An ideal destination for a family outing, Leslie Hill Open Farm offers a wide range of attractions and activities. The farm has been owned by the Leslie family for 10 generations and the layout of the 500-acre estate has altered little over the last 230 years. The present owners, James Leslie and his wife, have restored the old farm buildings which now contain displays of vintage horse drawn implements and tools, vehicles ranging from carts to carriages, and wage books, account books and other documents showing how farming and life in general has changed over four centuries.

The Leslies have also restored and improved the walks through the woodlands and around the lakes, and re-made the large walled garden where you can pick your own fruit in season.

Younger children will no doubt be more interested in the variety of animals that have their home here, especially the baby animals they can pet and feed, and "Georgie" the horse who pulls the open wagon around the estate. The friendly collection of animals and birds includes some rare breeds and a herd of docile Red Deer. There's also an Adventure Playground and a picnic area near the Duck Pond. Or you can enjoy wholesome refreshments in the farm's tea room and craft shop. In the loft above is an historical museum and interpretive display where visitors can discover the past and present operations of Leslie Hill farm, details of local flora, fauna and the environment.

Scattered around the estate are some interesting buildings. The main house (not open to the public) is an imposing Georgian mansion, completed in 1760 around the same time as the principal farm buildings. Perhaps the most fascinating of these is the Pay House, a charming little building with Gothic windows added later. Inside, visitors can see wages books going back a hundred years. They list up to 40 workers at any one time and give details of the work done and wages paid.

The most impressive of the farm buildings is the Bell Barn, an unusual and outstanding example of a threshing barn. Other buildings of note are the elegantly designed Byre, with its dovecote; the Forge, which is periodically used for shoeing horses, and the 19^th century Potato House which contains a family coach, a fully restored "Clarence" (a 4-wheeled closed coach), and a side-car or jaunting car.

Leslie Hill Farm is open daily throughout July and August (Sundays, afternoons only); weekend afternoons in June; and on Sunday and Bank Holiday afternoons from Easter to the end of May, and in September

Our Competitions are held the second Saturday of every month