
Hadleigh Farm Rare Breeds Centre
A charming working farm dedicated to rare breeds, offering hands-on animal encounters and family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active

Hadleigh Farm Rare Breeds Centre
Best Time
Animals are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming working farm dedicated to rare breeds, offering hands-on animal encounters and family fun.
"A really cute little farm! Plenty to do for little ones for a couple of hours!"

🎯 Book Lamb Cuddles Early
Sessions are popular! Book ahead to guarantee your spot for this sweet experience.
💰 Affordable Entry & Food
Entry is reasonably priced, and bags of animal food are just 50p. Great value for money!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lamb Cuddles
Rare Breeds Centre
Experience the joy of holding and interacting with adorable newborn lambs. A truly heartwarming and memorable activity.

Animal Feeding
Various enclosures
Get hands-on feeding goats, sheep, and rabbits. A simple pleasure that delights visitors of all ages.

Rare Breed Animals
Farm enclosures
Discover and learn about a variety of unique sheep, goats, donkeys, and other farmyard animals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Animal Encounters
Combine with Castle Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Lamb Cuddles Early
Sessions are popular! Book ahead to guarantee your spot for this sweet experience.
💰 Affordable Entry & Food
Entry is reasonably priced, and bags of animal food are just 50p. Great value for money!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the farm and potentially exploring the castle, so comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your phone or camera to snap photos of the cute animals and happy faces.
Any less know places great to spend half a day with a 3yo in South Essex?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Lamb Cuddles Early
Sessions are popular! Book ahead to guarantee your spot for this sweet experience.
💰 Affordable Entry & Food
Entry is reasonably priced, and bags of animal food are just 50p. Great value for money!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the farm and potentially exploring the castle, so comfy footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your phone or camera to snap photos of the cute animals and happy faces.
👨👩👧👦 Great for Little Ones
Perfect for a few hours of fun with young children, with a nice play area too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hadleigh Farm Rare Breeds Centre for its charming atmosphere, friendly staff, and engaging animal encounters. It's highlighted as a great value for money, especially for families with young children who enjoy feeding the animals and the special lamb cuddling sessions. Some visitors note it's a perfect spot for a few hours of relaxed fun.
"Found this farm by chance on a walk between the country park and the castle. A bit of fun feeding the animals. Reasonably priced at £6.20 for an adult and an extra 50p for a bag of food for the sheep and goats."
Taylor Gau
"Had a lovely day at Hadleigh farm today. Was very interesting to hear & learn about all the different sheep, goats & other farm yard animals. The donkey was so cute. The young lady who spoke about the animals was great. She spoke with passion & knowledge & it was obvious this was more than a job.
Next time I’ll be down with my grandchildren.
Highly recommend."
anastasia stylianou
"Really cute little farm! Plenty to do for little ones for a couple of hours! Nice little play area too. Little gift shop. Friendly and helpful staff. Recommended."
Lisa Partridge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hadleigh Farm Rare Breeds Centre is located within the Hadleigh Farm Estate. It's accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might involve bus routes to Hadleigh, followed by a walk or short taxi ride.
Yes, there is parking available at Hadleigh Farm, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While direct public transport to the farm's entrance might be limited, you can typically reach Hadleigh town by bus and then enjoy a scenic walk or arrange local transport to the farm. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, it can be a manageable day trip from London, especially if you're driving. The journey is typically around an hour, allowing ample time to enjoy the farm and potentially Hadleigh Castle.
Using a GPS or navigation app with the address or 'Hadleigh Farm Rare Breeds Centre' should guide you directly. It's often signposted from the main roads in the Hadleigh area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees are reasonably priced, with adult tickets around £6.20. Children's prices may vary. Bags of animal food are an additional 50p.
While general entry might not always require advance booking, special sessions like lamb cuddling are highly recommended to book in advance due to popularity.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Salvation Army Hadleigh Farm website or their social media pages for the most current opening times before your visit.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely advertised, but the general admission prices are considered affordable. Keep an eye on their social media for any special offers.
Yes, you can purchase bags of animal feed for sheep and goats at the farm for a small fee, typically around 50p.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of rare breed farm animals, including sheep, goats, donkeys, and other farmyard animals.
Yes, the centre offers opportunities for animal interaction, including feeding sessions and special lamb cuddling experiences.
Absolutely! Children will love feeding the animals, the lamb cuddling sessions, and there's also a nice little play area.
The estate also features Hadleigh Castle ruins for exploration and an Olympic mountain biking track. It's a great place for walks and enjoying the countryside.
The farm is generally accessible for strollers, and many paths are suitable for wheelchairs, though some areas might be uneven. It's advisable to check accessibility details if you have specific needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site at Hadleigh Farm where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.
Picnic areas are often available at such estates, allowing visitors to bring their own food. It's best to confirm this with the farm's management or check their visitor information.
The cafe typically offers a selection of light meals, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit.
Cafes at attractions often have a range of options. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff about specific dietary choices.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and mementos of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of the rare breed animals, candid shots of children interacting with them, and the scenic views of the estate. The lamb cuddling sessions are particularly photogenic.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged. Be mindful of the animals' comfort and avoid using flash directly at them.
The Hadleigh Farm Estate offers lovely countryside views. For more dramatic landscapes, consider combining your visit with Hadleigh Castle, which provides panoramic vistas.
Mornings often provide softer light and more active animals. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful golden hour lighting, especially if you're also visiting the castle.
Drone usage is typically restricted at farms and historical sites to ensure the safety and privacy of visitors and animals. It's best to check the estate's regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Pro-tip: Arrive early to catch the animals at their most active and to secure a spot for popular activities. The affordable animal feed (50p a bag) means kids can have multiple feeding opportunities. Consider combining your visit with a walk to Hadleigh Castle for a longer day out.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Combine your visit with a packed lunch to enjoy at designated picnic spots, further reducing costs. The free exploration of the surrounding estate, including Hadleigh Castle, adds even more value to your trip, offering historical and scenic attractions at no extra charge.
Nature and Animal Lovers
Beyond the farm, the Hadleigh Farm Estate provides beautiful walking routes with scenic views. The proximity to Hadleigh Castle adds a historical and natural landscape element, making it a well-rounded experience for those who enjoy the outdoors and the charm of rural life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rare Breeds Experience
Special experiences like lamb cuddling sessions provide an unforgettable, hands-on encounter with the youngest residents of the farm. These sessions are often guided, ensuring both the safety of the lambs and the enjoyment of the visitors. The centre aims to educate the public about the importance of these rare breeds and their role in agricultural heritage, making it more than just a petting zoo but a conservation effort.
Family Fun and Activities
Many visitors find the experience to be a perfect blend of fun and learning. The staff's friendly demeanor and willingness to share information contribute to a positive family atmosphere. The affordability of entry and animal feed also makes it an accessible option for families seeking enjoyable activities without breaking the bank.
Beyond the Farm: Hadleigh Castle and Estate
The estate itself is also known for its Olympic mountain biking track, a legacy of the 2012 London Games. While not directly part of the Rare Breeds Centre, the presence of these diverse features means visitors can tailor their day to include nature walks, historical exploration, and active pursuits. This makes Hadleigh Farm Estate a versatile destination for a variety of interests, from animal lovers to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit