Barleylands Farm Park
Family farm park in Essex countryside — animal barn, reptile house, birds of prey and craft village
Family farm park in Essex countryside — animal barn, reptile house, birds of prey and craft village
Barleylands Farm Park sits on land farmed by the Philpot family since 1937, when they started with just ten acres on Potton Island. Three generations later the family farms 12,800 acres across Essex and Suffolk, and Barleylands has grown into one of the South East's most popular educational farming attractions, set on the outskirts of Billericay with easy road and rail links from London.
The park combines a working farm with exotic animals, adventure play and a craft village of over sixty independent shops and studios. Families can hand-feed goats, watch birds of prey fly in the arena, explore a reptile house with more than 55 enclosures, ride tractors through the fields and bounce on the giant bouncy pillow. A miniature railway, barrel ride, go-kart speedway and two adventure playgrounds keep children of all ages occupied between animal encounters.
The Philpot family story begins in 1937 on Potton Island, where they started with just ten acres of arable land. Over three generations the family grew their operation through careful planning and diversification, eventually farming 12,800 acres across Essex and Suffolk. Barleylands became their public-facing venture, transforming a working farm on the edge of Billericay into one of the South East's best-known family attractions combining agriculture, animals and artisan crafts.
The Barleylands showground gained wider recognition through the Essex Country Show, held every September from 1986 to 2016. That annual celebration of rural life drew thousands to watch livestock judging, heavy horse displays and farming demonstrations. Today the farm park carries that educational spirit forward year-round, giving families hands-on access to farm animals, exotic species and the workings of a real agricultural business.
The indoor animal barn sits at the heart of the park, housing sheep, pigs, goats, cattle, alpacas and poultry in spacious pens. Daily feeding sessions and hands-on encounters run throughout the day, with staff on hand to explain each animal's role on the farm. Outside, the wildlife walk leads past enclosures for wallabies, meerkats, ferrets and a serval, while the walk-through bird aviary offers an immersive experience with free-flying species overhead.
The exotic and nocturnal animal house is one of Barleylands' standout features, with more than 55 glass-fronted enclosures displaying lizards, snakes, amphibians and insects from around the world. A separate darkened section reveals creatures active after nightfall. For those wanting a closer encounter, bookable experiences include owl handling, reptile meet-and-greets and bird of prey sessions in the outdoor arena, where hawks, falcons and owls demonstrate their flying skills.
Two adventure playgrounds are designed for different age groups, with climbing frames, slides, rope bridges and a dedicated toddler area. The bouncy pillow draws crowds on warm days, and the barrel ride and Barleylands Speedway go-karts add variety. Tractor and trailer rides take families through the surrounding farmland, and Farm-ula 1 jeep rides, digger experiences, Noah's Park mini golf and football golf fill in any gaps.
The Craft Village operates alongside the farm park with its own free entry, housing over sixty independent shops and studios where visitors can watch artisans making pottery, jewellery, candles, textiles and more. The village has its own cafes, a farm shop stocking local produce and seasonal market events throughout the year.
Barleylands is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am, closing at 5pm in summer and 4pm during winter months. The park is closed on Mondays except during school holidays and bank holidays. Arriving early on weekday mornings during term time gives the quietest experience. Paths are a mix of tarmac and farm tracks, so sturdy shoes or wellies are advisable after rain. Picnics are welcome and can be eaten at outdoor benches. Dogs are not permitted in the farm park except assistance dogs, though they are welcome in the Craft Village on leads.
Peak event and holiday prices are £19.50 per person. Book online to save 10-15% off gate prices. Family of four tickets available from £54 off-peak
Gate prices are higher than online rates across all ticket types. Book at least one day ahead through the Barleylands website to save up to 15% on standard admission.
The quietest days are Tuesday to Friday during school term. You will have shorter queues for rides and more time with the animals during feeding sessions and encounters.
Paths around the animal areas and wildlife walk are a mix of tarmac and earth. After rain the ground gets muddy, so wellington boots or sturdy shoes are strongly advised.
The Craft Village has free entry and over sixty shops and studios. It is easy to spend an extra hour browsing artisan goods, so factor this into your visit plan.
Halloween, Easter and summer holiday events use peak pricing at £19.50 per person. Check the Barleylands website for event dates if you want to avoid or plan around them.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 10, 2026
