Fairytale Farm is a unique family-friendly attraction located in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside of England. It’s a place where children and adults alike can step into the world of beloved fairytales, reliving stories and characters from centuries of folklore. Whether it’s through the colorful play areas, enchanting animals, or interactive exhibits, Fairytale Farm offers a magical experience that’s ideal for anyone seeking to relive their childhood memories or introduce new generations to classic fairytales.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Fairytale Farm—its history, what it offers, how to plan your visit, and why it’s becoming one of the top attractions for families in the UK.
What is Fairytale Farm?
Fairytale Farm is an outdoor adventure park that blends traditional fairytale themes with nature-based fun. The park is designed to provide an immersive experience where children can engage with stories and characters from classic fairytales. However, what sets this farm apart is its inclusive and accessible features, catering to children with disabilities, and its emphasis on sensory experiences.
At its core, the farm offers an enchanting mix of attractions that transport visitors to a magical world. From play areas designed around famous fairytales to real-life farm animals that children can pet and interact with, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A Brief History of Fairytale Farm
Fairytale Farm was opened in 2013 by Nick and Jill Laister, a couple with a vision to create a family-friendly farm experience unlike any other. Inspired by their love of storytelling and a desire to offer something unique to the local community, they set out to build a place where children of all abilities could immerse themselves in the magic of classic fairytales.
Their dream became a reality when they transformed a 20-acre site in Southcombe, near Chipping Norton, into an imaginative space where families could explore, learn, and have fun. What began as a small project has grown over the years, with new attractions and upgrades continually making the farm a more exciting and inclusive place to visit.
The Attractions at Fairytale Farm
Fairytale Themed Play Areas
Fairytale Farm is divided into multiple themed zones, each representing different aspects of famous fairytales. Children can walk through storybook lands inspired by characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Cinderella. These themed play areas combine large sculptures, imaginative play structures, and interactive elements to create an immersive storytelling environment.
Jack and the Beanstalk: This section is designed with a giant beanstalk towering over a play area. Kids can climb, slide, and explore this fantastic world inspired by the classic tale.
The Three Little Pigs: A large wooden structure allows children to build their own houses out of bricks, straw, and sticks, just like the pigs in the story.
Cinderella’s Carriage: A life-sized carriage replica where visitors can take photos and live out their princess dreams.
Each play area is designed to encourage imaginative play, allowing kids to live the stories they’ve only read about or seen on screen.
Animal Encounters
One of the farm’s biggest draws is its collection of friendly animals. Fairytale Farm has a variety of farmyard animals such as goats, sheep, alpacas, ponies, and rabbits. Children can get up close with these animals, feeding them, petting them, and learning about farm life. The farm also has a special area where visitors can meet and interact with some more unusual creatures, including guinea pigs and ducks.
In addition to these interactions, Fairytale Farm provides educational opportunities where children can learn about animal care, welfare, and the importance of farming.
Sensory Gardens and Accessible Features
Fairytale Farm is known for being an inclusive space for children with special needs. The sensory garden is a particular highlight, designed with vibrant colors, textures, and sounds to stimulate the senses. It features plants that have different smells and textures, water features that make soothing sounds, and areas for tactile exploration.
The farm also has fully accessible pathways, sensory rooms, and interactive features that allow children with physical or developmental disabilities to enjoy the experience just like everyone else. Whether it’s through adapted play equipment or sensory-rich spaces, Fairytale Farm goes above and beyond to ensure it is an inclusive destination for all families.
Fairytale Village and Playhouses
Another fun attraction within the park is the Fairytale Village, a miniature town made up of whimsical playhouses and cottages. Each house represents a different fairytale and provides a space for imaginative play. Children can pretend to be characters from the stories, acting out their favorite parts or creating new adventures of their own.
Seasonal Events and Workshops
Throughout the year, Fairytale Farm hosts seasonal events that add to the magic of the experience. These may include Halloween-themed events, Christmas festivities, and Easter egg hunts. During these times, the park is transformed with extra decorations, themed activities, and special shows or performances.
Additionally, the farm holds workshops for children, such as craft-making, storytelling sessions, and educational talks. These workshops allow families to engage in hands-on activities and learn new skills, all while embracing the magic of the fairytale world.
Fairytale Farm for Everyone: A Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion
Fairytale Farm is not just about enchanting fairytales and animals; it also places a strong emphasis on accessibility. The park aims to be a space that is inclusive for children and families with special needs. Whether it’s through sensory rooms, adapted play equipment, or wheelchair-friendly paths, Fairytale Farm ensures that all children can experience the magic regardless of physical or developmental challenges.
There are also special events and quieter times when the farm is less crowded, ensuring that families with sensory sensitivities can enjoy the attraction in a more relaxed setting. The staff are trained to support visitors with special needs and ensure that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
How to Plan Your Visit to Fairytale Farm
Opening Hours and Admission
Fairytale Farm is typically open every day during the school holidays, with extended hours, and on weekends during term time. However, the exact hours may vary depending on the season, so it’s always best to check their official website for the latest information before planning your visit.
Admission prices vary, and there are often discounts available for families, group bookings, or annual passes. Children under 2 years old usually get free entry, while tickets for older children and adults are reasonably priced. The farm also offers family tickets, which can provide great value for larger groups.
Location and Directions
Fairytale Farm is located near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, easily accessible by car from cities like Oxford, Banbury, and even London. There is ample parking on-site, and the location is also accessible by public transport, with nearby bus routes and train stations.
For those traveling by car, the farm is situated just off the A44 road, and detailed directions can be found on the website.
Tips for Visiting
Dress for the weather: The park is mainly outdoors, so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Wellies and raincoats are recommended if you plan on visiting during the wetter months.
Bring a picnic: While there are food options available, the farm also has picnic areas where families can enjoy their own packed lunch. This is a great way to make the visit more affordable.
Pre-book tickets: It’s always a good idea to book tickets in advance, especially during peak times like school holidays and weekends, to avoid long queues and guarantee entry.
Check for special events: If you’re visiting during a holiday season, make sure to check out the special events on offer, as they can add even more fun to your visit.
FAQs
What is Fairytale Farm?
Fairytale Farm is a family-friendly, outdoor adventure park located in Oxfordshire, England. It is designed around classic fairytale themes, offering a range of interactive play areas, animal encounters, and sensory experiences. Visitors can explore themed zones inspired by popular fairytales, meet real farm animals, and engage in educational and fun activities suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
Where is Fairytale Farm located?
Fairytale Farm is situated near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, UK. The address is:
Fairytale Farm, Southcombe, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5QH, UK.
It’s easily accessible by car from Oxford, Banbury, and even London. There is also a nearby bus route and train station for those traveling by public transport.
What are the opening hours?
Fairytale Farm’s opening hours vary depending on the season and holidays. Typically, it is open every day during school holidays and weekends during term time. However, it’s recommended to check their official website or social media channels for the latest opening hours before your visit.
How much does it cost to visit Fairytale Farm?
The admission prices for Fairytale Farm can vary based on age and season. As of the latest information:
Adults (16+): £12.50
Children (2-15 years): £11.50
Children under 2 years: Free entry
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £45 (Discounts often available for additional children).
Seasonal discounts and online booking offers are sometimes available, so it’s a good idea to check the website for any current promotions.
Conclusion
Fairytale Farm is a magical destination that provides a unique and immersive experience for families, especially those with young children. From its themed play areas to its emphasis on inclusivity and animal encounters, Fairytale Farm offers something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, there’s always something new to discover at this enchanting location.
So, if you’re looking for a day full of imagination, joy, and storytelling, make sure to plan a visit to Fairytale Farm—where dreams come true and fairytales come to life.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply