Cannon Hall Farm, located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, is a working farm with a massive variety of activities to keep the kids entertained. With hundreds of animals, multiple adventure playgrounds, activities and events, you could easily spend all day here.
Don’t miss Cannon Hall Museum and gardens too, which are separate from the farm and have free admission.
Opening Times and Tickets:
Under 2s go free, and tickets are cheaper on weekdays than weekends. There are limited on the day tickets available so on busy days it is better to book online in advance. This also saves you money! Ticket prices vary throughout the day, meaning if you book a later slot you pay less.
The farm is typically open from 10am to 6pm, with the farm shop open from 8:15am till 5:15pm. They are open every day. The museum is open Thursdays to Sundays from 11am till 4pm and the park and gardens are open all year round.
Click here for more information on tickets and opening times.
Parking and Travelling:
There is a car park right by the farm, tickets for which can be booked online when you book your farm ticket. A small cost for all day parking applies. There is also a blue badge holder car park by the entrance (which is free). To find these car parks, pass the first car parks you come to just after the bridge and continue following the road until you arrive at the farm.
By bus, the 94 and 94A can be caught from Barnsley to Cawthorne Village, a 25 minute walk from Cannon Hall Farm.
Prams and Accessibility:
Cannon Hall Farm, the farm shop and all associated eateries are suitable for prams. There are baby changing facilities available.
The museum has a lift which can be used with staff assistance. Most of the parkland and gardens are accessible but some path are grass or bark mulch.
Things to do at Cannon Hall Farm
1. See the Animals
As well as being able to see the cows, pigs, goats, alpacas, highland cows and more, you can also feed them by dropping animal feed down metal chutes. They know what this means too so will usually turn to face you! At Cannon Hall Farm you can also see the ferret racing and sheep racing, and put bets on the winners. One of my personal favourite parts of the farm is the small mammal house, which is home to giant cloud rats, guinea pigs, harvest mice and lots more. Another area not to miss is the reptile house, where you can see leafcutter ants up close too.
2. Shop, Dine and Play
With large cafes and restaurants big enough to position the prams next to, Cannon Hall Farm has plenty of options for food on even the busiest days. One of the restaurants also houses a soft play area so you can relax while the kids have fun. There is also a surprisingly large farm shop, with everything you would expect plus a fresh orange juice station and a make you own milkshake station!
If your little ones enjoy parks, Cannon Hall Farm is the place for them. There are multiple huge play areas with lots of variety, including a child size tube maze.
3. Visit the museum Park and Gardens
Situated right next to Cannon Hall Farm, Cannon Hall Museum Park and Gardens are actually separately owned but are free, so worth a visit when you are already so close! There are plenty of pram friendly paths to explore which take you to the sensory gardens and fairy gardens. The museum is a house with lots of history and wonderful pieces to capture the imagination of older children.
Things to do nearby with kids
1. Wentworth Castle and Gardens
This National Trust property in South Yorkshire is a fantastic spot for families to explore together. There are lots of things for little ones to spot, from statues and follies to wildlife and winding trails, so you can easily spend several happy hours there without running out of adventures. Whether you’re packing a picnic or just fancy a wander, it’s a day out that offers something for everyone.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a brilliant family day out in West Yorkshire, just a short drive from Leeds and Wakefield. Set in over 500 acres of beautiful parkland, it’s packed with striking sculptures, woodland trails, and open space to explore. There’s plenty to spark kids’ imaginations, and it’s easy to spend a full day adventuring here.
3. Barnsley Metrodome Waterpark
4. Whistlestop Valley (Steam trains)