Bowland Wild Boar Park

Bowland Wild Boar Park is tucked away in Chipping, set within the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire. It’s a great shout for families who want a proper “countryside” day out that feels a bit more rugged and hands-on than your average city farm.

The Vibe
Expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours here. It’s primarily targeted at families with younger children and primary-aged kids. While there is plenty of space to roam, teenagers might find it a bit low-octane unless they really love animals or are happy to act as “big kids” for the afternoon.

What to Do

• The Animals: You can buy bags of feed at the entrance. Beyond the namesake wild boars (which are impressive to see up close), there are llamas, goats, deer, and meerkats.
• Hands-on Fun: They often have chick holding and pet handling sessions, which are the big highlight for little ones.
• The Tractor Ride: This is a classic and worth doing to see the further reaches of the park.
• Play Areas: There’s a mix of indoor and outdoor play. The indoor soft play and hay barn are perfect if the Lancashire weather turns, and the outdoor adventure play is decent. It’s more than just a small add-on; it’s a central part of the visit.
• Walking Trails: There are some lovely riverside walks around the park. These are great if you want a bit of a breather while the kids burn off energy.

The Parent Perspective

• Supervision: You’ll need to keep a close eye on the kids during animal feeding and near the water, but once they are in the fenced play areas, you can actually grab a seat and a coffee. It’s a relatively “hands-off” spot once you’re settled in the play zones.
• Value: It’s worth looking out for Blue Light Card discounts or Senior rates if you have grandparents in tow. If you live locally, an annual membership pays for itself in just a few visits.
• Food and Parking: Parking is free. The café serves standard “farm park” fare—think toasties and cakes—at fair prices, but there are plenty of picnic benches if you want to bring your own grub.

Making a Day of It
Since you’re already in the Forest of Bowland, you could combine this with a trip into the village of Chipping. It’s incredibly picturesque with some brilliant old-school pubs like The Sun Inn or The Cobbled Corner cafe for a more substantial meal or a cheeky pint after the park.