Let’s be real: the animals are the stars, and they know it. You’ll meet goats with the attitude of a celebrity chef and sheep that look at you like you’ve interrupted their soap opera. They’re unfailingly polite about accepting a handful of feed, even if their noses are a little wet.
My personal favourite is always the donkeys. There’s one there who will stare at you until you share your snack, and then sigh dramatically when you run out. It’s the most relatable creature I’ve ever met.
And the llamas? Pure drama. They walk with the confidence of someone who just got a parking space on the high street. Watching them strut around always makes me laugh—it’s impossible to stay grumpy when a llama is judging your outfit choice.
It’s not all hay and hooves.
Beyond the paddocks, there’s a whole world of chaos you can get stuck into. The indoor play barn is basically a kids’ dream and a parents’ ten-minute sit-down opportunity. You can let the little ones bounce and slide while you admire the hay bales from a safe distance.
Even if you don’t have children, the far side of the farm has a lovely little café. Grab a latte and a slice of cake, and watch the guinea pigs from the window. It’s the perfect low-stakes date—no pressure, just nice views and warm scones.
Smithills Open Farm Bolton - Review
One sunny afternoon, I saw a dad trying to teach his toddler how to pet a rabbit. The toddler kept patting it like a drum. The rabbit didn’t care. The dad looked relieved. That’s the kind of forgiving atmosphere Smithills has—everyone gets it wrong, but nobody minds.
