Beetle Bank Open Farm
Animal Encounters, Play Barns & Countryside Fun Near York
Posted on 5th August 2026
Situated in Murton just three miles east of historic York city centre, Beetle Bank Open Farm is a charming 28-acre family farm offering hands-on animal encounters and extensive play facilities.
Set among rolling fields and wildlife paddocks, the farm is tailored for toddlers, young children, and family groups—combining rare breed livestock petting with an indoor play barn, outdoor adventure play zones, sandpits, and a farm cafe serving locally sourced produce.
Highlights / What to See 🦙
Beetle Bank Open Farm provides a wide selection of animal and play experiences across its grounds:
- Domestic & Rare Breed Livestock: Meet friendly alpacas, llamas, goats, rare breed sheep, pigs, ponies, donkeys, turkeys, and free-roaming ducks.
- Small Animal Petting Room: Join regular handling sessions inside the small animal barn to cuddle rabbits and guinea pigs.
- Indoor Play Barn: An undercover play frame featuring slides, soft obstacles, and dedicated toddler play areas—ideal for wet weather days.
- Outdoor Adventure Play & Inflatables: Explore outdoor wooden climbing frames, pedal tractor tracks, sandpits, zip wires, and seasonal inflatable bouncy castles.
- Wildlife & Nature Walk: Take a relaxing stroll along the perimeter nature trail, taking in wild hedge rows, ponds, and peaceful York countryside views.
The Beetle Bank Cafe ☕
Serves hot drinks, homemade cakes, fresh sandwiches, light lunches, and children's meal boxes made using regional ingredients. Spacious indoor seating is available alongside an outdoor balcony terrace and lawn picnic tables.
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential details for planning your trip to the farm:
Admission & Booking Guidance
Ticketed Entry: Admission charges apply for adults and children (with free entry for toddlers under 2 years old). Concession discounts, family passes, and annual memberships are available. Animal feed bags are sold at the entrance counter, and special experiences (such as alpaca walks) can be arranged.
Flexible Entry & Pre-Booking: Tickets can be bought on arrival at the entrance desk, or booked online in advance to guarantee entry on busy weekends, bank holidays, and school break dates.
Check current admission rates, seasonal opening schedules, and book online directly on the official Beetle Bank Open Farm Website.
* Note: Opening days (usually closed Tuesdays during term-time), seasonal closing times, and special event schedules are subject to change. Please consult the venue's official site prior to travel.
Opening Hours
Open Wednesday to Monday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays except during York school holidays). Open year-round.
Dog Policy
No dogs are permitted on the farm grounds or inside play barns (registered assistance dogs permitted only).
Facilities
Farm cafe, indoor play barn, outdoor play parks, sandpit, gift shop, baby changing, handwashing stations, and public toilets.
Accessibility
Flat gravel and concrete paths connect the main entrance, cafe, play barn, and animal paddocks, making the main site accessible for buggies and wheelchairs.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Beetle Bank Open Farm, Moor Lane, Murton, York, North Yorkshire, YO19 5XD
🚗 By Car & Parking
Located just off the A64 / A1079 outer ring road near Murton, roughly 10 minutes from York city centre. Ample free on-site parking is provided.
🚌 By Bus / Public Transport
The nearest main railway station is York Station. Local bus services connect central York to Murton village, stopping a short walk from Moor Lane.
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