Holmeleigh Farmyard — Attraction in Eastern Cape

Disgusted and disappointed in Homleigh Farm is how I truly feel after having my son's 2nd birthday party at their venue this weekend. I would just like to share our experience because nowadays, kids' parties cost an arm and a leg, and it's just not fair that people get away with it.

Firstly, what we were quoted for and "promised" and the service we received were two totally different things.

• The "farm yard" tour guides had absolutely no interest, experience, background, or knowledge of any of the animals. They barely spoke, and they weren't able to answer most questions asked about the anmials. They walked with a single tiny bucket of food to share amongst 21 kids!

• There were 21 kids, of which we paid R140 per child. They didn't receive a tractor ride, a horse ride, or even at minimum, a bucket of food to feed the animals. All due to the wind.

• The party was scheduled and booked months in advance to start at 10 am. By 11am, we were still waiting for the adults' platters, kiddies cupcakes, and the kiddies juice. We were told that the cupcakes were being iced, and the stickers were being put onto the juices for the kids.

• Our deposit payment wasn't picked up as she says they haven't had access to the internet. Deposit was paid for on the 4th of September already. Thankfully, I could find a copy of the proof of payment and provide it on the day.

• Jugs of juice and glasses were not set out and were still not out by the time we left at 12. It was pre-arranged with them upon booking, aswell as on the day.

• Quote was originally R3542. After the party, we were asked to pay R4300 as there was a surcharge of R50 PER ADULT, which was not part of the quote.

It's not about the money. I just feel like you put in so much time and effort into your little ones' party only to be disappointed by poor service and...

This is such a lovely place in Port Elizabeth. A great spot for a nice walk around the farmyard and then round out the stay with a cool drink and a meal. Especially catered for young families and children to enjoy close up experiences with farm animals. At the farmyard, there are many spaces for different types of animal interactions - goats, sheep, pig, alpaca, donkey, horses, ducks, and chickens. You can purchase a bucket of food to feed the animals pellets. The farmyard is expansive to have a nice walk but confined enough to keep children safe inside the farmyard. There are also plenty of washing stations to ensure cleanliness and sanitary space after interacting with the animals. There is a large playground for children to play which includes swing, trampoline, slide, an old double decker bus converted into a cool fort for kids, and other play areas well kept after. There are 5-6 areas dedicated for sheltered eating areas which are very cute. There are also plenty of outdoor tables. The food options are plenty and catered to both kids and adults. They have both breakfast and lunch options and highly recommend the quiche, Dagwood sandwich, and the scones with fresh jam. There is plenty of cool drink options with several kid friendly options, chips, milkshakes, coffees, and candy. There is also a little Teagarden shop which sells jams, biscuits, cookies, and other nice treats. There is plenty of parking spaces and accessible. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. A highly recommend spending a few hours in the morning or afternoon for a nice getaway...

Holmeleigh Farm is more than a petting farm, it's become a landmark in this area. We no longer live in the Eastern Cape, but whenever we're in the area, we still make time to visit with the kids. It's one of the best things to do on weekends or holidays as a fam. Feed the animals, take a tractor ride, put the kids on a horse, have a lunch or book a party. You won't ever be disappointed. The prices are beyond reasonable, everything is clean and tidy, staff are friendly and helpful and the kids love it and don't want to leave. I mean, who doesn't like feeding animals and going for a ride on a tractor? We've had a kids party here too, once. It was fabulous! For little ones' there are few venues that can beat the experience. I've also attended a wedding here some years ago which was equally splendid. The lunch offerings are decent and well priced. Ablutions are clean and easy to find. Parking is ample and signage from the road is clear. There is a short gravel road to the venue but this is easily managed with a small car. I look forward to our next stop at this lovely and memorable place...