Old Barnsley it had a farm... (Cannon Hall (Barnsley))

Member Name: LisaW82

Product:	Cannon Hall (Barnsley)
Date:	26/04/09 (151 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great value for money. Lovely setting.

Disadvantages: Gift shop could be better

Cannon Hall in Barnsley is one of those places that I had always wanted to visit but was waiting till I had a child that was the right sort of age for going to a petting farm. Don't get me wrong, Cannon Hall is so much more than just a farm but that was the main reason for me going. So, a couple of weeks ago I finally got the chance to take my daughter and she absolutely loved it. My husband is not one for walking but even he had a good day in the sun and will definitely go back next year, or maybe even later this year.

It was a beautiful day when we went and, although the car park (which you need to take change for) was a long way from the hall and the farm, we didn't mind one bit as the view was exceptional and to see all the families and friends laid on the grass around the lake was terrific. I could well imagine that this walk may be more of a chore on colder days, but we then found out that there is a separate car park for the farm right at the top of the climb.

Once at the Manor it became clear that there was a lot more to do than just go round the farm, but as we only went to the farm I can't comment on that, but it was all stunning to look at.

On entering the farm itself, £3.75 for me and my husband and free for my daughter, it was immediately clear we were going to get value for money. The setting was great and the layout worked superbly well with informative areas for letting you know what the various animals were and where they came from. My daughter loved all of this and so did I. She was especially fond of the apparently new animal ring. In this area you get to walk on a platform above a selection of animals.

The petting and feeding areas of the farm were nice and spacious enough for the hundreds of visitors that were in the same area to move around in. There were the usual suspects there in the form of pigs and cows but there were also some unusual goats and llamas that raised the eye a little. They were all friendly and as clean as they are ever going to be. The hand cleaning solutions were everywhere around the farm and this led to never risking your hygiene at any time.

Obviously all this walking and excitement is going to leave you hungry and the cafe there does not let you down. It is large and the food is lovely, all home cooked. The refreshment stalls dotted around are well stocked and all of these are nicely priced considering the usual cost of these places.

The gift shop is maybe a little random and could do with more branding to show where you have been. Sure there were plenty of animal mugs and the like, but nothing really screamed Cannon Hall farm at you. Its a small gripe but a gripe nontheless.

Overall, we had a superb day out and will definitely go again soon.

Summary: We had a superb day out and will definitely go again soon.