Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park — Attraction in Edmondsham

We have visited this hidden Gem twice this year. Once over August bank holiday as a group of 6 (2yo / 5yo, parents and grandparents) and today as a group of 2. The park was busy but not so much that you couldn't maintain social distancing sensibly.

Entering via the visitor reception / shop, we gave our booking reference and purchased a couple of cups of feed at £1 each which the kids love to feed to the horses and other animals (sorry Piggys/ donkeys... none for you). We were also offered a timetable of events (this are also listed on boards throughout the centre). Walking through the shop you, then walk into the centre of the yard and stables where you are greeted by the horses waiting for their breakfast as a one of the centres staff gives you a brief introduction to each horse. It's both informative and entertaining. Unfortunately I've never been able to listen to much of this as two very excitable boys want to see the rest of the animals and facilities.

The centre is very well maintained and clean throughout. During our visits, there were opportunities to help the staff (when prompted) with the buckets off feed. Although this isnt the biggest park around, the staff have done a fantastic job offering a variety of different activities though out the day. Some of the highlights were a ride (for the little ones) in the small cart by one of the shetland ponies. Holding Guinea pigs, brushing a horse, feeding the other animals - done safely for the little ones via using a miniture shoot, or flat palm if you have no issues with it. There is also the current tractor ride which is via a box on the rear of the tractor (a change to previous times due to covid but still just as fun)

The small selection vintage fair ground rides (usually operating after lunch) which are brilliant to see. The indoor an outdoor play areas offering fun for kids of all ages are fab. There is also a toy tractor park and double pedal carts.

On both occasions we purchased a few items from 'smokey joes' restaurant- some cake and hot drinks. The cake was fab and the coffee was good. Service was good also.

The washrooms were clean and well monitored.

Covid / New normal related - urgh... I hate it, you hate it and who doesnt. But if we all do our bit washing our hands regularly, wearing face coverings and sanitizing our hands... we wont face harsher lockdown and great attractions like these will stay with us.

The horse centre have done a brilliant job in ensuring the current guidelines are met. With additional signage, limited que numbers to some of the smaller sections and modifications to their attractions - same families only on the carriage rides, adaptions to the tractor rides and a current removal of the bouncy castle and the pony rides can not be currently take place. Staff are also going a brilliant job and cleaning (spraying down and wiping the carriages after every family).

Fantastic day....

Visited the Heavy Horse Centre on August 29th with my daughter and three grandchildren. We arrived just before it opened and stayed until it closed as we enjoyed it so much! As soon as you step in, the atmosphere is friendly, warm and inviting. All of the staff are polite and always keen to answer any questions you have about the beautiful animals in their care. Apart from horses and ponies, there are also rabbits, geese, ducks, ferrets, birds, pigs, sheep, goats and alpacas. The animals are all friendly and love being hand fed by you with the feed that you can buy for £1 a bag from the shop. It is clear that the animals are well cared for and very much loved as they all exude a happy, friendly and calming demeanor. There is a great play park plus kids rides, tractor trailer rides, tractor driving for the kids, horse and cart rides plus numerous other activities throughout the day. Plenty of outdoor seating for picnics plus their own restaurant as well as toilets and separate baby changing area. You can even delve into history with their fantastic reconstructions of 19th century buildings/businesses (blacksmiths, jail etc) as well as war trenches and buildings, plus vehicles from the past. This is a truly amazing place to visit and you are guaranteed a great experience. This is the first time that we have spent the entire day at the same place and we intend to do it again. Thoroughly enjoyed by all and we 100% recommend the Heavy Horse Centre Dorset to everyone! Thank you to all the staff and your beautiful animals for making our day extra special! We will definitely be returning time after time...

An absolute must see if you're even remotely close to it. Great fun for children and adults alike.

Richard and his team have not only rescued a beautiful site, but have also put their heart and soul into rescuing, looking after and breeding some gorgeous heavy horses in this heavy horse park, of which there are fewer and fewer remaining. From a 40 year old Shetland called Cinderella, to a 27 year old stallion shire called Viscount, to an incredibly rare breed pregnant Suffolk Punch, the magnificence of the animals living here is quite remarkable. With an abundance of history concerning the heavy horses and Romany Gypsies, comedy, stories and remarkable facts, Richard shone as one of the best "tour guides" I've ever had the pleasure of encountering.

The cafe was wonderful, serving quick, tasty and affordable food. There was a wonderful playground, vintage rides, tractor rides, wagon rides, an incredible WWI trench re-enactment, animal petting, animal feeding and more. As an avid horse rider and enthusiast, I was skeptical initially of how long I would keep a husband, 2 year old and newborn happy, but after spending almost 6 hours here, I can honestly say this is one of the most wonderful places we have ever visited, well thought out, well loved and with an excellent daily schedule to ensure fun and entertainment all day, I would gladly visit again and...