Reviewed by Nicola Wilkinson
On Friday 3rd August we visited The Big Sheep in Bideford, Devon with my husband and 4 children (11 months, 3, 6 and 8 years old). Having never been here before we were very excited. It was easy to find and well signposted and there is plenty of parking not far from the main entrance. We were greeted by a lovely lady who took us inside she explained everything that was happening during the day and also the times the different attractions were happening. We were also given a handy leaflet with all the information which we could relate to throughout our day.
The first ride my children spotted was the Piggy Pull-a-long ride, this ride is suited for children under 7 and my children loved it, the tractor pulls the little piglets around the field, my children went on this twice.
Next was the Vintage Pony Carousel, my 3 year old really enjoyed this and it was lovely to see an old ride.
Other favourite rides included the Swan Lade Pedaloes, I got the short straw on these and took my 3 year old, who couldn’t reach the peddles so it was all down to me! My legs were hurting for the rest of the day! Lots of fun my daughter laughed all the way around even waved to the train as it passed. All children wore life jackets, and everyone is helped on and off by friendly staff. All my children also enjoyed the train ride it was great to spot the nursery rhyme characters and my daughter enjoyed singing the songs as we went around. When we got off the train we enjoyed looking at and feeding the animals in the barn.
The 13 metre high and 400 metre long Rampage Rollercoaster was a ride my 8 year old took all day to go on, eventually he decided to and ended up screaming for it to stop all the way round, on the second time round he started to enjoy it but didn’t want to go on it again. It was great that he tried it.
Every half an hour there are shows on to keep everyone entertained; Shows included The Milking Show, Sheep Show, Bottle Feeding Lambs, Sheepdog Trials, Shearing Show and Pets Corner but our favourite was the duck trials, it was good laughable fun and the man was able to keep everyone amused.
Up on the top field my children enjoyed the football penalty shoot while their sisters enjoyed the trampolines, we also all enjoyed the archery which we were surprised was included in the entry fee, we expected to pay extra for this, the staff in the area were very helpful and friendly, happily showing us what to do.
There are a few attractions you do have to pay for, so I would suggest taking some change, these include the Pony Rides, Tractor Driving School and Electric quad bikes they are only £1 but you will need change.
My two oldest boys and their daddy absolutely loved the battlefield, this is something they hadn’t done before and wanting to do again.
We absolutely loved our day at The Big Sheep, I love how my children were able to try so many new things, unfortunately we didn’t have time for everything, but we will definitely be returning soon. The whole place was clean and tidy, there are cafes and food kiosk where you can purchase food, drinks and ice creams these are all reasonably priced but their are also plenty of picnic benches around if you do wish to take your own food.
For adults there is also the Beer Show and Tasting daily throughout the summer season and the Brewery and Gin Distillery.
To finish our day at The Big Sheep we took part in the Sheep Racing, it was £1 to enter and you were given a badge with your sheep number which you could keep. This was a great end to our day especially when my 6 year olds sheep won. We didn’t expect him to win a cup which was a lovely prize and he hasn’t stopped using it since we’ve been home.
Thank you for a wonderful day, we certainly came away wanting to come again and all very tired. The Big Sheep is a highly recommended fun day out for all of us.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost £14.95 per person (£11.96 if you book online).
For more information or to book tickets visit www.thebigsheep.co.uk.
The Big Sheep, Abbotsham Rd, Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5AP | 01237 472366
