Fancy’s Farm is located on the Isle of Portland and this family friendly community farm offers free entry however all donations are hugely appreciated for the upkeep of the farm and animal feed.

You’ll find free parking near the entrance and as you go in you’ll be greeted by a mob of wallabies and whilst we’re not certain, we’re pretty sure we saw a baby snuggled in a pouch.

We went indoors first to have a look around and to use the toilet.  We found a lovely play room with some toys, books and chalkboard plus seating for the café when open.

Some of the animals are rescues for various reasons but they are all very friendly and love attention.  I was pleased I remembered to get lots of change for food because the sheep were very cheeky and the second you were near them with a cup they were very excited.  It took a while for my daughter to feel brave enough to feed them but once she realised they were gentle she found her confidence.  We went back to the main building for more cups numerous times and tried to remember which one’s we’d already fed and we made sure to save a cup for the goats.

The sea views are just incredible and while we were feeding the animals the boys went off for a walk around.  We also found 2 beautiful horses, ducks, geese, chickens and pigs, plus a small play area which is suitable for younger children.

The site is mostly within an area of SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and has many rare plants and native wildlife.  I’d definitely recommend a visit if you’re in the area and if you’re not feeding the animals then please do leave them a donation so they can continue looking after the animals and opening to the public.

To keep up to date with news, please visit the Fancy’s Farm Facebook page.

Good to know:

• Animal feed for the sheep and goats is £1 per cup.

• Open days may vary out of season and therefore it is best to check the farm is open before visiting.

• The Café offers drinks and is open during busier periods.

• Free parking can be found at the entrance to the farm.

• The farm is mostly pushchair friendly.

• Toilets are located in the main building.

• Fancy’s Farm run occasional special events and camping.  Details will be shared on their socials.

Nearby you will also find the High Angle Battery which is a very interesting site to explore.  If you would like to read more, please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.

High Angle Battery is located on the Isle of Portland and we visited recently to explore the historic site.

Constructed in the 1890’s, the Victorian gun battery was built to help defend Portland Harbour against invasion.  Its main purpose was to fire shells at a high angle onto any attacking ships below.  With the high position and underground buildings, tunnels and concealed gun emplacements it made it almost invisible to enemy warships.

Despite its incredible design, advancements in ship speed meant the site quickly became disused and the battery went out of use after only 10 years, never firing a single shot in combat.

This site is now a Scheduled Monument and in 2022 it was placed on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.

High Angle Battery is located close to the New Ground and you will find free parking close by plus an information board which is worth reading. You will need to watch young children as there are high walkways on the upper gun level and broken glass in some of the tunnels.  Our children loved exploring and went in and out of the many ‘ghost tunnels’ and rooms.

While you are there, I’d recommend walking over to the Verne Citadel to marvel at the stunning coastal views and pop into Fancy’s Farm to feed the animals.

If you are driving and heading towards the Height Hotel on the New Ground road then keep your eyes on the right and look for a low stone circular wall.  Within this circle you will find some super cool dinosaur footprints which are preserved in slabs of limestone.

You can also go and visit Tout Quarry Sculpture Park where there are estimated to be over 70 sculptures to discover in the abandoned stone quarry.  To read more about Tout Quarry Sculpture Park, please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.

All activities mentioned are free and makes for a great day out if you pack a picnic.

If you are looking to stay on the Isle of Portland for a few days then I can thoroughly recommend The Penn Estate.  If you would like to read about our recent break away from home then please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.