Pigeons Farm Peterborough Review
Pigeons Farm
Peterborough
Reviewed by Jayne Wiggins
It took us just under an hour to travel out to this review. A quaint little farm in the Peterborough countryside, easy to access from the main road. There was ample outdoor parking, well signposted from both the main roads and the back road which led directly to the farm entrance. Parking was free and did not appear to have any restrictions.
Though we were not there to review the campsite, we did take note of the small camping field on site. There was a small field, well laid out with a small selection of caravans and tents there for this bank holiday weekend. Facilities were basic as I would expect on a farm, but clean and adequate. A toilet block outside was well stocked with soap, paper towels and toilet roll, though I would have liked to have seen the floor cleaned more often and the bins emptied (though I am aware that this is down to customers dropping litter rather than making sure it gets in the bin!). The changing area in the toilets was squeezed in to make full use of the space available, with a butler sink for washing clothes and a shower cubicle for those camping on site. A quick explore also led me to a clean sink for washing dishes as well. With a price tag of only £20 a night for a family of 4 camping, this would have been great value. With the additional option of paying £30 a night for 4 people, to cover entry to the farm, this would have made an ideal weekend break – near enough to many other local attractions to make full use of the area.
We were welcomed to the farm by well positioned signage which directed us to where to pay. Having arrived with an extra adult, we were warmly welcomed and charged accordingly. The pricing is a little steep if paying the full fee with a charge of £8.50 for adults and £7.00 for children on a farm which really is only a half day outing. There is a good rate for families with £24 covering 2 adults and 2 children. If camping, it would most definitely be worth paying the extra for farm entrance as the play facilities are a particularly worthwhile attraction for families and children (the gobots were particularly impressive to our ten year old son). With a zip wire, bouncy pillow and large outdoor and indoor playing areas, this site is also blessed with an indoor sandpit in one of the old silos. The weather was over cast but dry on our visit, a perfect day to enjoy the outdoor facilities, and even get a water squirt from the Gobots!
The lovely owner of this facility was serving in the well positioned cafe. Food was lovely and staff were very pleasant and helpful. There was nothing which was too much trouble for us. My only complaint would be the length of time it took for cooked food to be brought to the table. There were plenty of kitchen staff and plenty of waiting staff, so it was surprising to wait quite some time for food to be delivered. The cafe itself was homely, clean and very pleasant to be in. We even went back for an extra drink later in our visit. It was good to see alcohol available to buy as well for those who wish to partake when spending a camping weekend at the site!
The animal experiences were everything we expected. From the small animal cuddle zone to the large outdoor animals, all animals looked healthy and very well cared for. Chatting to the owner let us know that this farm covers 24 acres of which only a small area is used as an open farm. There is still a working section to the farm where cattle, sheep and pigs are still raised for the local meat market. Well cared for animals sent to slaughter locally so welfare of the upmost standards.
The small animals centre offered cuddles with guinea pigs and a very well knowledgeable member of staff who sent a great deal of time talking to us about the animal welfare and how to buy these small pets. The highlight for my son was being able to sit and cuddle a selection of guinea pigs. We were able to buy duck and pig food and were delighted to meet the piglets who gratefully accepted our fare and then entertained us with a show of grunts, barks and jumping around their pen! Our day was completed with the lamb feeding experience. Whilst a busy day, the staff ensured that every child there was able to hold the bottle for a short period of time each to feed the excited lambs. In fact, the only experience we missed out on was egg collection, and that was through choice as our son was enjoying the play area at the time.
This farm is too far out for us to make the journey again for a short stay, but if we were exploring other places in the area, we would definitely stop by for a bite to eat. If we were to camp we would pay the extra for the farm visit as well.
There is some ongoing improvements to include some simply tidying of the visiting farm, though this is a farm in the end and we all expect a certain amount of mud and works in progress on a farm.
For a day out I would give this 4 out of 5, for a camping experience I want to give this a 5 out of 5.
Rating: 4/5
Prices: £8.50 Adult / £7 Child / £24 Family (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children).
For more information visit www.pigeonsfarm.co.uk.
Pigeons Farm. Wisbech Road, Peterborough, Cambs, PE6 0TD | 01733 271020
