Godstone Farm

From Schoolyard Visits to Family Farm Park

Godstone Farm began in 1980 as a modest working farm designed to give local schoolchildren hands-on experience with animals. The first residents were two cats, a Gloucester Old Spot pig and a Highland cow. Over four decades the farm has grown into one of Surrey's most visited family attractions, now home to more than 500 animals across species ranging from alpacas and meerkats to rare-breed pigs and reptiles.

The farm occupies a sheltered valley on Tilburstow Hill Road, surrounded by green belt land at the foot of the North Downs. Despite sitting just three minutes from junction 6 of the M25, the setting feels genuinely rural. The site has expanded steadily, adding indoor play facilities, a dinosaur discovery trail and bookable animal experiences while maintaining its original educational focus.

What to See and Do

The farm trail forms the backbone of any visit. A circular route leads past paddocks of horses, donkeys, llamas, sheep, goats and pigs, with purpose-built feeding chutes where children can hand-feed the animals. The rabbit walk allows visitors to sit among free-roaming rabbits, while the reptile house introduces bearded dragons, iguanas and snakes. Bookable experiences offer closer encounters with meerkats, goats or reptiles, and Tiny Tots sessions cater specifically to children aged one to four.

Beyond the animals, the World of Dinosaur Roar trail winds through woodland past more than 40 life-sized dinosaur models. The indoor playbarn — the largest in Surrey — has multiple levels of climbing equipment, slides, a sensory area and imaginative role-play zones. Outdoors, timber adventure play structures, sandpits and seasonal water play cover several zones graded by age. The Courtyard Kitchen and playbarn cafe provide hot meals, snacks and coffee throughout the day.

Seasonal Events and Practical Tips

Godstone Farm runs a calendar of seasonal events throughout the year. February half-term brings Discovery Week, Easter sees the Hello Spring programme, and summer holidays feature extended opening hours and camping weekends. The Christmas season includes visits to Father Christmas, festive crafts and live shows, with separate ticketing.

The farm is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Arriving early on weekday mornings during term time gives the quietest experience, with more space around the animals and shorter waits for play equipment. Paths are a mix of tarmac and compacted earth suited to pushchairs in dry weather, though wellies are advisable after rain. Picnics can be brought in but must be eaten outside the cafe areas.