Alpacas and huggable pygmys (and no Christmas Trees) (Christmas Tree Farm)

Member Name: fergusa

Product:	Christmas Tree Farm
Date:	07/06/09 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Just a fantastic and great value day out.

Disadvantages: None at all.

We went to Christmas Tree Farm last weekend on the recommendation of friends. It is essentially a farm of animals, most of which which can be petted and fed by adults and children alike. Some of the animals are not traditional farm animals e.g. Ostriches and Alpacas and a few cannot be petted, but you can still get pretty close. You can buy little buckets of feed for 50p/£1. This feed is suitable for all animals. Entrance is great value at £3 for adults. £1.50 for children and Under 2's free.

*What animals are there?
There are 2 Jersey cows called " Betty & Daisy, 2 Donkeys called Ellie & J.C. and various ponies, including miniature Shetlands. The are also enclosures of Chickens, Sheep, Pigs, Goats, Alpacas, Ostriches and more

When we first entered the farm, we were greeted by chickens, ducks and geese AND a fantastic peacock which was displaying all his feathers, beautiful. Children were running around chasing the chickens who didn't seem to mind at all and a couple of boy scouts were looking quizically at a large turkey - as we passed we heard the words "Paxo up his ***" and some giggles...

The mini shetlands are gorgeous and just the right height for small children to pat.

Probably the busiest area was the Pygmy goats, you can go into the enclosure - walk around stroke the friendly little goats, feed them - it's so much fun for children (and adults). The animals are very friendly and not at all boisterous, a toddler would be fine walking around with an adult. Our son is pre-walking but he still had a marvellous time being carried and allowed to stroke the animals.

My favourite were the big snorty pigs, including a vietnamese pot belly.

Once you've seen all the outdoor animals, there is a small indoor area with Guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, chicks, ducklings and very sweet chipmunks. Outside is an aviary with Budgies, Finches, Parrots and Cockatiels.

What else is there?
There is a decent tea shop with plenty of outside seating in the grounds (the picnic area is away from animals). The farm asks that no outside food and drink is consumed on the farm - which I think is pretty fair as the entrance fee is low. When we ere there there was also a magician/punch and judy show and facepainting - but I think this may be Bank Hols only.

I didn't use the loos, so can't comment on these but did spot that there was a baby changing facility.

There is also an area of plants which can be purchased. Good prices and selection.

There is parking at the farm but it is limited, you can usually find a parking space in a nearby lane.

Where is it?
By Bus
146 (Mon-Sun) Bromley to Downe via Hayes & Keston.
R8 (Mon-Sat) Orpington to Biggin Hill via Green Street Green, Shire Lane, North End Lane, Downe & Luxted Road.

Trains
Nearest Stations: Orpington, Hayes or Bromley South

Sat Nav
Cudham Road,
Downe Village,
Kent. BR6 7LF.
(200meters from High Elms Road)

By Road M25 Junction 4
Follow Signs A21 London (Biggin Hill)
At round about take 3rd Exit A21 London
Follow A21 for 2.8 miles at the second roundabout fork left Farnborough Hill.
Turn Left Mini Roundabout into Shire Lane.
Follow for 0.6 miles
Turn Left into High Elms Road
Follow for 1.6 miles
At T junction turn left farm is 200 meters on right.


What are the Opening Times?
Summer Time = 10:00 hrs till 17:30 hrs
School Holidays & Weekends in Summer = 09:00 hrs till 18:00 hrs
Winter = 10:00 hrs till Dusk
Last admission 1 hour before closing.

Website www.xmastreefarm.co.uk
Phone 01689 861603

Overall, this is a fantastic day out at a very reasonable cost, we will definitely be going back many times as baby gets older. You could also combine with a visit to Downe House (Darwin's Home) if you liked.

Summary: Lovely family run farm.