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Nov 25, 20242 min read

Herts #46: Willows Activity Farm

An absolutely fabulous day out for the whole family.


Nearest town: St Albans

Duration: Around 2 hours


Willows Activity Farm, located just outside St. Albans in Hertfordshire, offers a delightful day for families and nature enthusiasts alike. While it’s primarily a family attraction featuring the Peter Rabbit Adventure Playground and farmyard animals, the surrounding area also offers pleasant walking opportunities and picturesque countryside. Though you have to pay for a ticket to enter and participate in the activities and the playground itself, it is free to walk through the park with your dog on a lead.


Willows Activity Farm is packed with activities for children, including indoor and outdoor play areas, funfair rides, and seasonal events. Highlights include meeting animals like donkeys and goats, hands-on petting areas, and tractor rides. Seasonal attractions like the Santa Spectacular during winter add festive charm. For families walking in the area, there’s plenty of space to explore within and around the farm grounds.


Food and Drink Options

The farm offers multiple dining spots on-site:

  • The Farmhouse Kitchen serves a mix of hot meals and lighter snacks, perfect for a midday break.

  • The Peter Rabbit Cafeteria provides family-friendly options with plenty of seating for young children to relax after a busy morning.

  • For a sweet treat, the ice cream kiosks and seasonal stalls serve up local delights.


Nearby, the village of London Colney has additional eateries, including charming pubs and cafes.


My absolute favourite stop is The Colney Fox - The Colney Fox Country Pub in St Albans. This charming country pub is dog-friendly and conveniently located near the farm. It offers a cosy atmosphere with hearty pub classics, seasonal dishes, and a well-stocked bar. Dogs are welcome, making it a great stop for walkers exploring the area. You can park at the pub if you are a customer, at the time of visiting in 2024 you just need to leave a car registration number and your booking confirmation at the automated screen upon arrival at the entrance.


After your walk or visit to the farm, you might explore the historic city of St. Albans, just a short drive away, with its stunning cathedral and Roman ruins. Alternatively, visit local nature reserves for an extended outdoor adventure.


In case the farmer is still growing rapeseed oil plants, the footpath takes you right through the middle of the fields. The farmer does do a good job at clearing the middle of the path, but the rapeseed plants grow so tall, but it's great fun walking through.


For more details about Willows Activity Farm and its offerings, visit their official website.


Free OS Map link area: London Colney | OS Maps




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