feeding, the farm offers opportunities for gentle petting, particularly with the guinea pigs, which are a consistent hit with younger visitors.Reddit The presence of a dedicated 'Critters 2 You' reptile house adds another layer of unique animal encounters, allowing guests to see and learn about a different array of creatures.Instagram+1

While the farm is praised for its animal welfare by many, one reviewer noted a lack of shelter in some enclosures.Reddit However, the overall sentiment is that the animals are well-cared for and approachable. The staff, particularly individuals like Ryan mentioned in reviews, are often highlighted for their friendliness and willingness to educate visitors about the animals, enhancing the overall experience.Reddit This focus on interactive and educational animal encounters makes Windmill Animal Farm a standout destination for animal lovers.

Family Fun: Rides, Play, and More

Windmill Animal Farm is designed with family fun at its core, offering a diverse range of activities to keep children entertained for hours. The farm train ride is a perennial favorite, providing a relaxing tour of the grounds and often featuring special themes for seasonal events like Christmas.Instagram+1 For younger visitors, the indoor play barn is a significant asset. It features a ball pool and soft play equipment, ensuring that fun continues even if the weather turns sour.Instagram+1 This makes the farm a reliable destination for a family day out, regardless of the season.

Beyond the rides and play areas, the farm also hosts special events throughout the year. The Halloween event, which includes a pumpkin patch, and the highly anticipated Santa Train during December, transform the farm into a festive wonderland.Instagram+1 These events are often a major reason for repeat visits and are highly recommended for creating lasting family memories. The farm's commitment to providing a well-rounded experience, combining animal interaction with entertainment, solidifies its reputation as a top family destination in Lancashire.

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