Farm Fun and Rural Discovery
An engaging, hands-on agricultural experience. Meet rare breeds, learn about local history, and explore the importance of agriculture, food and healthy living.
Hands-on Animal Care
Get close to a variety of rare breeds and traditional farm animals. These personal encounters allow youngsters to investigate animals, habitats & biodiversity firsthand, learning about the specific needs and personalities of the residents.
A hands-on children’s farm where students meet rare breeds and explore the traditions of Dorset rural lifeEducation Destination
Foxdown Children's Farm offers youngsters a warm and personal introduction to the world of agriculture, food and healthy living. Set within the rolling hills of the Marshwood Vale near Bridport, this family-run farm provides an intimate environment where students can get up close with a variety of traditional and rare breed animals. For groups on a residential stay, it serves as a tranquil yet stimulating escape, allowing pupils to experience the sights, sounds, and rhythms of rural life while developing a deeper understanding of where their food comes from.
The farm is a premier resource for studying animals, habitats and biodiversity within a managed countryside setting. Youngsters can investigate the different needs of livestock, from playful goats to gentle ponies, and learn how the farmers care for them throughout the seasons. By exploring the paddocks and enclosures, students can observe how the local climate, weather and environment dictate the farming calendar. These direct encounters foster empathy and curiosity, turning a simple day out into a meaningful lesson on the interconnectedness of nature and the food chain.
A visit here also provides a fascinating link to local history and changes within living memory. Pupils can discover how farming practices in the Bridport area have evolved, comparing modern animal husbandry with the traditional methods used by past generations. The charming, rustic setting and the individual personalities of the animals serve as a brilliant stimulus for literature and creative writing, encouraging youngsters to build descriptive vocabulary and craft their own stories. Whether they are exploring the small gardens or learning about the heritage of Dorset rare breeds, pupils remain fully engaged and inspired.
Balanced with plenty of opportunities for supervised play and interaction, Foxdown ensures that learning is always paired with fun. The approachable scale of the farm makes it a safe and welcoming space for youngsters to build confidence around animals and ask questions of the knowledgeable staff. By the end of their visit, students leave with a newfound respect for the farming community and a collection of joyful memories.
Agriculture and Food
The farm is a premier resource for studying agriculture, food & healthy living. Pupils discover the origins of their food and the importance of farming, seeing how a small-holding operates within the beautiful Dorset landscape of Marshwood Vale.
Dorset Rural Heritage
By exploring the site, youngsters connect with local history and the traditions of the area. Students can discuss changes within living memory, comparing modern animal husbandry with the stories of past generations of farmers.
Nature and Environment
As an outdoor venue, pupils can observe how the climate, weather & environment dictate the farming calendar. Students learn how seasonal changes affect crop growth and grazing land, fostering a deep respect for the natural world.
Managed Garden Spaces
Investigate the various enclosures and gardens to see how plants are integrated into a farm setting. They can learn how these spaces support both livestock and local biodiversity, including essential pollinators like bees and butterflies.