Jimmy’s Farm
Pannington Hall Lane, Wherstead, Ipswich, IP9 2AP
Whether you’re a Food Unwrapped, Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast or Big Bee Rescue watcher – you’ll certainly know who Jimmy Doherty is. So, teaming his passion for farming, food, wildlife and the countryside.. he presents us with – Jimmy’s Farm! The main attraction of the site is the Farm, Zoo & Wildlife Park; with over 80 species and breeds, the Park plays host to traditional, rare and exotic animals – there’s so much to see! There is also the WonderWood play area and Tropical House to explore too. There’s a really lovely restaurant & coffee house situated in a beautiful converted barn, as well as the Field Kitchen if you’re looking for something informal, just for a light-bite, and, adults – head to the Woodland Pub to find the Hair of the Hog for a drink or two whilst the young explorers build their dens within the trees. If you need a little retail therapy after your long day you can pop into The Farm Shop, Joules, Clarkes & Piggies before you head on back to Damerons Farm.
The Suffolk Punch Trust
Sink Farm, St. David’s Lane, Hollesley, IP12 3JR
The Suffolk Punch is the oldest English breed of working horse; the Trust was founded to protect the now endangered Suffolk’s through its established breeding programme. The Suffolk Punch is an iconic heavy horse and it is so important to continue to support the efforts of the Trust when we can – it is definitely worth a visit to learn more about the history of our ‘gentle giants’ and see them in person, as well as lovely new foals. There’s also a Pet’s Paddock where you can see the goats, chickens, ducks and guinea pigs. There are several walks around them farm and you can stop in for a cup of tea and cake in the cafe too. Booking is currently not mandatory.
Colchester Zoo
Maldon Road, Heckfordbridge, Colchester, CO3 0SL
A trip to this zoo is a serious lovely day out for everyone to enjoy – the zoo is not only home to 200 species but it is set in 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes which makes your day that even more enjoyable to walk around. The zoo is categorised into fun and educational enclosures that will excite those of all ages: Call of the Wild, Elephant Kingdom, Feathers of the Forest, Kingdom of the Wild, Lion Rock and the Wilds of Asia are just a small handful of areas to explore. If you’d like to treat someone, or its a special occasion during your visit why not book an experience – there is ‘Keeper for he day’, ‘Keeper Shadowing’ and even a Kids Zoo Academy. As always, plenty of spots for lunch and refreshments as you journey through the zoo.
Easton Farm Park
Easton Farm Park, Easton, Suffolk, IP13 0EQ
This is the place if you want to introduce your children to what life on a farm is really like, and how animals truly behave – it’s educational and immersive all the while being great fun! Easton Farm Park’s ethos is that they believe all children should know ‘what the will on a sheep feels like, how enquiring pigs can be and how tall a Suffolk Punch is’. Don’t worry about bad weather – you’re encouraged to pack your wellies and rain coat and crack on regardless! Spring & Summer are particularly special times to visit with the new baby animals to experience.
