Yesterday we visited the Bucks Goat Centre for this first time and had such a great morning! It’s perfect for a spontaneous trip out as you don’t have to book tickets in advance, which at the moment is rare.
When we arrived we were asked to queue for entry and fill in a track and trace form with our details on. We then purchased our tickets and headed into the centre. There were only 2 families in front of us so we weren’t waiting for long.
What is there to do
When you enter there is a children’s play area with a climbing frame and slide, fairly large sand pit and an obstacle course. As soon as our little one saw this it was hard to drag her past it! However this is also where you end so once you manage to get them past the playground you can always come back to it!
The main attraction is of course the goats and there are loads of different types of goats in multiple fields. You are able to purchase food for the goats at the entrance for £1. Being 2 you’d think that she’d be scared of feeding them herself but she loves it!
As well as the goats you can feed the pigs (by throwing the food) and alpacas. They also have rabbits, chickens, ferrets, a pony and a fox for you to see.
How long would you spend there
We spent an hour wandering around looking at all the animals and playing in the playground. I’d say that’s about the right amount of time unless you stay a bit longer and eat there as well.
Food and drink
The Farmyard Cafe is located within the Bucks Goat Centre and serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and traditional sunday roast. We didn’t eat here ourselves so I can’t comment on the food but it does get great reviews online (4.5 stars on Tripadvisor) and the menu looked great. Click here to visit The Farmyard Cafe website and view their menus.
You can’t bring your own picnic into The Bucks Goat Centre but there is an area just outside with several picnic benches for you to enjoy your own food.
Best bits: It’s great value and a lovely place to spend a morning or afternoon. For a toddler it’s a great size for them to easily walk round on their own with enough for them to see without losing interest. It’s also very handy that you don’t have to book as it means you can decide to visit last minute.
Worst bits: The indoor barn smelt awful! I couldn’t stay in there the smell was so bad but other than the rabbits you can see all the other animals outside anyway so I didn’t feel like we missed out by not spending time in there.
Cost: Adults are £6 and children (2-15) are £5, under 2’s free.
Tickets: You don’t need to purchase advance tickets unless you are a group of 10 or more.
Pram friendly: Yes
Bike & scooter friendly: No
Location & parking:The Bucks Goat Centre, Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville. Parking is free of charge and onsite.
Sat nav: HP22 5XJ
Baby in Bucks Top Tips
Take your own bucket and spade to play in the sand pit.
