
Bowland Country Park
Wild boar, deer and llamas in a Forest of Bowland valley, with animal feeding, a barrel train and river walks. Small, unslick and all the better for it.
Clitheroe & Ribble Valley, Lancashire

Mrs Dowsons is a family dairy farm at Clayton-le-Dale, just outside Blackburn on the Ribble Valley side, that turns its own milk into ice cream and opens as a farm park on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. The day is built around hands-on talks and animal feeds, a new arrivals barn, and a milking parlour you can look round.
The indoor play barn is a natural-style space for 1 to 12 year olds, with wooden beams to balance on, a swing and a slide over sand and wood chip. It is included in admission, which matters on a wet Saturday. Food is from the Farm Grill and a pizza kitchen, and the ice cream is the reason most people remember the place.
Opening is 10 to 5 on open days, pre-booking is expected, and parking is free. The farm does not publish ticket prices outside its booking system. Seasonal events run through the year, with pumpkin picking in the autumn and a Christmas experience in the barns.
What it costs: Admission prices are only shown in the online booking system. Tickets must be pre-booked. Indoor play is included in general admission. Parking is free.
Seasonal: Weekends, school and bank holidays. Check before travelling.
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Wild boar, deer and llamas in a Forest of Bowland valley, with animal feeding, a barrel train and river walks. Small, unslick and all the better for it.

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One email a week: what is on this weekend within a sensible drive, and the places worth booking before they go.