Educational visits for schools and groups
There’s lots to learn at Monk Park Farm and our educational visits for schools and groups are designed to be engaging and fun for all ages and abilities.
We can work with you to ensure your visit meets the requirements of your group’s interests or school’s topic or study areas. Our experienced and trained staff can provide guided tours of the farm and information about the animals.
As well as welcoming schools and pre-schools to our farm we also enjoy regular visits from a variety of groups including Scouts, Guides, charities, care homes, home care companies and WI branches.
“I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for a fantastic visit. The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some children even declared it … “The best day ever!!” It was incredibly well organised and there were always lots of available staff to help support and guide us.”
Elizabeth Neville – (EYFS Leader Headlands School, York)
Visited March 2023
“The children had a wonderful time. Staff were very patient and knowledgeable.
Monk Park Farm went above and beyond on the day to accommodate our children’s needs, wishes and our intended outcomes of the day. I cannot thank them enough!”
Miss E Fraser – Keeble Gateway Academy, Thirsk
Visited June 2022
Bishopthorpe Infants
Visited June 2022
Explore & Educate
Explore our 84-acre site and see our array of animals including sheep, cows, goats, pigs, deer, llamas, alpacas and even albino wallabies.
Find out about our animals, including our rare breeds, on the information boards and scannable audio descriptions dotted around the farm. A member of our staff would also be delighted to accompany your group on your tour of the farm and answer any questions on the way.
There’s nothing quite like getting up close to our animals to learn more about them, and our petting barn provides a safe and supervised environment to do so. Your group will be able to meet and hold our guinea pigs, baby chicks and rabbits, and might also get to see some baby lambs, goats, llamas and pigs. At certain times of year we also hold bottle-feeding sessions with lambs and kids. All our sessions in the petting barn adhere to our strict policies on the welfare of our animals and the health and safety of our visitors.
We are constantly enhancing our offering for schools and groups and our changes will make your visit even more educational and fun! School visits include:
- Dedicated marquee for exclusive use as an indoor space during your visit, ensuring everyone stays warm and dry whatever the weather. This space can be used for talks, crafts and as a lunchroom. Lunch boxes can be stored within your space in the marquee.
- Farm tour with a member of the Monk Park Farm staff who can provide educational information on our animals – please pre-arrange when booking your visit.
- Animals to meet in our petting barn.
- Signage around the farm giving information about our different breeds. The signs are scannable for audio description.
- Good accessibility on paths around the farm, and a wheelchair-friendly feeding station.
- Extended indoor petting barn.
- Enhanced woodland walk alongside Balk Beck. Please note this area has limited accessibility and we appreciate your patience while we continue work to improve it.
Time to Play
If you would like some play time as part of your school or group visit, we’ve got lots to keep the children entertained including:
- Mini train ride
- Air bouncers
- Huge outdoor play and picnic area including large sandpit and ride-on toys
- Smaller play area with zip wire, play fort and swings
- Barrel ride through the deer and llama park
Food
Groups are welcome to bring their own food which can be eaten outside in our large picnic area or in the marquee which includes ample seating.
Our team at the Hungry Monk Café are also able to provide a selection of cold or hot food by pre-arrangement only. We also have an ice cream kiosk. Please speak to us about your requirements when booking.
Hygiene & Safety
We carry out regular cleaning of all areas throughout the day and have various handwashing areas and lots of signage reminding people of the importance of hygiene while visiting the farm.
We provide every school with a copy of our risk assessment to help them plan their visit to make it safe during their time with us.
Planning Your Visit
If you are considering visiting us with a school or group, why not take a look around our farm first?
We’d be delighted to welcome you on a day of your choice to show you around and discuss your school or group’s visit.
Pricing
Admission for schools and groups of more than 10 is charged at £8.95 per child, with every group of 6 children, 1 teacher or supervisor can attend for free. Extra adults will be charged at £8.95 each. These prices exclude VAT.
One bucket of animal feed is included.
Barrel Rides are available at a cost of £2 per child and Ice Cream, also £2 per child (both must be pre-booked and paid for in advance).
