Our visit to Middle Farm in Lewes

A couple of weeks ago we found ourselves with a free weekend!  We didn't have parties, play dates or events to go to so out the blue we decided to visit Middle Farm located near Lewes.  Middle Farm is a lovely working farm in East Sussex which is open all year round for the family to go visit the animals, eat the cheese and drink the cider.... (well the last one obviously is for us).

Armed with our wellies we set off to see the animals.  As this is a working farm there are various activities the children can get involved in during the day so be sure to check out the times of the activities such as milking, feeding the pigs and meeting the sheep and rabbits.  The times are also on their website, if we'd had known this, we could have planned our day a bit better to ensure we covered everything.

Couple of lovely rabbits at Middle Farm

Taking the sheep for a walk... like you do

When we got to the farm, after the initial amusement of all the chickens just wondering around Max was very keen to go in the play area!  We did try and get him to visit the animals first but found he was more interested in the animals after he'd had a good play in the park area!

So that's what we did.

Hanging around Middle Farm

Loving the swing section of Middle Farm

Asking to go higher

Playing on the tractor at Middle Farm

The play areas are very impressive.  One section has the swings and a sea-saw (less said about that the better!) and the larger section has another sea-saw and a large climbing area with ropes, monkey bars and a slide.  Around both are seating areas and this is where we sat and had our lunch - with more chickens visiting us whilst Max popped in and out of the park - it worked out really well.

Chickens visiting us whilst we're having our lunch

After some lunch Max sat and held a rabbit which he took in his stride, I was wondering if he'd then ask for a rabbit or guinea pig as he has done in the past, but that phase must be over as he didn't ask for a rabbit, in fact he now wants a blue cat called Naboo!

Petting time at Middle Farm

We met the sheep out for a walk, visited the horses and the donkey and then we found.... the hay barn!

THIS is such a great idea!  Basically a barn full of hay bales and soft flooring (from said bales) makes a great soft play area with the added thrill of climbing and jumping from a good few feet up.   It took him a while but once Max found his confidence on the top bales there was no stopping him - I may have ended up watching through my fingers at one  point!
 
After a visit out on the fields to see the pigs, sheep and llama it was time to say goodbye and as we were washing our hands Max asked if he we could come back soon - this is always a good sign as he doesn't ask this everywhere we visit.

Visiting the pigs outside

Pulling sheep faces

For us Middle Farm is a great day out for all the family.  The open farm tickets are £4 per person, so if you go with your pack lunch and wellies you're sure to have a lovely day AND if you stop by the shop on the way out be sure to pick up their award winning cider.