We're very pleased to announce that the Big Dino Takeover is back, bigger and better for summer 2024! Join us from Wednesday 24th July for what's sure to be a dino-mite day out for all the family!
Event Dates: Wednesday 24th July - Tuesday 3rd September
Times: 10 am - 4 pm daily
Location: Family Farm & Historic Gardens
Price: Included in the regular admission price to the Family Farm & Historic Gardens.(see below for details)
Please be aware these are separate admissions to each area.
No pre-booking required. If you prefer a quieter experience, we recommend visiting on weekdays as all activities are available daily from 10 am – 4 pm.
What's on in the Historic Gardens...
Dinosaur Discovery Trail
Journey back in time with us this summer as our Historic Gardens turn prehistoric with the addition of some life-sized dinosaur visitors!
Will you be brave enough to walk amongst them to complete our Dinosaur Discovery Trail?!
Your adventure could bring you face-to-face with a vicious Velociraptor, a ferocious Deinonychus or even the most feared of them all...the terrifying T. rex.
If this all sounds a little scary, do not fear! Our expert dinosaur ranger will be on hand to help keep things under control, and you on the right track!
Historic Garden Admission Prices: Adults £2.75, Children/Concessions £2 (under 1s free). We also offer free entry for RHS members and are currently taking part in the Gardener's World 2-for-1 gardens entry scheme (RHS member/Gardener's World 2-for-1 card must be shown on entry).
Last Admission: 4 pm (gardens close at 5 pm)
Find out more about the Historic Gardens here.
What's on at the Family Farm...
Meet the baby T. rex! Join us at 11.30 am or 2.30 pm each day to meet our very own baby T. rex named Chomp along with one of our expert dinosaur handlers! Chomp is a realistic baby dinosaur puppet that is sure to amaze your little ones - and the big kids too!
Daily dino egg & spoon race relay - head to our 'Activity Patch' at 1.30 pm where two teams will race to see who can return the most dinosaur eggs to their nests before they hatch! The winning team will receive a small dino-themed prize!
Dino fossil dig - perfect for any budding palaeontologists, our dino fossil dig station will be set up and ready for some careful excavation! What prehistoric discoveries will you uncover?!
Get crafty - let the creative kiddies loose in our craft room where they can make their own paper dinosaur to take home, or colour in a masterpiece to enter into our daily dino colouring competition. The Family Farm team will announce a winner each day on their Facebook page so keep your eyes peeled for the chance to win free return entry (for one child) and a free bag of animal food!
Say cheeese! Make sure you come photo-ready as there'll be some T-rexcellent photo opportunities to take advantage of - the perfect way to remember your day out! Why not bring the little ones along in fancy dress, we'd love to meet some dino explorers or young palaeontologists!
Try your luck - have a go at our Brachiosaurus ring toss game or see if you can hook a dinosaur duck (hook a duck £2 per go, win a prize every time).
Of course, in addition to our dino-related activities, there's lots more fun to be had at the Family Farm...
Meet our animals - say hello to our wide selection of domestic/farm animals, birds and reptiles, or if you fancy a more hands-on experience, join us at the times below for our animal handling sessions:
10.30 am - Meet the minibeasts
11 am - Egg collecting at our chicken coop
11.30 am - Feed & talk with our Asian Palm Civet
12 pm - Meet the lizard
1 pm - Meet the guinea pigs
2 pm - Meet the snake
3 pm - Meet the rabbits
Have fun in the sun! Our sand and water play area, complete with its own giant pirate ship climbing frame, is the perfect place to spend a warm day in the sun. If you love building sandcastles we have buckets & spades available to purchase from our farm gift shop, or feel free to bring along your own. We'd also recommend bringing a change of clothes and a towel for the little ones.
Family Farm Admission Prices: Adults £3.75, Children £3.50 (under 1s free)
Last Admission: 4 pm (farm closes at 4.30 pm)
Find out more about the Family Farm here.
Reviews ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We think our Big Dino Takeover event is a roarsome family day out, but don't just take our word for it! Check out some of the Google reviews left by our visitors last year...
