Up-close farming demonstrations available at new Lake District attraction

With its full-sized reproduction of a livestock auction ring, demonstration area and café, the all-indoor farming experience is tailor-made for visiting groups.

The attraction, which opened in the summer of 2019, allows visitors meet the animals that live on the Lake District fells as well as up-close demonstrations of dry-stone walling and spinning fleeces from the sheep to make it into real wool yarn.

Farmer Isaac Benson will talk about his life as a working farmer on the fells, everyday challenges he faces and how some things haven’t changed for centuries. 

Paul Kleian, director of Tapir Destination Marketing that will handle all group bookings to the attraction, said: “We know that tour operators and GTOs have been asking for farm experiences that aren’t affected by the weather, so we hope that this purpose built attraction will fulfil the demand.”

More about the Visitor Centre

There are seasonal features for groups to look forward to as well, including its lambing season where visitors will meet lambs and possibly their mothers throughout the spring. Other farm demonstrations are also available such as sheep sheering.

The Auction Ring experience, which has a seated capacity of 140, can be tailored to group requirements and can last from 20 - 60 minutes.

The Lakeland Farm’s café caters for groups and boasts a special ‘Hungry Farmer’ menu for groups. This includes meals and refreshments using family favourite recipes and ingredients straight from the farm.

An optional extra also includes a working sheepdog demonstration, offering an insight into how Isaac rounds up his flock.