Over in the Cheshire corner, Blaze Farm in Wildboarclough is one of our favourite days out with young kids in the Peak District. Meet farm animals, treat yourselves to their scrummy homemade ice-cream in the tearooms, enjoy the short Blaze Farm nature walk to take in those stunning Peak District views, and let the kids go wild on the tunnel slide out the back. And if you’re visiting the Peak District at Easter, you will be able to visit the lambing shed and witness ewes giving birth to their lambs!
Plus, it’s totally free to visit! Although entry to the lambing shed in April is £5 per person for 2022.
And did you know there’s a ceramic studio at Blaze Farm too? This runs as a separate business to Blaze Farm, but a visit to The Potty Sheep is an absolute must for craft kids, and a great option for a rainy day.
Meet the farm animals
On our most recent visit there were baby goats in the animal shed! Also expect to see donkeys, pigs (who always seem to be snoring away), ponies and cows. Down by the lake there are also ducks and geese to feed. And during the winter months you can have a chat with the cows in the cow shed.
Lambing Season
Lambing season takes over Blaze Farm during April, and visitors are invited into the lambing shed to watch lambs being born. You also get the chance to hold one of the lambs!
Please note that no feeding of lambs is allowed, but if you are calm and patient you will be able to cuddle one (wear a disposable apron and wash your hand thoroughly afterwards). Strictly no dogs are allowed and it’s recommended that pregnant ladies don’t visit the lambing shed.
For this Easter in the Peak District, the lambing shed at Blaze Farm is open Saturday 2nd April to Monday 18th April. Closed on Monday 4th, Tuesday 5th, Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th.
Tickets are £5 per person (under 2’s are free) and 1-hour slots can be purchased online here. Further information can be found here on the Blaze Farm website.
The Nature Walks
There are two signposted nature walks across the land surrounding Blaze Farm. The shorter one is only 1 km and the perfect Peak District walk for toddlers.
Click here for the walking guide for the Blaze Farm short nature trail.
Follow the footpath that leads alongside the lambing shed and follow the signs across the meadows and into the woodland. Once you’re in the woodland, there are carved woodland animals and a den to explore.
The Tea Room and ice-cream
The main reason anyone really comes to Blaze Farm is for the homemade ice-cream! It really is one of the best tasting ice-cream in the Peak District! Enjoy in a cone or buy a tub to take home for later. There are so many flavours to try; from standard vanilla and chocolate, to Mandarin and Turkish Delight, and at Christmas you can try Christmas Pudding and Irish Cream!
You can also order delicious home made lunches, including sandwiches, paninis, soups, jacket potatoes, traditional ploughmans, and mouth-wateringly good deserts. They also do one of the best hot chocolates in the Peak District.
Enjoy your food in the tea room at the back with lovely views overlooking the hills. Or cosy up in the stable area.
Play area
Outside the tea rooms is a courtyard area with picnic benches (although it is kindly requested not to bring your own food to eat here).
Here you’ll find a tube slide to play on as well as a big tractor to climb on and pretend drive.
The Potty Sheep
There is also a ceramics studio on site. Kids (and parents) can get crafty and paint a masterpiece on mugs, plates, bowls, and tiles. Or for parents visiting with babies, perhaps do a handprint or footprint on a plate! This is a perfect rainy day activity.
The Potty Sheep is open Wednesday to Sunday. You need to pre-book your slot (either 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm). Their website isn’t yet live. So instead, to pre-book your slot you need to either message them via Instagram or Facebook.
Click here for more information on visiting The Potty Sheep.
Blaze Farm video
Check out this video from We are the Bakers on YouTube:
Nearby walks in the area include Three Shires Head (6.2km) and Shutlingsloe (2.2km).
If you are on the Matlock side of the Peak District, you may want to check out Matlock Meadows. It’s a similar set up to Blaze Farm, but has a larger outdoor and indoor play area.
You may also like to read:
Top things to do and family days out in the Peak District
Best short family walks in the Peak District
Best kid friendly cafes and pubs with a playground in the Peak District