Shortly after the daffs pop their sunny heads up, the fields start filling with little lambs gambolling about and exploring the wide world.
For many, watching the lambing marks the beginning of warmer weather and greener surroundings. If you’ve got children it’s also a good way to get them in touch with nature and learn about how animals bond with their young. Luckily, there are loads of places all over the UK that offer visitors the chance to watch the lambing.
The National Trust’s Wimpole Estate in Hertfordshire is one such place – the lambing starts on 22 March and continues until 6 April. Visitors can find out about the estate’s rare breed sheep, see lambs being born and witness the first few hours of their life. Stay at Highfield Farm Touring Park just outside Cambridge to be within easy distance of Wimpole Estate – this friendly site is well cared for with great facilities.
In Kent the lambing starts a little later, with the South England Rare Breeds Centre near Ashford holding its season from 5 to 22 April. Families visiting here on Easter weekend can enjoy an Easter egg hunt as well as falconry displays and a chance to meet the animals on the farm. Broadhembury Caravan & Camping Park is a quiet countryside park close to the Centre, and a great base for exploring rural Kent and its coastline.
Borough Farm in Woolacombe, Devon is also opening its barn doors to guests on Easter weekend. There’s a viewing gallery to watch the lambs being born and taking their first steps from. Visitors can also learn about shepherding and how the lambing barns work. Several campsites are close by, but Woolacombe Bay Holiday Park is a good choice – it’s within walking distance of a lovely sandy beach and set in attractive natural surroundings.
Rob has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.
He is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and the publication of the Alan Rogers Guides and 'Destinations' magazine.
He regularly travels with his wife and young daughter in their Dethleffs 'Campy' caravan. A keen cycling fan, Rob can often be found in a field in Belgium during the 'Spring Classics' season or riding his Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.
