Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

About

~ A day delivered with passion at Dorset's favourite family run attraction ~

Come along and treasure a unique experience visiting one of the very last Heavy Horse Centres left in Great Britain. Recognised as a both a multi award-winning day out and conservation farm home to the Shire, Clydesdale, Suffolk Punch, Percheron and Ardennes.

We invite visitors of ALL ages to escape to the enchanting depths of Dorset and unravel the history of the faithful Heavy Horse which powered man for generations. Whether you are a family group, grandparent or young couple join us for a unique and educational experience.

A real farm experience - A full day of events are run for both adults and children hosted by our dedicated farm keepers and horseman!

See our 'Daily Schedule for times of activities'  on our website!

 

Daily presentations: Enjoy a range of talks and demonstrations throughout your visit! Meet our herd of heavies in the morning stable feeding tour, learn about the working horses with the Heavy Horse Harness demonstration, take a seat and admire the gentle giants with a fascinating insight into their history, journey back in time to discover the story of the War Horse and gather around the beautiful Romany wagons for an insight into their traditional ways of life. 

Hands on Farm Tours: Home to all creatures great and small including: Miniature Shetland ponies, donkey’s, alpacas, Iron-Age pigs, pygmy goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, guinea pigs and many more! Join our passionate farm keeper and 'muck in' feeding and learning about our friendly farm animals during daily tours. Little helpers at the ready with the morning 'off to work' tour discovering the roles of the working ponies. All the fun of the farm as you are invited to set off with the farm keeper feeding the farmyard animals and searching for eggs! Get a real feel for the countryside and join us in the 'farmers garden' digging, planting and pulling learning all about the crops and veggies! A perfect combination of education and fun!

Ride Around: All our activities and rides are included in your entry. What better way of transport than a horse-drawn vehicle?! Enjoy Heavy Horse drawn carriage rides as well as minature pony cart rides for little visitors. Travel farm style on a tractor 'bunker' ride in the area or down the field on a tractor and trailer ride!  *Please note Heavy Horse Carriage rides are limited during peak times. 

Aventure Play: Children can embrace their sense of adventure with: Adventure play park including the 'Dorset Horses', pedal go-carts, pedal tractors, sand-pits, toddlers play barn, vintage fairground rides including Victorian Swing boats, Timberland play barn and NEW for 2022 tramploine farm barn! 

Close encounters: Enjoy close and cuddly encounters with hands of activities including animal petting and pony grooming!

Exhibits from days gone by: A trip down memory lane with a pleasant visit to the past times. Explore the WW1 Field Trenches, vintage vehicles, static canal display, Romany and Showman’s hand painted caravans, visit the harness makers and blacksmiths workshops, vintage cider press and farmers implements from the bygone years. Its a step back in time! 

Smokey Joes Café: Mosey on down to our popular 'country and western' themed ranch café! We are delighted to offer a delicious range of homecooked food using locally sourced organic produce. Open 10am - 3.30pm  exclusively to our visitors serving brunches, lunches & a selection of handmade scrumptious cakes!  5 Star hygiene rating. 'Have a rootin tootin time!'

Opening Times/Dates 2022:  

10AM - 4PM 

9th April - 29th October 

OPEN - 7 days a week during Dorset holidays 

OPEN - Wednesday - Sunday during Dorset term time 

CLOSED - Monday & Tuesdays during Dorset term time 

*Open bank holiday Mondays* 

TICKETS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED VIA OUR WEBSITE 

- We advise arriving close to opening to benefit from the full daily schedule 

- All events on our daily schedule for Adults & Children run each day throughout the season & all activities are INCLUDED in your entry. 

www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk 

 

~ By visiting the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park you are supporting the rare breed Heavy Horses ~ 

Attraction Awards & Accolades :

South West Tourism - Small Attraction of the year - GOLD 

Dorset Tourism Awards - Small Attraction of the year - GOLD 

BHStar Awards - Small Attraction of the year - GOLD 

Rural Business Awards - Finalist 

Primary Times Winners - Voted ‘Best Value for Money Attraction' in Dorset 

Primary Times Winners - 'Blue ribbon awards' Best overall experience 

Innovation Awards - Best vintage vehicle and preservation collection 

TripAdvisor - 5 STAR RATING & Travellers Choice Award 

 

~ We look forward to hosting your day trip ~

Contact:​​​​Email: office@dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk