Today we were blessed with yet another sunny and crisp Autumn day, so I decided to make the most of the weather and headed to Amelia Farm. Again this is somewhere that I haven’t been to for years, and as my youngest adores and is completely fascinated by animals, I knew she’d love it.
Amelia Farm is a working farm set on 160 acres of countryside in the Vale of Glamorgan. It’s an ideal place to take little ones so they can get up close to some of the farm animals and have a play in their park, but there’s so much more to it than that.
Amelia Trust Farm is a charitable organisation that provides an alternative education for disadvantaged young people, working with skilled staff and volunteers. On my visit to the coffee shop there were some shared stories of how they have helped young, vulnerable and disadvantaged children to have a better future which were inspiring to read.
Entry to the farm is free, but there is a suggested donation of £3.00 for parking, and there are scattered honesty boxes around for donations. It was a shame that when I was entering I saw others walk straight past the honesty box, and without meaning to be preachy, I think it’s such a shame to use the farm without any donation to what they are doing.
The farm is quite rough around the edges, and we did get pretty dirty, but what can you expect from a working farm! I was pleased to see that since my last visit they had updated the park area, with new slides and with lots of wood chipping, so it was a nice soft landing for any tumbles, of which there were many with my little monkey. The old rusty tractor is still there and is a favourite for most toddlers, including mine, who I couldn’t get her off the thing.
We had a good walk around the farm and saw geese, pigs, donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs. There is also a fairy and Gnome trail, but due to tired legs we didn’t manage that one. There is also a nature trail for older children, which needs adult assistance. I may go back and try that with the boys on a weekend.
We stopped in the cafe for a light lunch, which was quite twee. It served a selection of cakes, sandwiches and paninis, and beans on toast or soup as hot options. It also had a little childrens corner with some toys and books.
For £6.50 we had a tuna mayo sandwich, a child’s ham sandwich (which was the same size) both served with crisps, and a bottle of water. They could have been served with coleslaw, but as I don’t like the stuff, we didn’t have any. I thought it was very reasonably priced for what you got. There were also plenty of picnic tables if you are organised enough to take a picnic.
The farm is also scattered with some novel ideas like selling second hand wellies for a £1.00 . They also have logs and a selection of plants and organic vegetables on sale, which is done on an honesty box system. Today they were selling runner beans, tomatoes and pumpkins.
We stayed there for about two hours, enough to wear the little one out in time for her afternoon nap. We both really enjoyed our visit, and I will make a point of making it a regular spot to visit so that we can once again enjoy the park and the animals, but just as importantly, also support a local charity that is doing so much good.
Additional information: Amelia Trust Farm is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm from April to September and 10:00 am till 4:00 pm in the winter. It has a cafe with high chairs, toilets and baby changing. A lot of it is accessible to prams.
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