Broomey Croft Children's Farm

The moment you walk through the gates at Broomey Croft, you know this isn't a theme park pretending to be rural. It's the real thing - a working children's farm where kids get stuck in rather than just gawk from a distance.

You'll find animals here that actually live here, not ones wheeled out for show. Goats, sheep, pigs, poultry - the proper farmyard lot. Children can feed and handle them depending on what's about, which beats a petting zoo hands down because there's genuine farm work happening around you. The space has that authentic, slightly ramshackle charm of a place that's been doing this for years without overthinking it.

It's the sort of spot that works brilliantly for families with younger children - say three to ten year-olds - who want to tire themselves out properly rather than stand in queues. Expect to spend two to three hours here comfortably. Don't come expecting manicured gardens or craft activities; come for the animals and the mud.

Near Atherstone in Warwickshire, it slots nicely into a park holiday, especially if you're based at Nightingales Rustic Camping four miles away. That proximity is worth considering - rough camping married to a farm visit works well for families wanting a genuine country break without the theme park nonsense.

Best to ring ahead or check their social media for opening times and admission costs, as these details shift seasonally. Spring and early summer are ideal - the animals are most active and the weather's usually cooperating.