This post is based on a visit to Ouseburn Farm in September 2020.
Ouseburn Farm is one of our favourite places to visit in Newcastle. I have lost count how many times we have visited over the years, especially when the kids were little. All of my children love animals (especially Heidi) and we have enjoyed various activities and visits over the years from just popping in to a reptile spa day (which was a favourite) and even a summer camp where the kids spent the full day learning how to be farmers. They still talk about catching chickens and herding sheep to this day.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for directions, booking links and FAQs
Ouseburn Farm is a charitable trust. The land was purchased over 40 years ago by local parents from Byker who wanted their children to have access to green space, nature, grow their own and learn to care for animals. These are the values the farm sticks with today and the farm is run on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of the local community. As well as an attraction, the farm provides training for vulnerable adults and accessible activities for children and local schools.
Previously, you could just pop into the farm and it was free to visit with donations but after COVID hit, they had to make the difficult decision to reduce visitors and temporarily charge a small entrance charge. You can also still see some of the animals free-of-charge if you just walk along the burn or around Ouseburn. Please do consider donating if you can though.
Sticking with their original values, they do still offer free visits for local residents on Tuesdays ( NE6 1 or NE1 2 postcodes). These places are available on Tuesday afternoons (1pm and 2pm slots) and still need to be booked ahead online.
The farm now allows a small number of visitors to visit every hour. There is plenty of space to socially distance and the majority of the farm is outdoors. Tickets should be pre-booked online, under 3s are free and tickets include an age-appropriate activity pack for children to continue their visit at home.
Enter the farm at the usual entrance (just across from The Cluny Pub) at your designated time slot. There is a temporary outdoor admissions kiosk where a member of staff / volunteer will check your tickets (mobile phone is fine), let you know how to get the most from your visit/safety advice, provide the kids with their activity packs and give you the option to purchase animal food.
We bought a bag of pig food and chicken feed which I would recommend, we especially loved feeding the pigs, they are so greedy. Animal feed is £1 per bag (we paid cash - I think card would also be accepted) and you do not actually have any contact with the animals - you just throw it in their pen. It is a nice way to enjoy a no-contact interaction though.
We followed the one-way system and arrows on the ground and first up was the indoor animal enclosure. This is small but the doors were open and we were the only ones in there.
There are a fair few animals in here including parrots, reptiles, snakes, turtles, rats, fish and gerbils. We absolutely loved seeing Stanley again who we treated to a spa day last year.
Outside into the main paddock and we met two greedy goats. You can walk into the field to see the sheep if they are not here and the cow is in the also outside of the farm by the Rolls Royce Garage.
The main draw for us though was the pigs - they have so much personality. Each time we visit, Heidi begs us to get a pet pig (never going to happen) so visiting here is the next best thing. There are a few varieties and we laughed as they heard the rustle of a food bag they soon awoke from their slumber and popped right up to the gate to see us. I am sure they were smiling.
The kids loved throwing food into the enclosure and watching the pigs run over to wherever it landed and snaffle it up as they grunted. I wish we had bought two bags of pig food.
Then we moved onto the chicken coop where we spotted various chickens and a couple of turkeys. It was funny watching them scratch the ground as we scattered the bird feed.
There is plenty of hand sanitiser around the farm but also proper hand washing facilities outside. We didn't actually touch any animals but wanted to wash our hands after touching the animal feed and visiting the cafe.
The usual cafe is currently closed but there is a hatch in the garden serving light meals/snacks, ice cream and drinks to takeaway. I hear their sausage rolls are epic. We bought a round of drinks for £5 (card payment) which was really reasonable. They have those straws that turn milk into strawberry milk which the kids enjoyed.
There is also a farm shop stall selling produce from the farm - it all looked so good. There are various seeds for sale too.
As mentioned, included with a child ticket is an activity pack - these are age appropriate and feature little activities you can enjoy at home such as colouring in / crosswords / spot the difference etc.... A nice little touch I thought.
So was it worth the money? Absolutely! I spent £20 for the 4 of us which included entry, animal feed, a drink each and activity book each - this works out at £5 each. We spent around an hour there and it was just nice to get out of the house, enjoy some fresh air and giggles with each other plus of course, say hello to some of our favourite and familiar animals.
It was very easy to socially distance here, we were able to wash our hands and it is mostly outdoors.
As mentioned, Ouseburn Farm is a charity and they do so much for the local community, they are the kind of place I want to spend my money and support right now. I want them to survive this crisis.
Ouseburn Farm FAQs
How do I book?
Book online here
Are the toilets open?
Yes - in the farm yard courtyard with a one in, one out policy.
How accessible is the farm?
I cannot find an accessibility statement online but as far as I can see, the indoor area and courtyard is accessible. Please contact the farm for precise info / questions. The farm is small and toddlers should be fine to toddle around without a pushchair.
Where can I read their COVID guidelines?
On the Ouseburn Farm homepage here. You will find up to date info on guidelines, use of face coverings etc....
Where can I park?
There are several options around Ouseburn, we always park in Ouseburn Central Car Park on Foundry Lane (follow the signs and turn left and left again as you pass the Rolls Royce garage / the Cookhouse). Use postcode NE6 1LH. The farm is a short walk across the footbridge (opposite the Cluny).
Parking is currently 40p per hour for a maximum of 4 hours and free on Sundays.
Is the farm accessible by public transport?
Yes, find out more here. Please follow current guidelines re: the use of public transport.
What else is there to do in the area?
Ouseburn is one of our favourite areas of Newcastle. There is lots of street art to spot - have a wander and see what you can find. You are welcome to bring some chalk and create your own pavement creations as part of #ChalkUpOuseburn too.
Seven Stories is just across the road from Ouseburn Farm. They are operating a phased re-opening but do have some lovely events planned (including breakfast with the Tiger) and their bookshop is a lovely page to visit. Check out their website for info.
There are lots of brilliant foodie options in Ouseburn - we enjoyed a fantastic takeaway from Thali Tray a few months ago (honestly so good) and you can walk along the river to Newcastle Quayside too.
You can read about our walk around Ouseburn with pizzas & ice creams from Di Meos which is highly recommended here.
Other spots we love nearby within walking distance include Stepney Bank Stables, Kiln (fab coffee), the Cluny (lush food/craft beers / kids meals), Victoria Tunnel Tours, the Biscuit Factory and Sunday Lunches at The Cookhouse.
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Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)
Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.
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