Bocketts Farm Park - Leatherhead
Bocketts Farm Park
Young Street
Fetcham
Leatherhead
KT22 9BS
We went to Bocketts farm in January for the second time. The first time I was mostly carrying Oliver in a sling so he was only about 1 and wasn't quite old enough to explore all that was on offer. This time he was big enough and brave enough to do it all! This post is about a visit pre Covid so I can't comment on it more recently but according to the website its pretty much all open again now with distancing rules.
When we went in Jan I had forgotten how much is there! It's in Leatherhead, under half hours drive from Coulsdon and a nice drive through country lanes if you go through Headley and avoid the motorway. As you walk in to get your ticket there is a huge ride on section with various mini tractors, cars and bikes. Then a bunch of trampolines and a tractor you can sit in and pretend to drive. All hits with Oliver and his friend straight away. There is a little cafe in there and toilets. I didn't use the cafe as we took packed lunch to save pennies.
They give you a list of all the activities and just around the corner is the petting area. There are guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and other little furries in their homes, then at certain times they put out some animals for you to stroke.
They have all the usual farm animals, lots of goats, pigs, sheep and horses etc. We didn't see them all as some were out in the fields and we didn't get as far as walking the outer circuit of the farm this time. The kids were given an animal passport to collect stamps as they saw the animals. You can buy animal feed at the entrance for £1 (large bag) which we did and there are hand washing facilities in all the areas.
Pig racing was another activity, everyone gathered around waving the flag of their chosen pig and cheered them on as they ran the assault course to get the food at the other end. Pony rides were £2 extra which I thought was very good value especially as they took them off up a wooded track and back. This was Oliver's first pony ride and although he did not let go of the reins for a second, I think he really enjoyed it. The animal handlers were all very friendly talking to the kids as we went round.
The play areas outside are fantastic! There is so much to do, lots of variety. Outdoor trampolines and giant jumping pillows (although the pillows were closed that day as it was very wet). Big curly slides, wooden climbing frames, rope ladders, wobbly bridges etc. They had pedal go karts on a track for both adults and children, I did a lap with Oliver on my lap, it was hard work but fun! More play areas included tunnels, a pirate ship and a huge sandpit area with buckets and spades. There are little diggers that you can control for £1 although it was tricky for the little ones and we ended up doing it for them!
For lunchtime we sat in a little hut outside with picnic tables and had our packed lunches. There are loads of picnic tables around outside and also inside by the trampolines and cafe.
There is a large indoor soft play, which is usually the only thing I would avoid but we decided to see what it was like and I was pleasantly surprised. We were lucky anyway it was term time, wet and cold and so the farm was pretty much empty. God i'm going to miss those term time days out!!! The soft play was really contained and I felt I could see Oliver all the time, which is important to me. The best feature was the 4 person slide in the middle. We all had a go on that and it was awesome! The downside was walking up the steps carrying the mat, but it put a smile on everyone's faces. Leaving the soft play...not so fun, that is always the hard part. I did like that it is in a closed off room so you can choose to go there or plead ignorance. I hate it when soft play is right in your face as you arrive, once the kids see it its game over!
There were some activities we missed such as tractor rides and goat milking. It was good to see they kept running actvities in winter even when it was quiet. When we got home and Oliver showed Daddy the map we saw there is so much we didn't even get to do so definitely will be returning!
Ticket prices were ever so slightly cheaper being winter £11.95 (3 years +) £11.25 adult and Under 2s are free. Its not the cheapest day out if you have a big family but I thought for £23 for the two of us we had a really good day out.
Gift shop on exit...*rolls eyes* yes the day ended in a major tantrum (even after purchasing something) and having to drag Oliver to the car whilst muttering embarrassed thanks to the staff at the exit. Hey ho i'm getting used to that unfortunately.
Winter is always a great time to visit a farm. Its cold and muddy but as long as you are wrapped up and prepared it will be so much quieter, its one of our favourite things to do!
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