Mead Open Farm — Attraction in England

I will start with the cost then the good and get to the bad after, Mead Farm while expensive is a nice place to visit with the family. There is plenty to do however the sole purpose for this visit was to see the big man himself Santa.

On the more pricey side of some peoples budget entry into the farm, a Santa visit (not one on one), a walk through the ‘enchanted forest’ ginger bread decorating, the pudding show and a trip to the elf factory set us back £90 for 2 adults and a child. This also includes entry into the farm and access to most of the attractions.

The whole event took about 2 hours so longer then other experiences around but quite expensive nonetheless.

On top of the entry Santa photos were an extra 12 (minimum) with a well placed marshmallow fire charging 4.50 for 2 large marshmallows from a pack you can get from your local shop for 3/4 quid - lunch and drinks for us also cost 35. I understand it was our choice to buy these things but want to highlight how the costs can mount up especially for those on a tight budget.

First visit of the day was the enchanted forest, ultimately this was a marquee filled with trees and lights, pretty but not the best. You were provided with glasses that switched the lights to Santa or rudolf. The whole forest took about 30 seconds to walk though and re entry was not permitted. scores 1/5

Next was a trip to the elf factory, possibly the best part of the day, the thirty minute interactive tour took you through different sections of the North Pole, with the task of filling the fun meter. All the sections here were great and the actors made it special for the children while entertaining adults too. At the end the kids were able to made reindeer food - only issue here was the pipes needed a top up as the very little ones struggled to get to the bottom of the pipes. Overall this would get a 5/5

The not so good, part was Santa sadly, on entering the queue my 5 year old needed the loo, we asked the lady looking after entry how long we had and if we could nip to the toilet. Rather rudely she said no, you’re going in and if you miss your slot we don’t get in and you can’t re book as we are full, your son has to wait… bear in mind he’s 5. To make matters worse as we were about half way through the Santa experience a separate family left and used the toilet only to be let back in. We felt like having to rush though this part due to the toilet needs. The Santa we met was very tired looking and while a good actor felt poor vs other santas out there. After seeing Santa the kids were provided with their choice of toy from the workshop and a stuff your own teddy a good choice of bears here but guess what’s coming - more costs.

If you’re not careful they had clothes for the bears, right in the eye-line of children at the small cost of around £20 for two sets of clothing. On a scale would give Santa 2/5 the bear 4/5 and the toy 2/5

Next was Mrs Christmas baker where only children were given one ginger bread to decorate with 5 smarties. Score 2/5

With this we decided to call it a day, overall the experience was good, spoiled but some of the staff but most importantly the little one had a blast. Is the event worth close too £100 no, however you do get slightly more then other local events that cost slightly less.

Would I go back next year? Possible but yet to...

This place is disgusting.

The rabbits are left unsupervised on tables in the barn. As prey animals, this is incredibly dangerous as so many things could go wrong. Judging by their body langauge they were not appreciative of the children grabbing at them and leaning on them. I told several children to stop man handling rabbits which I should absolutely not have to do. I dread to think how terrified the poor rabbits were. I don't even allow more than 3 people near my rabbits at a time let alone what was going on in that barn.

Not to mention I also had to inform children and adults not to feed the rabbits (rabbits have very specific dietary needs and being given the wrong type of food can be fatal). The rabbits on the tables also had no hay which can again be fatal. When some staff finally decided to make an appearance I mentioned this to them and I was told they were only out for 30 mins and so it was not an issue. This is in fact still an issue.

Then the rabbits in cages, the cages were far too small for the rabbits and did not have enough space for them to excersise and play. They also lacked enrichment and hiding spaces. The pellets in the bowl were majorly being overfed and the sign on the wall says that pellets should only be 5% of a rabbits diet so the farm is well aware that the rabbits are being overfed.

I am not too educated on the other animals on the farm however I do have a few things to say. Firstly, one of the pig enclosures had no water at all. You don't have to know anything about pigs to know that water is a basic requirement of any animals welfare. Secondly, all the enclosures looked too small and lacked eneichment. Enrichment and an adequately sized enclosure is also a basic requirement of animal welfare. Lastly, the animals are majorly overfed with food pellets just scattered absolutely everywhere. I understand the attraction of the public being able to feed the animals but it gets to a point where animal welfare must come before public satisfaction and that is a message that has not seemed to get through to this place.

If you do not agree with animal neglect I highly reccomend you do not visit this place. It...

Feel completely ripped off about the Christmas farm that we recently went to, 100 pounds for 2 adults and 1 child. you can do to a theme park for that and would be cheaper. The food wasn't served till half 11 and there being a lot of hungry people! come that time, the wait for chips was 30 minutes for chips. lol is a joke. On another level I've never seen so many Christmas tree's ever but no decorations anywhere the amount of money that has been spent on these large trees could of be used on making this site feel more Christmas like. (i.e., decorations and fake snow, etc. ) Seems like a big money spinner and to make it worse adults paying 30 pounds each to supervise our child and then after the santa experience to be given a cheap temu stuffed toy which is straight out of China and cost probably 1 pound, but i will share the bear was sealed with velcro and can be opened at any time and the inside can be eaten. they then want to charge for pictures, and they are not cheap. which should be included in the well over priced entry fee.

Also, the go karts don't work as they are all old and need replacing( Most are so old and pedals missing, chains not connected, etc...)

Most experiences are low cost and done on the cheap, i.e., the hq. went from room to room in box rooms with amazon lights and with random actors that have no storyline, with most the kids looking unimpressed and wondering what is going on.

Also, the tractor ride was never used, and I was wondering why?

Tulleys farm tractor at Scare Fest set a whole theme up for the occasion, but you guys didn't bother why?

I'm baffled and won't be returning until i find out your response to this massive rip-off that once occurred in the past that needs...