Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Latest Reviews
We visited on Saturday 23rd May. We spent a leisurely few hours there. The farmyard tour was interesting and very informative. The staff are friendly and knowledgable. The place has been very well looked after. The cafe was excellent.
I returned the following weekend on one of the courses (making a Rustic Stool) offered at the farm. Had a thoroughly enjoyable day again.
I returned the following weekend on one of the courses (making a Rustic Stool) offered at the farm. Had a thoroughly enjoyable day again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We took our children to Acton Scott nearly 40 years ago and as we were on holiday in the area, we decided to go back. The place is full of old world charm and the animals were a delight to see.
The 'Bailiff' who took us on a walking tour round the farmyard was an excellent chap, full of enthusiasm and made it very interesting. We watched a wheelwright and a blacksmith at work and they were great too. We were able to feed some young lambs, one of which was a practiced escape artist!
We must also say a word about the restaurant in the old School House. The food was excellent - home cooking style - and not overly expensive.
All staff we met were charming, helpful and chatty, which all made for a good experience.
The 'Bailiff' who took us on a walking tour round the farmyard was an excellent chap, full of enthusiasm and made it very interesting. We watched a wheelwright and a blacksmith at work and they were great too. We were able to feed some young lambs, one of which was a practiced escape artist!
We must also say a word about the restaurant in the old School House. The food was excellent - home cooking style - and not overly expensive.
All staff we met were charming, helpful and chatty, which all made for a good experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
What a fantastic day we had at Acton Scott! We arrived in the morning which meant we missed the bank holiday crowds who arrived later in the day. The site is fascinating with plenty to look at. Unfortunately we managed to miss most of the demonstrations that went on (honey collecting, wheel making and so on) but we did see the shire horse working on an area of ploughed land. The man working them was happy to stop and chat extensively about the work, the horses and was most interesting. All those working there were both knowledgeable and friendly.
There were plenty of young animals to see thanks to it being springtime, which attracted many families with children. There is plenty of space for children to enjoy themselves and also for picnics. We had lunch in the cafe which was pleasant. It is the former schoolhouse and contains lots of interesting information about what school life would have been like then.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will most certainly return again - probably many more times!
There were plenty of young animals to see thanks to it being springtime, which attracted many families with children. There is plenty of space for children to enjoy themselves and also for picnics. We had lunch in the cafe which was pleasant. It is the former schoolhouse and contains lots of interesting information about what school life would have been like then.
We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will most certainly return again - probably many more times!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
When we visited, a Monday afternoon, we were the only people there for most of our visit. (Apparently Monday's are usually quiet). We watched a donkey pumping water from the well, had a horse shoe made for us by a very friendly and informative farrier. We also bottle fed the lambs. The staff were friendly and there was a fair bit to see - as well as the animals. The farm is in a lovely setting and is good for a relaxed walk with interesting things to see and hear about. I guess it might have felt more lively had there been more people around, but the peace and quiet suited us and it was a lovely way to spend a couple of sunny hours. The ginger cake was very tasty too!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nice for an hour or two walk around in the sunshine, but quite expensive for the privilege. Apart from a few farm animals, there really isn't much more to see. There was a very friendly guy making a bottle opener out of iron and a lady baking scones in the kitchen who were both a credit to the place, but I didn't see anything else going on.
I wouldn't go again, but it was nice to wander around in the sun.
I wouldn't go again, but it was nice to wander around in the sun.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As a mixed group of 4 adults and 2 young kids, we all had different ideas for a good day out. And we were all very happy with this choice. The children had fun meeting and handling the animals, and the history and staff were what the adults were looking for. It is a very hands-on place with lots to see and people who can't wait to show you everything. I expect as the year turns there are different things to see and I for one plan to re-visit and see another side of this unique and wonderful place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We'd been looking forward to visiting this farm ever since watching the Victorian Farm series on TV.
Just a couple of miles off the main road, it's easy to find, but still a haven of peace in the countryside.
It isn't as big as some similar places (so a half-day is plenty to see it all) and if you know the TV series, then you won't see everything featured on that (e.g. the cottage) but the rural location is peaceful and pretty and there are several walks available if you want to go beyond the farm itself.
There is a good range of animals and several working demonstrations, so all in all it's still worth a visit.
Just a couple of miles off the main road, it's easy to find, but still a haven of peace in the countryside.
It isn't as big as some similar places (so a half-day is plenty to see it all) and if you know the TV series, then you won't see everything featured on that (e.g. the cottage) but the rural location is peaceful and pretty and there are several walks available if you want to go beyond the farm itself.
There is a good range of animals and several working demonstrations, so all in all it's still worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We. Spent a sunny morning at the farm it was lovely to see all the baby animals the lambs were bought out for the children to feed.We watched the shirehorses working in the field.It was as the old days.A nice tea room and garden.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I visited as a child and always wanted to take my own children there. We visited on a chilly damp Spring day. It is fascinating and the staff are lovely and chatty and knowledgeable. The loos are beautiful! We saw tons of baby animals, spent ages admiring the two shirehorses and the donkey. The children were fascinated and we had a great time too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Nothing to dislike -you visit a site like this because it appeals to you. This site provided what it is expected to,and does it very well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A truly awesome experience, fascinating insight into the past and a great family day out. I enjoyed looking at the old farming equipment and the shepherd huts. The shop is stacked with great souvenirs and gifts but set aside a few hours to enjoy the experience that Acton Scott has to offer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
During a large group cottage holiday, some of us went along to this farm – we were 5 relatives ranging from 8 years old up to 77 years. A good time had by all and we will return if ever back in the area – both the kids and the adults!
For the cost (£8 adults, £5 kids) you really do get to see and learn a lot. You can wander round at your own pace with no set timescale, you can walk round as many times as you like returning to areas of interest – ideal for those with both a day to fill, or just a couple of hourse. It’s so refreshing to see a farm in action without the modern technologies. The animals all looked happy and healthy, not a afraid of people, with many information points and learning tools. Seeing the old processes still in force was rather exciting!!! Even for someone with no major interest in farms or animals this is a very good day out and way to spend a relaxing but interesting afternoon. The staff were more than happy to answer any questions as well.
I would recommend taking a picnic as the little café on site was rather expensive. A picnic is always more enjoyable anyway!
For the cost (£8 adults, £5 kids) you really do get to see and learn a lot. You can wander round at your own pace with no set timescale, you can walk round as many times as you like returning to areas of interest – ideal for those with both a day to fill, or just a couple of hourse. It’s so refreshing to see a farm in action without the modern technologies. The animals all looked happy and healthy, not a afraid of people, with many information points and learning tools. Seeing the old processes still in force was rather exciting!!! Even for someone with no major interest in farms or animals this is a very good day out and way to spend a relaxing but interesting afternoon. The staff were more than happy to answer any questions as well.
I would recommend taking a picnic as the little café on site was rather expensive. A picnic is always more enjoyable anyway!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We went in October half term and were pleased to see some activities for the children to join in. They were fascinated by the bread making and enjoyed sitting in the school room. They then helped the farrier to make a horseshoe which they got to take home. The tour of the grounds was very educational and everyone who worked there was friendly and helpful. Watching the farriers shoe the horses was great. If there are no demonstrations happening, it won't take long to walk around the farm but the grounds are open. We didn't eat at the cafe but the food looked good and reasonably priced.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you are interested in farming methods and equipment from roughly 1870-1930 this is a great place to visit.
A very I formative guided tour of the farm yard. Wheel wrights working area. Horse gin powers machinery.
The old school, which was in use up to 1950s.
Good cafe.
Guides dressed in period costumes.
Flax making.
Heavy horses, plus a donkey, pigs, chickens, cows etc.
A good place to explore on your own after the tour.
A very I formative guided tour of the farm yard. Wheel wrights working area. Horse gin powers machinery.
The old school, which was in use up to 1950s.
Good cafe.
Guides dressed in period costumes.
Flax making.
Heavy horses, plus a donkey, pigs, chickens, cows etc.
A good place to explore on your own after the tour.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This historic farm offers a great insight into a farm life at the turn of the 19th century, with the daily demonstrations. A great day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I'm still trying to work out where they filmed the Victorian Farm here, they do not make much play of it which was okay, yes it was a mid week visit so nothing much was happening apart from the blacksmith who was making a gift for a family member. Lots of aged agricultural machinery with no details of what they were for, a sadly forgotten kitchen garden, a school that's a sweet tea room now a couple of fields with mangolds and barley in and some spell binding views but nothing that really pulls it altogether and makes you feel you've learnt about old farming ways and whys .Probably best with a school group, one to point out not sure I'd recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Spent the whole day looking around this attraction which has something for everyone. A really great day out. The butter making demonstration was really informative and interesting
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited on a sunny but fairly quiet day, which meant the children got a good go on the things they wanted to do. They each got a demo in the bodger’s workshop, and also helped the farrier keep his furnace going and were rewarded with a newly made horseshoe! There are a few other interesting items though it’s not an all-day experience by any means.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A great chance to experience farm life before mechanical aids arrived. Terms of the lease require they only use horse or human power.
On first arriving, we were rather disappointed. Quite a lot of interesting old farm equipment lying around, without labels. Arriving just after the farm opened, it was all very quiet.
But once we met the staff our feelings improved. They were all very friendly and keen to talk to us about life in the old days. By the end of the day, we felt we'd learnt a lot. We were also glad we had a smartphone to download additional information on subjects which really interested us.
Visiting on a Sunday it was quite quiet, but they put on several interesting demonstrations. Mid-week might be rather quieter, and without the demos, I'm not sure if we'd have found it so good.
We ate our own lunch so can't comment on the cafe. We had coffee and a drink there, service was very friendly; however they only served filter coffee, we much prefer espresso. We also noted cakes on open display, I do wish they'd keep them covered.
Toilets were excellent, but there's only one toilet block at the entrance, and a toilet in the cafe, plus a disabled toilet in the farmyard.
All in all, a very enjoyable day, and I reckon this is probably the best reconstruction of life in that time period we've seen.
My only complaint is the early closing time. Because we didn't have too far to travel, we had a full day there, and saw everything. But 4.30pm is just a bit early in my opinion.
On first arriving, we were rather disappointed. Quite a lot of interesting old farm equipment lying around, without labels. Arriving just after the farm opened, it was all very quiet.
But once we met the staff our feelings improved. They were all very friendly and keen to talk to us about life in the old days. By the end of the day, we felt we'd learnt a lot. We were also glad we had a smartphone to download additional information on subjects which really interested us.
Visiting on a Sunday it was quite quiet, but they put on several interesting demonstrations. Mid-week might be rather quieter, and without the demos, I'm not sure if we'd have found it so good.
We ate our own lunch so can't comment on the cafe. We had coffee and a drink there, service was very friendly; however they only served filter coffee, we much prefer espresso. We also noted cakes on open display, I do wish they'd keep them covered.
Toilets were excellent, but there's only one toilet block at the entrance, and a toilet in the cafe, plus a disabled toilet in the farmyard.
All in all, a very enjoyable day, and I reckon this is probably the best reconstruction of life in that time period we've seen.
My only complaint is the early closing time. Because we didn't have too far to travel, we had a full day there, and saw everything. But 4.30pm is just a bit early in my opinion.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was our second visit with our young kids and they really enjoyed it. We visited mid week on a nice sunny day - it was fairly quiet. Bring a picnic if you can - plenty of places to sit. There were the usual animals and exhibits to see. They could do with a couple more staff doing demonstrations, but nonetheless, it's an interesting and relaxing place to spend 2-3 hours.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We've been to Acton Scott twice this summer! We had friends up to stay and thought we'd have a nice day out and Acton Scott had everything for the kids, especially with the good weather. Fantastic place.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
The place was a fascinating walk through history.Brilliant place for children to explore the past through a living working farm, whilst getting close to the animals and enjoying the sights and smells of a real farm. We watched an iron rim being put on a cart wheel that had just been made. The small of the scorching wood and burning wood as they struggled to fit he iron rim was so evocative of times gone by. Really excellent day out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely attraction for those interested in historic rural life. The staff were unfailingly helpful and friendly and the displays were very interesting throughout. We had a delicious lunch in the school house cafe, accompanied by friendly free range chickens! We also enjoyed visiting the animals but were disappointed that there were no heavy horse shows on offer due to the wagoner being unavailable, as this was one of the main reasons we visited. However, overall it was a lovely, peaceful and tranquil place to visit and we would definitely recommend it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were both big fans of The Victorian Farm and were very much looking forward to our visit here. However, after experiencing Blists Hill last year we were somewhat disappointed. Even though it was the school holidays there was no-one (not that we could see) "populating" the place. My grandparents farmed in the 1920's though to 1960's and particularly disappointing was the Bailiffs Garden. Full of weeeds and very unloved, no self-respecting Bailiff would have ever let a garden go to seed like that. Normally we can spend all day in placed like these but left after just over an hour. Much better spend your money and get a full day out at Blists Hill.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Four adults and four children aged 2,6,7 and 9 had a fantastic day out. The children spun wool, fed lambs, held chicks, saw piglets, cows, sheep and many chickens and loved every minute.
We also watched shires Joe and Charlie ploughing and ridging and Dusty the donkey planting potatoes.
This truly is a wonderful place and really does allow you to step back in time and see Victorian working farm. I guess you need to be connected to farming or the countryside to fully appreciate how good this place is but it will appeal to everyone who is truly interested and takes the time to explore.
We also watched shires Joe and Charlie ploughing and ridging and Dusty the donkey planting potatoes.
This truly is a wonderful place and really does allow you to step back in time and see Victorian working farm. I guess you need to be connected to farming or the countryside to fully appreciate how good this place is but it will appeal to everyone who is truly interested and takes the time to explore.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
