We’ve always wanted to go to the Lambing Weekend at Kingston Maurward Animal Park and Gardens but have never been able to make it until this year.

The forecast was looking good so we got there well before lunchtime and I knew straight away it would be a hit with our son as we parked the car and a John Deere tractor and trailer pulled up next to us.  Not only were the tractor trailer rides running all day taking people from the car parks up to the animals but you also got a fantastic tour of the grounds on the way back to the car park.  Oh, and did I mention it was FREE, bonus!



Entrance into the Animal Park and Gardens is very reasonable at £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for children and under 3’s are free.  Family and OAP prices are available too. 

Before going in we noticed a few barns with families walking around so we headed off to see the bouncing little lambs and oh my gosh they are incredibly cute.  The kids loved watching them jump up on their Mummies back while they were having a rest or having a nuzzle on her ear.



Outside the barns you’ll see signposts for the Forge which is worth a visit.  It was really fascinating watching the blacksmiths at work and Sam carried his piece of ‘Dragon Poo’ around all day!

To escape the drizzle back outside we headed for the entrance to the Animal Park and it was lovely to see so many happy families inside enjoying themselves.  After grabbing a hot drink our boy immediately headed for the tractors which the children could sit on and from there he bolted for the play area.



I wished we hadn’t taken sandwiches today as the BBQ food being served looked and smelt very good plus the prices started from only £3.50.  If you need a drink or snack while you’re there then they sell them in the Marquee where the BBQ was and there’s also a lovely Café now next to where the toilets and wash basins are near the entrance.  You can also buy drinks and snacks from the entrance and gift shop however this was very busy today so you’d be better off heading to the Café.

After a brief downpour and a change into wellies we managed to get around to see some of the animals and bought some food to feed the sheep and goats.  I desperately wanted Sam to go on a donkey ride but he said no and just wanted to jump in muddy puddles instead.



For the rest of the afternoon we took a stroll around the beautiful gardens, bounced on the castle, watched the bird of prey display, ferret racing and rabbit fishing before getting back on the tractor for our tour of the grounds.

Good to know…

There’s plenty of hand washing stations but a pack of baby wipes in your bag will also be useful.

Signs are there to remind pregnant women to not enter the lambing sheds as they may potentially be at risk of certain diseases.

The park is pushchair friendly and there are baby change facilities in the toilets.

The staff will happily provide some boiling water should you need to warm a bottle for your baby.

Other activities we saw included crafts, face painting and little landrover rides.  Please note some of these activities including the donkey rides charge a small fee.  

Don't feel you have to get on the tractor ride if you don't fancy it or the queue is long, you will only be a couple of minutes walk from the entrance and you could always jump on the tractor at a quiter time on the day.

If you can’t get to the Lambing Weekend then the next big event at Kingston Maurward will be the Easter Weekend and again they have tons of fun activities planned plus an Easter Egg Hunt.  The Gardens and Animal Park are also open daily (excluding a short period at the end of the year).  For full opening times, events, locations and prices please visit the Website.

Thanks to everyone at Kingston Mauward for a lovely day with the family today, the children were fast asleep before we got out of the grounds (actually our baby nodded off on the tractor) but they had a great time running around playing and we look forward to coming back again soon.

Love Dorsetmums
Xxxx

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