Bocketts Farm Park
Working family farm on the North Downs — pig racing, animal encounters and two giant playbarns since 1992
Working family farm on the North Downs — pig racing, animal encounters and two giant playbarns since 1992
Bocketts Farm has been a working sheep farm since the Gowing family arrived in 1990, opening to visitors two years later with little more than some logs, old tractors and a small fort. Set on the slopes of the North Downs just five minutes from junction 9 of the M25, it still runs a commercial flock alongside its role as one of Surrey's busiest family attractions.
Families can watch pig racing, hand-feed lambs and goats, ride tractors through the fields and burn off energy in two enormous playbarns. The Animal Discovery Barn and Small Animal Village house everything from llamas and donkeys to chinchillas and fancy rats, while outdoor adventure trails and a giant slide tower keep children occupied between animal encounters.
Jane and James Gowing grew up in London and Kent before spending 13 years farming sheep — first in the Orkney Islands, then near Abergavenny. When they moved to Bocketts Farm in 1990 with their three children, the farmhouse and surrounding barns were derelict. Over 18 months they rebuilt the tearooms barn, constructed a kitchen extension, renovated the main farm building and laid a new driveway and car park.
The farm opened to visitors on 22 May 1992. Early facilities were modest: logs, old tractors, a small fort and swings made up the first play area, with paddocks for sheep and cattle providing the main draw. Word spread quickly among local families, and the farm grew steadily. In 2010 James and Jane's twin daughters Hannah and Becky returned after university to take on day-to-day management, bringing fresh investment in play facilities and renewable energy infrastructure including a biomass boiler and 160 solar panels.
The Animal Discovery Barn forms the centrepiece of any visit. A walk-through route leads past pens of sheep, cows, pigs, goats and llamas at child-friendly height, with daily feeding sessions and seasonal lambing from late February. The Small Animal Village — called Little Hoppington — houses guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, degus and fancy rats, while the Stable Yard is home to donkeys and ponies available for rides. Swedish fallow deer and other species live on the Farm Walk circuit.
Pig racing runs several times daily and draws some of the biggest crowds. Tractor and trailer rides loop through the fields with views across the North Downs. Indoors, two playbarns offer a 70-foot four-lane astroslide, trampolines, climbing frames and ride-on tractors. Outside, a giant slide tower, adventure trails, a jumping pillow and seasonal water play zone cover the hillside. The 18th-century barn now serves as the farm's tearooms, offering hot meals, sandwiches and cakes throughout the day.
Bocketts Farm runs a busy calendar of seasonal events. Lambing season from late February through spring draws visitors keen to see newborn lambs, while Easter brings themed trails and crafts. Summer holidays offer extended activities and the water play zone opens in warmer months. Halloween features pumpkin picking and spooky trails, and Christmas includes visits to Father Christmas with separate ticketing.
The farm is open every day of the year from 10am to 5pm. Arriving early on weekday mornings during term time gives the quietest experience. Paths are a mix of tarmac and farm tracks — wellies are sensible after rain, and the hillside terrain makes pushchairs manageable but hard work in places. Picnics can be brought in and eaten at outdoor benches. Dogs are not permitted except assistance dogs.
Off-peak tickets from £16 adult and £17 child. After-school entry from 2:30pm costs just £7 per person Monday to Friday during term time
Search for "Bocketts Farm" in your satnav rather than the postcode. The KT22 9BS code can direct to nearby addresses on the wrong side of the road.
Lambing runs from late February through spring. Arrive at opening time for the best chance of seeing newborn lambs, as births often happen in the morning.
Tractor rides cost £2 and pony rides £3 per child. Electric quad bikes and diggers are £1 each. These small extras add up, so bring change or a card.
Monday to Friday during term time, entry from 2:30pm costs just £7 per person. Two and a half hours is enough for the playbarns and a quick farm walk.
The farm sits on a hillside and paths are a mix of tarmac and earth. After rain the animal areas and farm walk get muddy, so wellington boots are advised.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
