Bill Quay Farm | A Free Day Out in Gateshead

A lovely reader (Laura Jordison) has been in touch to share some information about Bill Quay Farm (and thanks to Laura for these photos too). 

After a period of closure, Bill Quay Farm in Gateshead is now open once again. It is free to visit with no booking required but they do rely on donations from the community to run. You can buy animal food from the entrance for £2 per bag. 

There is parking on Fisher Well Road close by and Pelaw Metro is a short 9 minute walk away (remember, up to three under 11s travel free on the Metro with a fare paying adult - see here for details). 

Please double check opening hours if you are travelling to visit but here are some FAQS from Chrysalis Training who manage the farm. 

We’ve compiled a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions below! 👇🏻 if you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please message us!

1️⃣ What are your opening hours?

We’re open 10 a.m - 4 p.m, Monday - Friday.

2️⃣ How much does it cost to visit the farm?

The farm is free to visit! There will be additional charges for activities such as Alpaca Walks & Meet The Smalls however. 

3️⃣ How much is parking?

You are welcome to park in any of our car parks free of charge, this includes coaches.

Cars are parked in our car park at their owners own risk and Chrysalis Services cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to vehicles, their contents or persons.

4️⃣ Can we feed the animals?

Of course! Bags of animal feed can be purchased at the entrance to the farm for £2. We do ask that visitors refrain from feeding the sheep as they don’t belong to us and are on a very strict diet. 

5️⃣ Can I bring my bike/scooter/skateboard into the farm?

All bicycles, scooters, children’s cars, skate boards and roller blades or ball games are not permitted within the farm grounds as this can put yourself, other visitors and the animals in danger. 

6️⃣ Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are more than welcome in the farm grounds! We ask that all dogs are kept on leads at all times and that you pick up after them whilst you visit. 

7️⃣ Is it possible to hold/pet the animals?

Our larger animals such as our pigs, alpacas etc are friendly but, like any animal, they may bite! 

Keep your eye on our page for updates on our Meet The Smalls events! 

8️⃣ Do you take unwanted animals?

Please send us a message with as much information with as possible and we can take it from there!

There is a cafe on site (see here for details) with a lovely outdoor terrace and views of the River Tyne. The cafe is open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm and they serve homemade breakfast, brunch, lunch and cakes. The photos on their Facebook page look lush! 

Back to the farm though and there is quite a selection of animals to see including: 

• Chickens
• Horses
• Pigs
• Piglets
• Sheep 
• Ferrets
• Alpacas
• Rats
• Rabbits
• Guinea Pigs
• Ducks 

The farm has an interest in rare breeds. 

There are a few activities available during the holidays including small animal petting, face painting, alpaca feeding and chicken feeding (small additional charge for some activities - please check times before visiting as they may have changed since this post ). 

Please remember that the farm is small and not a place for a huge day out but it is free to visit and a really important part of the Gateshead community that could really do with some additional public support this summer. If you are at a loose end this summer, why not pop along with the kids and donate a couple of £/ buy some animal food? Every little helps. 

• Address: Bill Quay Farm. Hainingwood Terrace. NE10 0UE. 
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Chrysalisservices/

Thanks again to Laura for the photos and asking me to share this post. Please always remember to double check information direct with venue before heading out as it may have changed since this post was published. 

My friend Nyomi visited a few years ago and put together this video below: