Day Out: Cholderton Charlie's Farm, near Salisbury (From Daily Echo)

Day Out: Cholderton Charlie's Farm, near Salisbury

1:13pm Friday 9th March 2012 in Leisure By Christine Stock

IF you’re looking for a real working farm with plenty of activities, then look no further.

Perfect for pre-school and primary age children, little ones will love meeting the rabbits, guinea pigs, ponies, donkey and birds and feeding the goats and pigs.

I’ve been taking my four-year-old son now and again for the past few years and we find something new each time!

The farm has many litters of piglets through the year, so whenever we visit there are usually baby pigs or other young animals to see and stroke.

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and if you ask they can tell you about the work involved on the farm and the careful breeding programs to maintain exquisite rare breeds of rabbit and poultry, not to mention the Eriskay ponies, saddleback piglets and lots of other baby animals.

Wet or dry, there is plenty to do – my son loves to groom the little pony or get walked by a goat (although it is supposed to be us walking the goat) and at certain times of year you can handle chicks and rabbits.

Pig racing is twice a day (we normally stay to watch both), a short activity but definitely worth watching for the pure comedy value. The tractor and trailer ride is a fun jaunt around the farm where you get to see the animals from a different angle.

Set on a 42-acre plot, there is a nature trail around the grounds and many play areas, buildings and facilities, including a big indoor soft play barn with tables and chairs (perfect for picnicking when the weather’s not so nice), outdoor adventure play areas, sandpits, ride on tractors and trampolines.

It’s a little rustic around the edges with some areas looking tired but, don’t forget, it is a working farm and the animals all seem to be looked after very well and always look content and relaxed.

ee choldertoncharliesfarm.

com.