Shortwood Family Farm

Shortwood Family Farm is a working organic farm tucked away in the rolling hills of Pencombe, Herefordshire. This isn’t a flashy, commercialised theme park; it’s a very traditional, hands-on farm experience that feels like stepping back into a simpler time.

What to Do and See
The star of the show here is the animal interaction. Unlike bigger attractions where you just peer over a fence, here you can often get stuck into:

• Bottle-feeding lambs or calves (season dependent).
• Cuddling rabbits and guinea pigs.
• Collecting eggs straight from the nesting boxes.
• Taking a tractor and trailer ride through the fields to see the cows and sheep.

Suitability and Atmosphere

• Younger Children: They will absolutely love it. It’s perfect for toddlers and primary school kids who want to touch and feed everything.
• Teenagers: Unless they have a genuine love for animals or photography, they might find the pace a bit slow. There are no high-octane rides here.
• Parents: It’s a very relaxed environment where you can wander at your own pace. While children need supervision around the animals for safety, it’s a “hands-on” rather than a “hands-off” place, so expect to be involved in the activity with them rather than sitting back.
• Average Stay: Most families find 3 to 4 hours is enough to see all the animals and have a run around the play area.

Budget and Value
This is a great shout for those on a tight budget. It is significantly cheaper than the big-name farm parks.

• Discounts: They usually offer a family ticket which saves a few pounds.
• Food & Parking: Parking is free. There is a tearoom on-site serving home-cooked food that is reasonably priced, but they are very happy for you to bring a picnic to eat at the outdoor tables, which is the best way to keep costs down.

Nearby Extras
If you want to make a full day of it, the market town of Bromyard is just a short drive away. It’s full of quirky independent shops and some lovely old-fashioned pubs. If you fancy a walk afterward, Bringsty Common is nearby and offers great views across the county.

Is it worth it?
If you want an honest, muddy-boots farm experience where the kids can actually learn where milk and eggs come from, it’s a gem. If you’re looking for a polished attraction with indoor soft play and animatronics, you might find it a bit basic—but for most families, that’s exactly where its charm lies.