A couple of weeks ago we visited the Bluestone Resort in Pembrokeshire and whilst we were there, had a day out at an amazing tourist attraction called Folly Farm.
It’s located close to Tenby so brilliantly close to Bluestone and a must-see if you’re ever down in that neck of the woods.
Whilst it’s name would suggest it’s simply a ‘farm’ there are so many things to do there. It’s a zoo, a fun-fair, a soft play centre, an adventure playground… all rolled into one!
As we went during term-time, it was fairly quiet although there were quite a few children there on school outings, which was lovely to see. Folly Farm is really geared up to learning and even though it’s an amazingly fun day out, you can see how much emphasis has been put on education. Throughout the park there are clever little touches — a rangers ‘hideout’ at the lion enclosure or a ‘Bug Hotel’ — showing how we can protect insects in our own gardens at home.
The park is split into sections and, as it was such a beautiful day, we started off with the outdoor activities. We went to…
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The Zoo
There were so many different animals to see! Some were hiding inside, which was a shame, so we didn’t get to see them but everyone needs a bit of peace and quiet sometimes. You can’t blame the animals for wanting to get out of the spotlight occasionally.
Next we had a wander around the park — past the big wheel and a go-kart track — with my tiny boys making a beeline for the ‘Digger’ enclosure.
Brilliantly simple, it was a mini construction site that had been set up for little ones to play on that my two little kiddos thought was heaven on earth! They loved pretending to ‘drive’ the diggers and we spent quite a while here, watching them play.
And quite a while trying to drag them away too!
The Park
After finally managing to drag my little builders off the construction site, we had a walk around the rest of the park stopping off at a vintage style funfair — so many things to see — it was a real assault on the senses.
A lovely old carousel going round, the smell of candy floss in the air and the noise of the side-stalls and games gave a real carnival atmosphere.
The Folly Farm Funfair
Finally we stopped off at the farm, to see the animals.
This was definitely a highlight for the Twinkles! As the zoo creatures were behind glass — or bars — I’m not entirely sure they really knew what they were looking at, half the time. They’ve seen big animals in their ‘Dear Zoo‘ book — which is still a firm favourite — but this was the first time they’d seen wild animals in real life.
The farm animals were far more accessible and this made them much more interesting to my little explorers. They patted the lambs and the goats and spent a lot of time looking at the turkeys (so bizarre when you see them up close — they almost look like characters from Dr Who)! Another plus point is that the farm — and funfair — are in huge barns so, if it was raining, it wouldn’t totally ruin your visit. We were lucky enough that the weather was glorious on the day that we went; the first proper ‘blue-sky’ day of the spring.
The Farm
The boys spent the last quarter of an hour in the farm barn graffitiing a huge chalk-board on the wall; made me think we could do with one of these at home! Perhaps when they’re a little older, I’ll repaint one of their bedroom walls with blackboard paint.
And then, just like that, it was time to go.
We spent a full — and very fun — day at Folly Farm. If you’re down in Pembrokeshire for any length of time, I would totally recommend taking a day out and going for a visit. So much to do, for kids of all ages. No wonder they’ve just won Best Day Out In Wales for 2015. Richly deserved — I can absolutely see why!
We were given complimentary passes to Folly Farm in return for an honest review — all photos, thoughts and words are my own.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
Beautiful photos, Caro. We went to Folly Farm this time last year and had the most wonderful day. It was a bit overcast so the park was mostly empty. The boys ran riot. There’s so much to see and do there. We loved it.
Thanks Rachel. It’s a fab place isn’t it? So glad we went — the boys had the best day! They thought the ‘digger enclosure’ was heaven on earth! ;)
Folly farm looks amazing Caro, and your photos are beautiful. My two boys have a giant chalk board on their walls, they love it, Jack uses his for his dart board and Joe for drawing xx
It was a brilliant day out Sarah! Such a well thought out place — lots to do and see — and would have been great on a rainy day too. Although I’m so glad we were treated to some sunshine and blue sky! :)
your photos are beautiful again. We loved Folly Farm when we went too however we had driving rain and literally couldn’t see anything!
Thanks Karen! Aaah such a shame it was raining when you went :( Although there is so much to do indoors there, as well, isn’t there? I’m looking forward to going again! :)
Fabulous photos! What a beautiful day out (and that blue sky is just wonderful!). It looks like an amazing place to visit x #PoCoLo
PS. LOVE your header :)
Thanks so much Sara — it was fabulous — I think the blue sky made it, if I’m totally honest ;) Thanks so much for your comment re my header! Thought I’d put my design skills to good use for myself — rather than others — for once! :) x
ah this is the second post I’ve seen from Folly Farm today, it looks so much fun. I think I could spend a week there and not get bored, so much I love from the animals to the play things. I really want one of those large sand pits with diggers in it, I know it would be popular here. Wonderful photos from a very happy day. thank you for sharing with me on Country Kids.
This looks fab. Have already started nagging hubby about going there when we visit Bluestone. Freyja would LOVE the meerkats!
Gorgeous photos!!
Aaah it was a BRILLIANT day out Karen! You’d love it — and so would Freyja! ;)
Wow! This place looks amazing and what wonderful photos too. Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x
Thanks so much Victoria! It was really fabulous! Such a great day out.
Folly farm is so amazing. We took JB there last year, (just before the lions were introduced). We are going there again this summer for lots more fun.
Incredible isn’t it? I wish I lived closer! I’d take the boys all the time! They were obsessed with those diggers! :)
gorgeous photo’s such a great day out isn’t it! x
Aaah it was such a great day! The boys were in their element! X
Ahhh loved this,I grew up right nearby here
Fab day out :)
Aaah it was SUCH a fab day Hannah!! Lucky you, growing up so close!! It’s such a fun place isn’t it? Thanks for leaving a comment :) x