From city farms to rural wildlife sanctuaries and welfare charities these places are an animal lovers dream and they're an entertaining and educational day out for all the family.
Photo by rachel_ayre (instagram.com)
Acorn Urban Venture Farm
http://www.acornfarm.co.uk/
3 Depot Rd., Liverpool (map)
Hosting regular events and activities for the kids, this working community farm has a petting zoo, horse riding, a woodland walk and two outdoor play areas. Once you have visited the animals, take a pew in the cafe which serves hearty homemade meals and cakes.
Photo by bowlandwildboarpark (instagram.com)
Bowland Wild Boar Park
http://www.wildboarpark.co.uk/
Chipping (map)
Set in 65 acres of the Forest of Bowland, this family-run animal attraction is the chance to view a range of wildlife. Enjoy a picnic or ramble along the many footpaths in the company of wild boars, llamas, wallabys, red squirrels, pet lambs and more animals. You can also get the chance to feed a lamb, stroke a chick or have a ride on a tractor. Photo by rabphotograph (instagram.com)
Penny Farm World Horse Welfare
http://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/farm/penny-farm
Blackpool, (map)
Horse mad? Head to Penny Farm, which is home to around 65 horses at any one time. With two trails for you to explore, see ponies relaxing in fields and learn about the animals and wild birds from the surrounding area, it's a great way to get close to nature. Photo by walteaser (instagram.com)
Heaton Park
http://www.heatonpark.org.uk/HeatonPark/
Middleton Rd, Manchester (map)
Enjoy a little sanctuary from the city and meet a variety of animals including cows, alpacas and goats at the animal centre in Manchester's biggest park. You may even spot a peacock in the Stables Courtyard or some Highland cattle in one of the fields. Photo by spudalud (instagram.com)
Mrs Dowsons
http://www.mrsdowsons.co.uk
Hawkshaw Farm, Longsight Rd, Blackburn with Darwen (map)
Price: £ Cheap
Find out what makes Mrs Dowsons' ice cream so tasty at the family-run dairy farm in the picturesque Ribble Valley. While you're there, make sure you stop by the visitors centre to meet ponies and lambs, ride a pedal tractor, then feed the goats and alpacas. And don't forget to sample one of Lancashire's finest ice creams before you leave.
Photo by beebee30 (instagram.com)
Rice Lane City Farm
http://ricelanecityfarm.org.uk/
Liverpool, (map)
Billed as one of Liverpool's "best kept secrets", Rice Lane City Farm is a community-led initiative that brings the countryside to the heart of urban life. Boasting a range of rare breeds such as award-winning sheep and saddleback pigs as well as goats, pony, ducks, geese, rabbits and chicks, you can get close to the animals and take a guided tour of the farm. Photo by emilylapid (instagram.com)
Smithills Open Farm
http://www.smithillsopenfarm.co.uk/
off Smithills Dean Road, Bolton (map)
With 25 different types of residents including a bird of prey sanctuary, there's plenty to see (and hold) at Smithills Open Farm. Explore the farm, take a tractor tour, head to the adventure playground and then have a cup of tea and piece of cake in the well-stocked cafe.
Photo by selly81 (instagram.com)
Applejacks Adventure Farm
http://www.applejacksfarm.co.uk/index.php
Warrington (map)
For a farm experience with a difference, head to Applejacks. From Haystack mountains to adventure hayrides, there's plenty to get the adrenaline going. And with new attractions opening soon, it makes for a fun-filled day out. Anyone for pig racing? Photo by gimmehopejoanna (instagram.com)
Windmill Animal Farm
http://www.windmillanimalfarm.co.uk/
Red Cat Lane, Burscough (map)
Experience a working farm, meet the animals and have a ride in a miniature train at this family-friendly farm. With plenty of activities on offer plus the largest indoor play barn in the North West, you'll be entertained throughout your visit to Windmill Animal Farm.
Photo by naomi_s_ (instagram.com)
Farmer Teds Farm Park
http://www.farmerteds.com/wp/
Flatman's Lane, Downholland (map)
With free tractor rides, milk demonstrations, meet the llamas, pony grooming, reptile house, adventure areas and more, you really can enjoy all the fun at this Lancashire farm. Do you know an amazing farm attraction in the North West that you really enjoyed and would recommend? Tell us here.
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