River Hamble Country Park Manor Farm
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River Hamble Country Park Manor Farm

4.5
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A traditional working farm and historical site offering interactive workshops, animal encounters, and rural walks within River Hamble Country Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better animal interaction

CrowdLow
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River Hamble Country Park Manor Farm

River Hamble Country Park Manor Farm

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better animal interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A traditional working farm and historical site offering interactive workshops, animal encounters, and rural walks within River Hamble Country Park.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Outstanding educational day provided by Devon and the team, a wonderful place which has developed hugely."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Workshops in Advance

Highly recommended for an engaging and educational experience. The WWII schoolroom is a standout .

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring a working farm and country park, so comfy footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Animal Encounters

Interactive Animal Encounters

Farmyard

Feed and pet a variety of farm animals, including many with their young. A truly hands-on experience for all ages.

WWII Schoolroom Experience

WWII Schoolroom Experience

Schoolroom

Step back in time with costumed actors recreating a strict 1940s classroom. Parents and kids alike find this hilarious and educational .

Reddit
Historic Farmhouse and Gardens

Historic Farmhouse and Gardens

Farmhouse and gardens

Explore a beautifully preserved farmhouse and charming cottage gardens, offering a glimpse into rural life of the past.

Play Barn and Soft Play

Play Barn and Soft Play

Play Barn

A fantastic enhancement to the park, offering a fun space for children to play after exploring the farm.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Farm Adventure

Manor Farm at River Hamble Country Park offers a delightful blend of traditional farm life and historical immersion. Arrive early to make the most of animal feeding times and interactive workshops, especially if visiting with children. Consider booking workshops in advance, as they are highly recommended by visitors for their educational and entertaining value.Reddit

Navigating the Park

Parking is available at Barnfield car park, which is conveniently located near the cafe and play area.Instagram While the park is described as 'largish but not overwhelmingly big,' comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the farm, gardens, and surrounding country park. Allow 4-6 hours to fully experience the farm and its activities.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better animal interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Workshop days
Why
Engaging educational experiences
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, play barn busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Manor farm pub* castle vale refusing patrons over flag only taking bookings #police #hotels #manorfarm #birmingham
@dpaudits
4.4K likes • 265.3K views

🎯 Book Workshops in Advance

Highly recommended for an engaging and educational experience. The WWII schoolroom is a standout.Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring a working farm and country park, so comfy footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:

📍 RIVER HAMBLE COUNTRY PARK - SO31 1BH This place is honestly up there with 1 of my favourite days out in Hampshire! 🚗 PARKING: We parked at the Barnfield car park, which was right next to the cafe and play area and a short walk to the river. We paid £7 for about 5 hours parking. 🦀 CRABBING: This was so much more fun than i anticipated, and the boys loved it! You can crab all year round, but i ...
hampshirefamilytravel
25 likes • 1.1K views
Another peaceful paddle with me big cuz grant out on the kayaks on an incoming tide up the hamble river from shore road swanwick up to past manor farm country park, a seal popoed up with a flounder still in its mouth no more than 15ft from our kayaks did grab my fone hoping to get an up close pic but the bugger went under just as i was going 2 take pic...maybe it was the same one i saw flopped out...
matt_skin_sup
17 likes • 177 views

⏰ Arrive Early for Feedings

Catch the best animal feeding times and interactive sessions. :clock1:

🚗 Parking Convenience

Barnfield car park is close to amenities. Parking fee applies.Instagram :car:

Come with us to @manorfarmcp 🐷🐮🐹 We found ourselves with a sunny inset day a few weeks ago so we headed out to Manor Farm for the day! It's super easy to get to as it's situated inside River Hamble Country Park 🏞️ From a farmhouse and wartime cottage to amazing children play areas, cottage gardens and lots of animals it's a great day out. Have you visited Manor Farm recently? We'll be visiting...
sotonbloggers
41 likes • 3.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Workshops in Advance

Highly recommended for an engaging and educational experience. The WWII schoolroom is a standout.Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be exploring a working farm and country park, so comfy footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:

⏰ Arrive Early for Feedings

Catch the best animal feeding times and interactive sessions. :clock1:

🚗 Parking Convenience

Barnfield car park is close to amenities. Parking fee applies.Instagram :car:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for families! Animals, play areas, and interactive history make it a hit.Reddit :child:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Manor Farm for its friendly and engaging staff, who create truly memorable experiences, especially during the interactive workshops like the WWII schoolroom. The farm is clean, well-maintained, and offers a good balance of animal encounters, historical exploration, and play facilities, making it a great day out for families and educational groups.

"We went to the farm for a workshop and thought the staff did a fantastic job! One of our favourite workshops. (we have done many!) We found the staff very welcoming and they made the experience really interesting and entertaining. The children loved feeding the animals, making rag rugs, cracking codes and experiencing a WW2 classroom. We enjoyed playing in the soft play afterwards as well as exploring the rest of the farm. Thank you for a lovely day Manor Farm."

Marie “Marie Bee” Wheeldon

"We had an absolute amazing time. We came along to a home education 1940’s experience. One of the stand out lesson was the 1940’s school. The acting teacher was amazing and really made it feel like a school from these times. Thank you all for the great experience"

James Wheeldon

"Super friendly staff. Very clean. Kids had a lot for fun. Largish site but not overwhelming big. About 4-6 hrs
Free parking"

Chelle&Dan McCabe

What People Like

Engaging and friendly staff
Interactive historical workshops
Variety of farm animals

What People Dislike

Parking fees can add up

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Manor Farm is located within River Hamble Country Park. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available at Barnfield car park.Instagram Public transport options may vary, so it's advisable to check local bus routes. The park is situated in the SO31 1BH postcode area.Instagram

Yes, there is parking available at Barnfield car park, which is conveniently located near the cafe and play area. Parking fees apply, with visitors reporting around £7 for several hours.Instagram

Yes, the River Hamble is popular for watersports. Kayaking and paddleboarding are enjoyed from nearby access points like Shore Road, Swanwick, and you can paddle past Manor Farm Country Park.Instagram

Absolutely! River Hamble Country Park offers beautiful rural walks. Manor Farm itself is a 'largish site but not overwhelming big,' perfect for exploring on foot.Reddit

The postcode for River Hamble Country Park, where Manor Farm is located, is SO31 1BH.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific admission prices aren't detailed in the provided content, reviews mention free parking.Reddit It's best to check the official Manor Farm website for the most current ticket information and any associated entry fees.

It's highly recommended to book workshops in advance, as they are very popular and offer a standout experience, especially the WWII schoolroom.Reddit For general entry, it's advisable to check their website for any booking requirements.

Opening hours can vary seasonally. Visitors typically spend 4-6 hours at the farm.Reddit It's recommended to check the official Manor Farm Country Park website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.

Yes, Manor Farm hosts various workshops, including highly praised home education experiences like the 1940s school day.Reddit These are often themed and provide immersive historical and educational activities.

Yes, there is a cafe located near the Barnfield car park and play area, making it convenient for refreshments during your visit.Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of traditional farm animals, with many reviewers noting the pleasure of seeing different animals, including those with their young.Reddit

The WWII schoolroom is a highlight, with costumed actors creating an authentic and entertaining 1940s classroom. Parents and children alike find it hilarious and educational, with excellent characterisation.Reddit

Yes, there is a children's play area, and a 'play barn' which has been a significant enhancement to the park, offering a fun space for kids.Reddit

Visitors typically spend about 4-6 hours at Manor Farm to fully enjoy the animals, historical buildings, workshops, and play areas.Reddit

Beyond the working farm, you can explore a 13th-century church, a 19th-century farmhouse, and a wartime cottage, offering a rich historical perspective.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture charming shots of farm animals, the historic farmhouse and gardens, and the unique WWII schoolroom setting. The surrounding River Hamble also offers scenic views.Instagram

Yes, you are welcome to take photos of the animals. Interacting with them during feeding times can lead to some great candid shots.Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and staff, especially during workshops or demonstrations.

Lighting will vary depending on the time of day and weather. Mornings can offer softer light, while midday can be harsher. The indoor historical settings will have their own ambient lighting.

Drone usage is typically restricted in country parks and historical sites to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check the park's specific regulations regarding drones.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Manor Farm is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive animal feeding and petting are always a hit, and the play barn and play areas offer plenty of fun.Reddit Don't miss the WWII schoolroom experience; it's surprisingly entertaining for all ages and highly educational.Reddit Plan for a good 4-6 hours to explore everything without rushing. Comfortable shoes are a must for little explorers!

📚 Home Educators & School Groups

Manor Farm is exceptionally well-regarded for its educational offerings. The home education 1940s experience, particularly the WWII schoolroom, receives rave reviews for its immersive and engaging approach.Reddit The staff are praised for being creative, warm, and understanding of group needs.Reddit The well-paced workshops make it an ideal venue for a day of learning and fun.

🚶‍♀️ Nature & History Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate history and nature, Manor Farm offers a rich experience. Explore the historic farmhouse, 13th-century church, and wartime cottage.Reddit Combine your visit with rural walks through River Hamble Country Park or enjoy the scenic beauty of the river itself, perhaps even spotting wildlife from a kayak.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Immersive Historical Experiences

Manor Farm Country Park excels in bringing history to life. The WWII schoolroom is a standout, with costumed actors creating an incredibly authentic and entertaining experience that has parents in stitches.Reddit Reviewers consistently praise the 'excellent strict school teacher characterisation' and the immersive nature of the lesson.Reddit Beyond the schoolroom, visitors can explore a 13th-century church, a 19th-century farmhouse, and a wartime cottage, all maintained to offer a genuine glimpse into different eras of rural life.

These historical elements are not just static displays; they are part of the fabric of the farm. The kitchen garden is also noted as being beautiful.Reddit For home education groups and schools, these workshops are highly recommended for their educational value and engaging delivery by the staff, who are described as 'engaging, creative, warm and understanding'.Reddit The play barn is also a recent enhancement that adds to the overall visitor experience, providing a fun space for children.Reddit

Whether you're interested in wartime history, traditional farming practices, or simply a step back in time, Manor Farm offers a rich and varied historical exploration. The combination of interactive elements and preserved buildings makes it a compelling destination for those seeking an educational and entertaining day out.

Family Fun and Animal Encounters

Manor Farm Country Park is a haven for families, offering a delightful mix of animal interactions and engaging activities. The traditional working farm allows children (and adults!) to get up close with a variety of animals, including opportunities for petting and feeding.Reddit Reviewers highlight the joy of seeing many different animals, some with their young, making for a heartwarming experience.

The park features amazing children's play areas and a play barn, which has been a significant enhancement and is a real hit with younger visitors.Reddit This provides ample space for kids to burn off energy and have fun. The overall site is described as 'largish but not overwhelming big,' making it manageable for families to explore without feeling too exhausted.Reddit

Beyond the animals and play facilities, the farm's historical aspects, like the WWII schoolroom, also offer educational entertainment that can captivate children. The friendly staff contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a positive experience for families looking for a day out filled with fun, learning, and memorable animal encounters.

Exploring the River Hamble

While Manor Farm itself is a central attraction, its location within River Hamble Country Park opens up opportunities for enjoying the natural surroundings. The River Hamble is a picturesque waterway popular for various watersports. Visitors have been seen enjoying peaceful paddles on kayaks, with sightings of seals adding a touch of wildlife magic.Instagram

Access points like Shore Road in Swanwick allow for launching kayaks and paddleboards, with routes extending past Manor Farm Country Park.Instagram This offers a unique perspective of the park and the surrounding estuary landscape. The country park itself provides space for rural walks, allowing visitors to combine their farm visit with a refreshing stroll along the riverbanks or through the park's green spaces.

For those who enjoy the outdoors and water activities, incorporating a paddle or a walk along the River Hamble can significantly enhance a visit to Manor Farm, offering a blend of agricultural heritage and natural beauty.

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