Walby Farm Park
A family-friendly farm park in Cumbria offering animal encounters, extensive play areas, and engaging seasonal events for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Walby Farm Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-friendly farm park in Cumbria offering animal encounters, extensive play areas, and engaging seasonal events for all ages.
"Great value for money, and kids had lots of fun!!!!!"
🎯 Book Online for Deals
Save money by booking your tickets online in advance, especially during off-peak times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfy footwear is a must for exploring the farm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Animal Encounters
Animal Barns & Paddocks
Meet and greet a variety of farm animals, from cuddly alpacas to playful donkeys. Hands-on experiences are a big hit with kids.
Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas
Various locations
Burn off energy in the soft play zones, adventure play park, and trampolines. Plenty of fun for all ages!
Seasonal Events
Various locations
Experience special events like pumpkin picking after dark or May Mayhem with unique shows and activities.
Interactive Shows
Performance areas
Enjoy engaging shows like the Bees Knees Show or ferret races that entertain and educate the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Value for Money
+1Weather-Proof Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Online for Deals
Save money by booking your tickets online in advance, especially during off-peak times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfy footwear is a must for exploring the farm.
📸 Capture the Memories
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the animals and your family's fun-filled day.
📝 Check Activity Schedule
Grab a schedule upon arrival to plan your day around the exciting shows and feeding times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Online for Deals
Save money by booking your tickets online in advance, especially during off-peak times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so comfy footwear is a must for exploring the farm.
📸 Capture the Memories
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the animals and your family's fun-filled day.
📝 Check Activity Schedule
Grab a schedule upon arrival to plan your day around the exciting shows and feeding times.
🍎 Pack Snacks (Optional)
While the cafe is great, bringing some of your own snacks can be handy for little ones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Walby Farm Park for its exceptional value and the wide array of activities included in the admission price, making it a hit with families. The park offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor fun, ensuring enjoyment regardless of the weather. While some wish for more direct animal feeding opportunities, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with friendly staff and well-maintained facilities.
"Great value for money, and kids had lots of fun!!!!!
Visited Walby farm on a wet and windy day and have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
The reception staff were very welcoming and helped to explain where to find everything.
We didn't venture outside due to the weather but managed to fill hours of time.
The whole park was clean, including the indoor play areas.
The animals were very friendly and there were good hand washing facilities for when leaving the barn area.
The soft play is big enough for the kids to really burn off some energy, and the layout means that they can't disappear without getting past their parents.
The wooden indoor play area looked fairly new. It is very well designed and my kids tell me it was great fun, they'd just like more balls for the air blasters....
We had lunch here and it was actually very good! The kids' meals were large enough for bigger, more hungry kids."
ashley Stephens
"Great for kids. Adults pay almost as much. Fun attractions, most of them at no extra costs. The barrel train behind the quad was a hit.
Tip:
Get one adult to accompany the kids and have a nap in the car."
A “A.J.” Jack
"Another fun day out with the family spending time with all the animals and playing indoors and out. We've always gone during the week and its been quiet each time which we find perfect for our young child. The play areas are fantastic with areas for each age range and we love spending time in the barn. The cafe has a large variety of tasty options, the malteaser slice is a favourite of ours. The staff are friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. There's plenty to do regardless of that famous Cumbrian weather and we can't wait to come back time and time again."
Alexandra Hind
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Walby Farm Park is located in Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. For public transport options, it's best to check local bus routes in the Carlisle area.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available for visitors at Walby Farm Park, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
While driving is the most convenient way to reach Walby Farm Park, you can explore local bus services from Carlisle. It's advisable to check timetables in advance.
Walby Farm Park is typically open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any seasonal changes or special event hours.
Yes, Walby Farm Park is a great option for a day trip from the Lake District, offering a different kind of family fun away from the fells. It's about a 30-40 minute drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but Walby Farm Park is known for its great value. Online booking often offers discounts, with some past offers as low as £6 per person.
Keep an eye out for Walby Farm Park discount vouchers and special offers, especially when booking online. They sometimes have deals for NHS staff or other promotions.
Adult and child admission prices are often similar, reflecting the wide range of attractions suitable for all ages. Check the latest pricing on their website.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the gate, but booking online in advance is recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better prices.
Some special events, like 'Pumpkin Picking After Dark,' may require separate, pre-booked tickets, especially for adult-only sessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of farm animals including alpacas, deer, donkeys, and more. There are opportunities to interact with some of them.
Yes, Walby Farm Park has fantastic play areas catering to various age ranges, including soft play for younger children and adventure play for older ones.
Walby Farm Park hosts engaging shows like the 'Bees Knees Show,' ferret races, and candy cannon events, providing entertainment for the whole family.
Absolutely! Walby Farm Park has extensive indoor play areas, including soft play and an undercover adventure park, making it a perfect destination even in bad weather.
While direct animal feeding opportunities might be limited, there are many chances to get up close with the animals and learn about them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Walby Farm Park that offers a variety of tasty options, including kid-friendly meals and treats like the popular Malteaser slice.
The cafe serves a range of food, from main meals and kids' portions to snacks and sweet treats. The kids' meals are noted for being quite substantial.
While the cafe is well-regarded, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own snacks, especially for younger children.
Information on dedicated picnic areas isn't always highlighted, but it's common for farm parks to have spaces where visitors can enjoy their own packed lunches.
Reviews suggest the cafe offers good value, with generous portion sizes for kids' meals. Prices are generally considered reasonable for a family attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture adorable moments with the farm animals, energetic kids in the play areas, and the vibrant seasonal decorations during events like pumpkin picking.
Yes, you're encouraged to take photos of the animals! They are often in accessible areas, making for great candid shots.
The animal enclosures, the colorful play structures, and the themed areas during seasonal events like Halloween or Easter offer fantastic photo backdrops.
With so many engaging activities, it's easy to capture genuine smiles and action shots of children having a blast.
Lighting can vary depending on the weather and time of day. Indoor play areas might be dimmer, while outdoor spaces are best on sunny days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Utilize the varied play zones, from soft play to adventure parks.
* Engage with the animals; brushing donkeys and meeting alpacas are popular.
* Check for seasonal events like pumpkin picking for extra fun.
* Take advantage of the cafe for family-friendly meals.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers:
* Always look for online booking discounts.
* Consider packing your own lunch and snacks.
* Focus on the included activities rather than seeking out extras.
☔ Rainy Day Explorers
The animal barns also provide a sheltered environment to observe and learn about the farm's residents. Rainy day essentials:
* Head straight for the indoor play zones.
* Explore the animal barns for a dry, engaging experience.
* Enjoy the cafe for a warm break and a bite to eat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Animal Encounters
The farm's commitment to providing a welcoming environment for its animal residents means you'll often find them in clean, well-maintained enclosures. Many visitors highlight the joy of seeing their children interact with the animals, whether it's brushing a donkey or simply observing their behavior.
The farm often organizes specific animal-related activities or shows, such as ferret races, which add an extra layer of entertainment and educational value. Indoor and Outdoor Play Paradise
These indoor options are a lifesaver on those classic Cumbrian rainy days, allowing the fun to continue uninterrupted. When the sun does shine, the outdoor play areas beckon. From dig and play sandpits to various climbing structures and go-karts, there's something to keep every child entertained.
+1 The layout of the play areas is often praised for being well-designed, allowing parents to keep a close eye on their children while they explore and play. Seasonal Events and Special Occasions
+1 These events transform the farm into a festive wonderland, creating memorable experiences for families. Other notable events include 'May Mayhem,' featuring interactive shows like 'The Bees Knees Show' and opportunities to plant pollinator-friendly seeds.
These special occasions are a fantastic reason to plan a visit, offering a different atmosphere and a host of unique activities not available during regular opening hours. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit