Home Farm at Temple Newsam
Europe's Premier Rare Breed Farm in a Historic Leeds Estate
Posted on 5th August 2026
Set within the magnificent 1,500-acre Capability Brown-designed estate of Temple Newsam in East Leeds, Home Farm is widely recognized as one of the largest working rare-breed conservation farms in Europe.
Housed inside atmospheric 17th-century cobbled yards, historic timber-framed barns, and open paddocks, the farm plays a vital role in protecting endangered British livestock breeds. Combined with the grand Tudor-Jacobean house, lakeside walks, and extensive adventure playgrounds nearby, it makes for an ideal family day out.
Highlights / What to See 🐮
Home Farm blends agricultural heritage with hands-on family experiences across its historic outbuildings and pastures:
- Rare & Native Breed Livestock: Meet hundreds of rare animals approved by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), including Kerry Hill sheep, Tamworth pigs, Bagot goats, Vaynol cattle, poultry, and heavy horses.
- Historic Cobbled Barns & Piggeries: Explore original 17th-century outbuildings, timber threshing barns, and historic pig sties that preserve centuries of Yorkshire farming heritage.
- Join in at Feeding Times: Seasonal opportunities for young visitors to watch livestock feeding demonstrations and meet newborn piglets, calves, and lambs in springtime.
- Estate Playgrounds & Parkland Walks: Just outside the farm entrance, kids can enjoy a large adventure play area with climbing frames and slides set beside 1,500 acres of parkland and woodland trails.
- Combine with Temple Newsam House: Upgrade your visit to tour the grand Tudor-Jacobean mansion, famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots.
The Tea Room at Temple Newsam ☕
Housed in the historic stable courtyard, the estate tea room serves cooked lunches, hot drinks, fresh sandwiches, and delicious home-baked cakes. Covered outdoor seating and extensive lawn picnic spaces are available nearby.
Photo Gallery
Plan Your Visit 📅
Essential visitor details for organizing your trip to Home Farm:
Admission & Booking Guidance
Ticketed Entry: Admission charges apply for Home Farm (with free entry for under 5s). Combined House and Farm tickets, family passes, and discounts for Leeds Card and MAX Card holders are also available.
Advance Booking: Tickets can be purchased on the door or booked online in advance to speed up entry on busy weekends and school holidays.
Check current ticket prices, family passes, and opening times on the official Temple Newsam Website.
* Note: Admission rates, combined ticket options, and seasonal opening schedules are subject to change. Please consult the venue's official site prior to travel.
Opening Hours
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Summer season) / 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Winter season). Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays and Leeds school holiday periods.
Dog Policy
Dogs on leads are welcome across the main 1,500-acre estate parkland, but are restricted inside the farm compound (registered assistance dogs permitted).
Facilities
Estate tea room, gift shop, adventure playground, picnic areas, public toilets, and baby changing spaces.
Accessibility
Ground-level cobble paths surround the farm yards. While historic cobbles can be bumpy, ramped access and smooth perimeter paths suit pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Getting There 🗺️
📍 Location Address:
Home Farm, Temple Newsam Estate, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE
🚗 By Car & Parking
Located off Selby Road (A63), easily reached via Junction 46 of the M1. Ample pay-and-display parking is provided on site directly adjacent to the farm and stable block.
🚌 By Public Transport
Local bus routes (including First Bus route 19/19A from Leeds City Centre) stop along Selby Road / Whitkirk, followed by a short walk through the estate gates.