St Augustine's Farm

St Augustine's Farm at Arlingham sits on a broad loop of the River Severn, a 50-acre organic farm in the Severn Vale that opens to families through school holidays and at weekends. It is a small, working farm rather than a purpose-built attraction: calves bottle-fed twice a day at set times, pigs fed at lunchtime, guinea pigs and rabbits to hold and cuddle, goats and sheep in the paddocks, free-roaming chickens and peacocks in the yard. The animals and the daily rhythm of the farm are the whole point.

The indoor Big Barn is the wet-weather option, where children can climb the straw bales, do crafts and sit with smaller animals. Farmer Rob runs tractor rides around the fields at busier times for a small charge on top of admission. In spring the bottle feeding of lambs and newborn calves draws families from across the county and the morning sessions fill early.

The setting is part of what makes it different from the larger farm parks. Flat meadows, wide Severn skies and the feel of being properly out in the country give it a calm, unhurried character. It is a genuine half-day farm visit rather than a full action-packed day, and it suits families with younger children who want close animal contact in a relaxed setting. Arrive before 11am to catch the first round of animal sessions.

Good for: animals, outdoors, sensory. Ages: 0–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–11.