Big Sheep Little Cow
Hands-On Family Farm Fun & Indoor Soft Play in Bedale
Posted on 5th August 2026
Located in the market town of Bedale, the gateway to the Wensleydale dales, Big Sheep Little Cow is a unique, family-run farm attraction famous for its up-close, hands-on approach to animal care.
Unlike standard farm parks where you view animals from afar, Big Sheep Little Cow focuses on personal interactive experiences—offering guided sessions where children and parents can touch, stroke, hold, and feed friendly farm animals. Combined with a multi-level indoor play barn, outdoor play zones, and barrel train rides, it makes for a fantastic all-weather family trip.
Highlights / What to See 🐮
Big Sheep Little Cow provides an interactive experience geared towards toddlers, young children, and family groups:
- Guided Hands-On Animal Tours: Join expert staff for guided handling sessions to cuddle rabbits, hold tortoises and chinchillas, feed goats, and bottle-feed lambs or calves (seasonal).
- Meet the Farm Residents: Say hello to llamas, alpacas, sheep, cows, pigs, donkeys, goats, and Shetland ponies in the barn paddocks.
- Woolly Mania Indoor Soft Play: A huge, multi-level indoor play frame featuring climbing obstacles, ball pits, and slides—perfect for burning off energy rain or shine.
- Outdoor Play & Barrel Train Rides: Outside, kids can enjoy go-karts, outdoor play structures, sandpits, and fun barrel train rides around the farmyard.
- Farm Heritage Display: Learn about traditional Dales agriculture and farming machinery preserved around the site.
The Farm Cafe ☕
The on-site cafe serves hot teas, coffees, light bites, sandwiches, paninis, and children's lunch boxes. Indoor seating overlooks the soft play area, and outdoor picnic tables are available for visitors bringing packed lunches.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential details for planning your trip to the farm:
Admission & Booking Guidance
Ticketed Hands-On Farm Entry: Admission charges apply for adults and children (with free entry for babies under 12 months), granting access to the farmyard animal handling sessions and indoor/outdoor play areas. Optional extras such as barrel train rides and coin-operated quad bikes carry a small extra fee on the day.
Essential Pre-Booking: Advance booking is essential to guarantee entry and keep group sizes comfortable for animal interactions. Visits can be reserved by phone, email, or direct message prior to arrival.
Check current admission rates, session timings, and booking contact details on the official Big Sheep Little Cow Website.
* Note: Opening schedules, session formats, and term-time toddler days vary throughout the year. Please consult the venue's official site prior to travel.
Opening Hours
Open daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (seasonal variations apply; check winter schedules prior to visiting).
Dog Policy
Dogs are not permitted inside the main farm barns or soft play areas (registered assistance dogs permitted only).
Facilities
On-site cafe, Woolly Mania indoor play barn, gift shop, outdoor play area, picnic benches, handwashing stations, and baby changing areas.
Accessibility
Level, concrete walkways link the main entrance, cafe, play barn, and animal housing, making it step-free and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Big Sheep Little Cow, Water End, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 1AW
🚗 By Car & Parking
Located just off the A684 at Water End in Bedale, roughly 5 minutes from Junction 51 of the A1(M). Free on-site parking is available directly next to the visitor centre.
🚆 By Bus / Public Transport
Bedale is served by local bus routes (including services connecting Northallerton, Ripon, and Richmond). The farm is a short 10-minute flat walk from Bedale town centre market place.
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