If you are holidaying with children under eight, Farmer Palmer’s is about to become your favorite place in Dorset.
Unlike massive theme parks where little ones are restricted from the best rides, every single inch of this park was built with young children in mind. Whether they are tearing around the pedal go-kart track, braving the Straw Mountain slides, or cuddling a guinea pig in the animal barn, it is a safe, wholesome, and incredibly well-staffed environment where kids can truly run free.
Located just off the A35, the farm is very easy to find with great parking.
-
By Car: Drive through Poole and onto the A35 towards Dorchester. The park is very clearly marked with brown tourist signs near the Bakers Arms roundabout. There is a large, free car park with plenty of space for family SUVs and disabled parking right by the entrance.
-
By Bus: The MoreBus Route 40 (running between Poole and Swanage) drops you right at the end of the farm’s driveway—and they even offer a discount on entry if you show your bus ticket!
The farm alters its timetable seasonally, but there is always a full day of activities.
-
Rainy Days: With the massive Little Farmer’s Fun Barn, the Wendy House Village, and the indoor animal feeding areas, it is a brilliant escape from bad weather.
-
Sunny Days: Don’t forget a towel! In the summer, the outdoor Splash Zone is fully operational, alongside the woodland walks and outdoor go-karts.
-
Daily Timetable: Try to arrive for opening. The farm runs a strict, action-packed half-hourly timetable of events (like cow milking and pony grooming) that you won’t want to miss.
Farmer Palmer’s is widely celebrated by parents for its stress-free accessibility.
-
Pushchairs & Wheelchairs: The site is relatively compact and almost entirely flat. Paths are smoothly paved or tightly compacted gravel, making it a breeze for buggies and wheelchairs.
-
Facilities: They genuinely understand families. You will find an abundance of high chairs, microwaves for heating baby food, low sinks in the toilets, and excellent baby-changing facilities.
-
Inclusivity: The staff are highly trained in disability awareness, and they even offer free manual wheelchairs to borrow (on a first-come, first-served basis).
The farm park requires visitors to pre-book their tickets online.
-
Standard Hours: Typically open daily from 9:30 AM. Closing times range from 3:00 PM in the winter to 5:00 PM during the Dorset school holidays.
-
Booking: All visits must be pre-booked online via their website to manage capacity and ensure the park never feels overcrowded. (Walk-ins are usually charged an extra fee, if permitted at all).
Perfect for
Map Directions
A Jam-Packed Animal Timetable
The heart of Farmer Palmer’s is the animals. Rather than just walking past enclosures, children are actively encouraged to get involved. The park runs a brilliant timetable of events every half hour. Your little ones can hand-feed the sheep and goats in the Big Barn, gently hold a guinea pig, watch a live cow-milking demonstration, and even cheer on their favorite during the hilarious daily Pig and Goat Racing!
Indoor and Outdoor Play
This is a true “whatever the weather” attraction. Outside, kids can tackle the bumpy (and highly entertaining) Tractor Trailer ride, dig in the sand, or brave the slides of Straw Mountain. If the heavens open, head straight into the Little Farmer’s Fun Barn. It features a massive, multi-level soft play area to tire them out, alongside a charming Wendy House Village where toddlers can let their imaginations run wild.
The World of Dinosaur Roar
As if farm animals weren’t enough, the park has teamed up with The Natural History Museum to create the World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail. Tucked away in a peaceful woodland walk alongside the river, children can hunt for engaging dinosaur displays and interactive activities. It’s a brilliant way to break up the day and enjoy some fresh air away from the main play zones.
The Hen House Restaurant
You don’t need to pack a picnic (although you are welcome to use their outdoor benches if you do). The Hen House Restaurant is famous for serving genuinely good, home-cooked food. Rather than standard fast food, you’ll find freshly prepared lasagnes, jacket potatoes, and children’s picnic boxes. They cater excellently to dietary requirements, have a fantastic array of homemade cakes for the adults, and provide everything a parent could need to make mealtime stress-free.
