Before You Visit Cross Bank Farm

A few useful things to know before heading down the farm track.

Cross Bank Farm is a genuine working smallholding, rather than a commercial visitor attraction.

Our experiences are deliberately small, with an emphasis on learning, nature and the quieter pleasures of countryside life.

We want visitors to know exactly what to expect, so here are a few things worth reading before booking.

What kind of experiences do you offer?

Our experiences focus on smallholding education, wildlife observation and peaceful time in the countryside.

They are not petting sessions, animal-feeding activities or general farm tours.

The content of each experience is explained on its individual booking page.

Will I be able to feed or pet the animals?

Animal feeding, petting, walking and handling are not included in our standard experiences.

You may have opportunities to observe animals in their normal surroundings and learn about their care, depending on the experience you've booked.

We don't arrange staged interactions or disturb animals for the purposes of a visit.

Is this a working farm?

Very much so!

That means uneven ground, mud, animal noises, changing weather and occasionally an animal behaving with complete disregard for what anybody else had planned.

The livestock continue their normal routines during visits, and some areas of the farm are not accessible to guests.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing and sturdy, flat, closed-toe footwear are recommended.

Please dress for the weather, particularly for evening experiences. Fields and farmyards can be muddy or uneven even when the weather has been dry.

White trainers are probably best left at home.

Is the farm suitable for children?

Suitability varies between experiences.

Some are intended primarily for adults or people with a specific interest in smallholding, while others may suit accompanied younger visitors.

Please check the individual experience description and contact us before booking if you are bringing children. Children must be supervised by their responsible adult throughout.

What if the weather is poor?

Our experiences are outdoors or partly outdoors, and ordinary British weather is part of rural life.

If conditions would make an experience unsafe or significantly affect its intended purpose, we may need to rearrange.

Wildlife-related experiences are particularly dependent on suitable conditions.

Can I explore the farm independently?

Visitors are welcome to enjoy the designated areas provided for their particular experience.

However, the farm is not open for unrestricted wandering.

Livestock enclosures, private areas, working spaces and electric-fenced areas are restricted unless access has been specifically authorised.

What about Quiet Time?

Quiet Time is intended to be gentle and low-pressure, with little social interaction required after the initial welcome.

It isn't a completely silent or controlled environment, and it isn't a therapeutic service.

It is simply an opportunity to enjoy a little space in an authentic rural setting.

Accessibility and facilities

Cross Bank Farm is an old Victorian smallholding with natural surfaces, uneven ground and some changes in level.

We have on-site parking and composting toilet facilities.

If you have accessibility requirements or questions about the suitability of a particular experience, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the practical arrangements.

Smoking and vaping

Cross Bank Farm is entirely smoke-free and vape-free.

This helps protect the animals, wildlife and atmosphere of the farm.

Changes and cancellations

Please read the booking terms and cancellation policy before making a reservation.

If we need to postpone an experience because of weather, animal welfare or other circumstances affecting the safe running of the farm, we will contact you to discuss the available options.

One last thing...

The best way to enjoy Cross Bank Farm is to arrive without expecting a polished visitor attraction.

Things happen here at their own pace.

And, occasionally, very much at the pace of a rare breed pig.