Hoar Park Children's Farm

A working farm set up specifically for children to get their hands dirty - literally. Hoar Park lets kids feed animals, see how a proper farm operates, and burn off energy in a way that actually teaches them something. You've got the usual suspects: sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs. The sort of place where a five-year-old spends three hours convinced they're a farmer and a ten-year-old stops complaining about being bored.

It's the right kind of chaos for families who want their kids to understand where food comes from, not just visit a petting zoo and leave. Near Atherstone, it makes sense as a half-day addition to a caravan holiday at Nightingales Rustic Camping - only 1.4 miles away - or any of the other parks in the area. The proximity to Atherstone town centre means you could easily combine it with a bit of shopping or lunch if the weather turns.

Bring old clothes. Animals don't mind mud and neither should you. Allow a couple of hours minimum, though kids will often stay longer if you let them. Opening hours and admission prices aren't nailed down here, so ring ahead before you pitch up - nothing worse than arriving to find it closed for the day. Best visited during school holidays when the farm runs full sessions, though weekends work fine too.