Old Macdonald’s Educational and Leisure Farm Park

East England
0-11
English, Geography, History, Maths
, Science
+1 more

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What will students see and do?

Enrich students’ learning outside the classroom with a visit to Brentwood’s Old MacDonald Farm. Pupils will have the opportunity to explore farming, the natural environment and nutrition on a primary school trip, including exciting hands-on learning experiences that will see children getting up-close to farm animals.

On a farm visit, students will engage with a wide range of animals, including those bred for commercial use, as well as more unusual animals from around the world. In the hatchery and poultry rearing room, children will learn how young animals are taken care of and brought up, and will have the chance to take part in young animal feeds. Meanwhile, animated educational shows will teach kids all about life on the farm and the importance of recycling and sustainability to save the environment.

Book your educational visit to Old MacDonald’s animal petting farm for a day that’s packed full of outdoor learning activities. Not only will students come away with a better understanding of where their food comes from and how shopping local ties in with the nutritional information of the food they’re eating, but they’ll also be more engaged with their in-school lessons.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

Visit Essex’s Old MacDonald’s Farm and Fun Park in Brentwood to teach children about life on the farm and conservation in the UK, as well as how buying locally grown produce supports farms and boosts nutrition.

As a licensed zoo and Learning Outside the Classroom venue, this farm offers a range of outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. Your day at the farm will be tailored to your desired learning outcomes for a range of subjects across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, including geography, history and science.

For more information on how to create a bespoke day, contact Old MacDonald’s Farm’s educational officers.

Subjects covered

English

Geography

History

Maths

Science

Teaching resources provided

Teaching packs, including activities for pre- and post-visit, are available to download from the website for EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The farm can provide educational fact sheets with quizzes, puzzles and games that will enrich your class’s outdoor education experience.

The outdoor learning team also offers school trip ideas and lesson plans – just email the team with your details.

Minimum and maximum group size

Contact the team to discuss group sizes. For every five children, you will receive one free adult place.

Details of risk assessment

For details of the farm’s school trip risk assessment, visit the website.

PLANNING

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Facilities On-Site

Old MacDonald’s Farm is a great place to visit in Essex for an animal petting experience. The site also has an indoor soft play area and outdoor adventure play area.

A café is available, offering a range of snacks, meals and sweet treats, as well as hot and cold drinks. School groups on educational trips can also access the farm’s teaching facilities.

Opening Times

The farm is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

Pricing

The cost is £10.55 per child.

Travel arrangements

Located just outside of the M25, the petting farm is near London, making it easy to reach for schools in and around Essex, east London and the south east, as well as the east of England.

From the A12 and M25 junction 28, take the A1023 to Brentwood. At the first traffic lights, turn left onto Wigley Bush Lane. A T-junction is located half a mile down the road; turn left onto Weald Road and drive for two miles until you reach Old MacDonald’s Farm on the left, just before the junction with Chequers Road.

Please note: satnavs may lead you to a road called Wrightsbridge Road. This is an error; the road should be named Weald Road.

A large free car parking area is located on site.