Fancy a free family day out that’s fun, educational and eye-opening? Get yourself down to one of these local farms this weekend for Open Farm Sunday on Sun 9 June.

Lower Plumpton Farm, Barmoor Clough, Dove Holes, Buxton, Derbyshire

Dig out the wellies! They’re essential for this one (to ensure biosecurity). Have a moo-ch around the family-run Derbyshire dairy farm and take a nature walk through the fields and woods to see how these guys protect biodiversity on the farm. Watch the cows being milked and meet the animals on our farm. Book for either 10am-12pm or 4pm-6pm.

Handley Farm, Wilderbrook Lane, Shottle, Derbyshire

Meet the goats and the little kids, watch the mums being milked and meet the hens and cows. Take a peek at the herb labyrinth and vegetable garden, buy your lunch and there’s even a bar at this one.

Croots Farm Shop, Wirksworth Road, Duffield, Derby

The Shire horses on this 72-acre sheep farm are the big draw here – especially since you can take a Shire horse dray ride (small charge applies). Watch the sheep being sheared, meet the farmer, watch a blacksmithing display and learn about lambing with local vets. Kids will be happy with the animal petting area, and there will be quite the party atmosphere with competitions, face painting, BBQ and live music. From 11am -3.30pm.

Hooks Farm, 70 Draycott Road Borrowash, Derby

Catch the milking robot in action on this small dairy farm and meet the newborn calves. Shop the market stalls, meet the farm vets and quaff fresh shakes from the milk and milkshake vending machines.

Home Farm, Grove Drive, Grove, Nottinghamshire

Get the buzz about bees from a local apiarist who will talk you through the vital role bees play in our eco-system and see the inner workings of a real hive. Meet a local flower farmer to discuss all things horticulture and meet the friendly cows, pigs and sheep.

Hardenclough Farm, Barber Booth Edale, Derbyshire

Meet farmer James and his family for a farm talk and walk to learn about everything happening on the farm at this time of year. As well as a sheep dog demo and a sheep shearing demo, there will also be chance to chill off with locally sourced ice-cream. Book in for either the 10am session or 2pm session. Parking is limited but the farm is only a short walk from the train station and main car park.

Longlands Farm,Caldwell Road, Linton, Swadlincote, Derbyshire

See the cows being milked, watch the sheep being sheared and meet the animals at this 200-stong dairy farm. Tractor fans will enjoy the display of static machinery, both modern and vintage.

Peacock Farm, Woolsthorpe Lane, Muston, Leics

Although mainly an arable farm, Peacock Farm also has a healthy apiary of bees which you’ll have the chance to learn all about. As well as chickens and horses to meet, there will be trailer rides on offer and locally produced food and products for sale.

The best local farms to visit this Open Farm Sunday

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