Cogges Manor Farm — Attraction in West Oxfordshire

Update: I called Mr. Reed following his reply to my review and he was very kind and validating. Honestly, that helped a lot. 💜 He said that all of the staff and volunteers read my review and it cut them deep cause they try so hard to make experiences pleasant for everyone. Mr. Reed assured me that all the volunteers would be spoken to... And I'm happy to move forward. Thanks a lot! :)

Original review: I had a really sad interaction today. In the past my son and I have been allowed to pick apples. He was so excited to see how large the apples were so I lifted him up to pick one. Now, I SHOULD have asked - there's no excuse for that, but seeing as there wasn't any obvious signs saying not to I didn't think anything of it. Cogges farm often has things (plants, baked goods, eggs and more) available for donation and we love teachable opportunities like this!

So my son picked the apple and immediately a Cogges volunteer laid into me. I was startled but immediately I apologized. I asked if there were any signs I had missed saying not to pick them, he said no... "No one reads them anyways." And continued to treat me like a common thief despite my apologizing twice more. In the end there was nothing left to do but walk away.

This representative of Cogges was very unprofessional and downright rude. He came across as a person trying to throw his weight around. If he had simply, kindly, expressed that we couldn't pick the apples I would have been embarrassed and insistent on donating in return. Instead this man left me flustered and very upset. As a person with hidden disabilities, this was very overwhelming. I am only happy my four year old didn't seem to notice what was happening.

While I am sorry to hear Cogges Farm is struggling (as this man said, due to a lack of funding the farm is at risk of closing), unprofessionalism such as that coupled with rising prices leaves me wondering if we will continue to be season ticket holders. We are a little family of three who enjoys coming to the farm and cafe easily 20 times a year, loves to bring home plants in return for donations, loves to explore over and over again what Cogges has to offer as well as frequent their cafe.... it may not amount to much in the grand scheme. It will amount to less...

Cogges Farm having been our sanctuary for years, we are also season ticket holders, and this year, we enquired about celebrating our daughter's birthday at Cogges. This, it turned out, is not only possible, but choosing this venue has been the best decision.

From the first point of contact, Cogges staff have been absolutely lovely and supportive. We were offered an idyllic spot for our party in the orchard, with a wonderful backdrop of trees, meadow and countryside.

Nothing was too much trouble when we asked for a gazebo, extra tables and chairs, bunting, music, etc. - all no problem.

Most importantly, staff have been fantastic and gave us such a warm welcome, making the birthday girl and our guests feel very much at home. The two-point programme offered (with choices) was pitch-perfect (meeting the animals and a scavenger hunt), the children were so excited, and not bored for a single second.

In between, they ran off to enjoy the adventure playground, historic dressing up in the Manor House, an historic exhibition about how to make dairy products with hands-on practice opportunity for milking, meandering through the rainbow-coloured paradise of a walled garden in full bloom (see picture for posies from that garden), and watching the colourful roosters rousting about the site - so much fun, and a wonderful day out!

Why had we not thought of Cogges as a birthday...

I would give the other two stars if the entry fee was lower than it is, which is £10.50 each for two 70 yr olds. Very few animals no real interaction or someone to guide you around the house. A good cause but definitely needs something to occupy all who arrive.

Parking set away from the farm but a pleasant off road walk, to gain access. The parish council also needs to ensure signage is free from overgrown hedges/trees as car park not easy to find, due to signage being covered.

The talk given to us in the sitting room was excellent and what we expected, for the monies charged. But unfortunately that was it downstairs. Up stairs had a couple of recordings. The one in the office was excellent. Maybe an old fashion maid calling system in the rooms to pull , push to set off a recorded talk or a type of hand held radio to carry, to hear the history.. Or activities to participate in. The café was ok and reasonably priced. A good mug of tea! Can’t say we didn’t enjoy it as we are both enthusiastic about keeping history alive. We also realise the cost of upkeep is difficult. But sometimes, making it more affordable or more enticing, could encourage more paying visitors..Speculating to accumulate. We wish you all well, hoping for more success...