Stockley Farm

Just outside Knutsford, Stockley Farm sits as a proper working concern - the kind of place where you'll actually see animals being looked after rather than paraded for the camera. It's a genuine family farm that opens its gates to visitors keen to get their hands dirty and understand what farming really involves, rather than a theme park with a farming theme.

What you're looking at is the real deal: cattle, sheep, and the daily rhythms of an active agricultural operation. Kids will get something out of petting animals and watching the farm routine unfold, though don't expect the bells and whistles of commercial attractions. Adults interested in rural heritage or just wanting to know where their food comes from will find it more rewarding than the younger set might.

You'll want to ring ahead to confirm opening times and admission costs - information's thin on the ground online. Allow a couple of hours if you're bringing children, less if you're just having a quick look around. It's not a massive time commitment, which is handy if you're basing yourself at Belmont Hall Camping or Pickmere Leisure Park nearby. Both are within easy striking distance, so you could slot the farm in as a half-day activity rather than banking your whole visit on it.

Bring wellies. There's mud. That's rather the point of a working farm, isn't it?