ONE thing you don't expect to see in the dusty country lanes of Downholland is llamas - but that is just what you will see on the way into Farmer Ted's Farm Park.
This is a working farm which has been partly converted into a wonderland for the younger members of the family.
On arrival, we received a list of times for special activities, and saw we had half an hour or so to wait before the first. But there was plenty to fill in the time: Farmer Ted's offers a large range of fun activities, mainly aimed at ages three to eight years old.
There is a large indoor sand pit, a straw mountain complete with slides and tunnels, a pedal tractor park and an adventure playground.
The children made a beeline for the straw mountain and sand pit, allowing us to sample some homemade cake. Refreshments also included hot dogs made with sausages from the farm's own shop, which is open on the site for purchasing the local produce.
Then it was time for all the special animal activities. We petted guinea pigs and rabbits, watched a milking demonstration, bottle-fed the baby goats, and groomed the ponies.
Our four-year-old was thrilled by all of this, and especially loved the baby goats and two-week-old piglets. Even our 18-month-old was fascinated, and was brave enough to pet Doris the cow.
Tractor rides around the farmare also available, giving the children the chance to see the pigs get fed close-up, and guess which one is due to have her piglets next! The tractor also passes by the sheep - with baby lambs due in December - and of course the famous llamas.
Farmer Ted's is a wonderful day out for any young child who loves animals, and very entertaining for mums and dads too. In the near future, there will also be a playbarn, a cafe and a party room for that special birthday treat - we've already got ours planned!
Opening times: Today until Sunday, November 2 - open every day, 10am-5pm. After that, open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm. From late November, the farm is due to operate seven days a week when the main play barn opens.
