A working farm park in the Tame valley, five minutes off the M60 but green enough that it does not feel it. The animals are the real thing: cows, sheep, goats, shire horses and alpacas, close enough to fuss over. Around them sits an outdoor adventure playground with zip wires, indoor play for wet days, and a cafe.
Opening days change with the seasons, and from October to Christmas most of the calendar is ticketed events, so check before you go. Book online, it is cheaper than the gate, though walk-ins are taken when there is space. Parking is free, under 1s are free, and extras like animal feeding and the tractor ride cost more on top.
It pitches itself squarely at the under-tens, and it is honest about it: adults are not admitted without a child in tow. A three-year-old will get as much out of it as anyone.
What it costs: Under 1s go free and parking is free. Online tickets are cheaper than paying at the gate.
Two Bonfire Night evenings at the farm, from 5pm, with a Pyrotex firework display set to music. Tickets through the farm's website; prices were not shown when we checked.
A guided walk-through at the farm: passport control, a naughty-or-nice machine, a teddy to build and stuff, Mrs Claus's kitchen, the reindeer stable, then a personal visit with Father Christmas and a coin to spend in his toy shop. Marshmallow toasting by the fire costs extra, so decide before anyone spots the fire pit. Free parking.
Seasonal: Open on selected days, with ticketed events at Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas. Check before travelling.
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