Set amongst 20 acres of pasture and woodland, Daisy May's Farm is a working farm based in the village of Elsenham, just outside Bishops Stortford, Essex. This wonderful community farm run solely by volunteers as a not for profit organisation, raises funds by welcoming visitors to have a hands on, authentic working farm experience.
Visitors have the opportunity to collect the eggs, feed and handle the farm animals, bottle feed the lambs (seasonal), hold chicks and milk the goat.
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| Feeding the goats at Daisy Mays Farm |
Visiting Daisy May's Farm
Why Daisy May's Farm is a good place to visit with children
- There are lots of farm animals to see which children can interact with.
- Animal handling and feeding is included in the entrance price.
- There are animal themed activities like a nature trail and colouring table.
- Younger children will enjoy the small play area with ride on toys.
- No prebooked tickets (except for special events) so you don't have to plan in advance.
- There is a mini train ride (additional charge)
What Is There To Do At Daisy May's Farm?
Daisy May's is a lovely farm to visit, but bare in mind it is a community run enterprise rather than a big commercial attraction.
Animals
The community farm has a range of animals as well as a breeding programme so you can often see cute baby animals. Animals include: sheep, goats, pigs, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs. Many of the animals are free roaming so children can get up close and some animal feeding and handling activities are included in the entrance price. In the spring you can feed orphaned lambs.
Activities
As well as interacting with the animals there are some activities to enjoy including: a play area with ride ons and toys for younger children, a woodland area for den building, a small sand pit and a craft/ colouring table. There is also a nature trail with animal pictures to find. If you collect all the stamps you get a small prize. For an additional £2 per person you can enjoy a mini train ride, running weekends and holidays.
Food
Picnics are welcomed and there are picnic benches in both the play area and in the adjacent open space.
If you want to buy food there are refreshments (cakes, ice creams, hot drinks) and the Snack Shack with a seasonal offering which is open on the weekends and during school holidays.
The cakes looked good but the fast food looked quite basic. My kids loved the slushies.
What age children will enjoy visiting Daisy May's Farm?
This farm is best suited for young children, up to around 6. Smaller children may find the goats a little intimidating as they are not enclosed and may jump up to get bags of feed. The activities are not targeted at older children.
Is it suitable for pushchairs?
The ground is mostly mud, straw or grass, so you'd need off road wheels, but a baby carrier would be a better option.
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| Ride ons |
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| Hand feed animals |
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| Hold baby animals |
What you need to know before visiting Daisy May's Farm
- Daisy May's Farm is open all year round and you can't book in advance except for their special events (Halloween or Christmas).
- Entry costs £6 per person, with no charge for babies under 1 year old.
- Bags of animal food is charged at 50p per bag.
- Opening hours vary, but are normally 9am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 4pm weekends and school holidays. In Summer months they stay open until 5pm.
- The toilets are basic portaloos.
- They have some undercover areas to provide shade from the sun or rain, but wrap up warm in cold weather.
- They suggest planning at least 3 hours to see everything and to take part in the animal encounters.
Is it dog friendly?
No, unfortunately dogs are unable to visit due to some livestock roaming freely.
What to take with you when visiting Daisy May's Farm
- Bring cash as they don't accept card payments. They can accept PayPal, but due to the rural location the internet connection can be poor .
- Waterproofs and wellies or sensible closed toe shoes are advised if it has been raining recently. As a working farm the floor can be uneven and slippery so even in summer sandals aren't advised.
- There is a stream you can paddle in on hot days, bring a towel.
How to get to Daisy May's Farm and where to park
Address
Daisy May's Farm,
Hall Road,
Elsenham,
Essex
CM22 6DN
Parking
The farm is easy to find using a Sat Nav. There is a free car park but beware it can get muddy. At busy periods the car park can get full so they suggest parking in the village and walking to the farm.
It is about 15 minutes walk from Elsenham train station (trains run from London Liverpool Street to Cambridge including stops at Harlow and Bishops Stortford).
What else is there to do near Daisy May's Farm?
- Mountfitchet Castle, a reconstructed Norman Motte and Bailey castle, is about a 5 minute drive away. Seasonal opening.
- Cammas Hall Farm is about 15 minutes drive away. This great pick your own with additional activities has a great café with play area, but PYO tickets normally need to be prebooked, and closed on Mondays.
- Hatfield Forest, an ancient hunting forest, managed by the National Trust is 10 minutes drive away.
- Audley End Miniature Railway and Audley End House (English Heritage) are 20 minutes away. Read tips for visiting Audley End Miniature Railway here.
Recommendation and photographs by Laura Clarke
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