A DORSET farm has been completely reimagined following a major refurbishment which hopes to attract families with a range of leisure activities.
The 500-acre working Blackmarsh Farm along the A30 in Sherborne has undergone extensive work to introduce shop, food and leisure facilities alongside its function as a dairy farm.
Farm owners Peter and Amanda Hunt supply milk to major supermarkets from their herd of Friesian cows and are now branching out by welcoming families to enjoy a host of facilities including climbing frames, trampolines, pedal go-karts, a maze and garden dining among others.
The changes have resulted in the farm being described as “like something from the pages of an Enid Blyton novel”.
Facilities and features at Blackmarsh Farm include:
- Idyllic orchard playground with traditional climbing frames, in-ground trampoline, hidden playhouses and a track for pedal go-karts.
- ‘Muddy-boot friendly’ café, serving coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, freshly made sandwiches and salads – using as much local and homegrown produce as possible.
- Newly refurbished farm shop providing quality gifts, toys and homeware items.
- A kitchen garden, producing fresh produce.
- ‘Maize Maze’, a giant maze created within a field of maize with a newly designed course each year.
- Host for children’s parties.
- Home to local business Black Shed, a pick your own flower farm.
On weekdays from July 4 to 22, a mini version of the maize maze for children aged five and under will be available followed by the main maize maze which will be available this year from July 23 to September 4.
A farm spokesperson said: “For those who are young at heart or simply looking for a nice spot of lunch, there’s plenty to be charmed by at Blackmarsh Farm. Whatever your age one thing rings true, once you step foot onto Blackmarsh Farm you can’t help but feel a calling to grow wild.”
In 1912, the Hunt family took over the tenancy of Blackmarsh Farm. Since then, the family has continued to grow the dairy farm business through several wars and turbulent times in the industry.
Visit toy-barn.co.uk for more information.
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