Educational Visits for Schools
There’s so much to discover at Monk Park Farm, and our educational visits are designed to be engaging, hands-on, and suitable for all ages and abilities.
We work closely with schools to ensure each visit complements your current topics or curriculum areas. Our experienced team can offer guided tours of the farm and provide informative sessions about our animals and how the farm operates.
Whether you’re exploring life cycles, food production, or animal care, we’re here to support your learning objectives in a fun and memorable way.
“I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for a fantastic visit. The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some children even declared it … “The best day ever!!” It was incredibly well organised and there were always lots of available staff to help support and guide us.”
Elizabeth Neville – (EYFS Leader Headlands School, York)
Visited March 2023
“The children had a wonderful time. Staff were very patient and knowledgeable.
Monk Park Farm went above and beyond on the day to accommodate our children’s needs, wishes and our intended outcomes of the day. I cannot thank them enough!”
Miss E Fraser – Keeble Gateway Academy, Thirsk
Visited June 2022
Bishopthorpe Infants
Visited June 2022
Explore & Educate
Explore our 84-acre site and see our array of animals including sheep, cows, goats, pigs, deer, llamas, alpacas and even albino wallabies.
Find out about our animals, including our rare breeds, on the information boards and scannable audio descriptions dotted around the farm. A member of our staff would also be delighted to accompany your class on your tour of the farm and answer any questions on the way. (Guided visit only).
There’s nothing quite like getting up close to our animals to learn more about them, and our petting barn provides a safe and supervised environment to do so. Your class will be able to meet and hold our guinea pigs, baby chicks and rabbits, and might also get to see some baby lambs, goats, llamas and pigs. At certain times of year we also hold bottle-feeding sessions with lambs and kids. All our sessions in the petting barn adhere to our strict policies on the welfare of our animals and the health and safety of our visitors.
We are constantly enhancing our offering for schools and our changes will make your visit even more educational and fun! School visits include:
- Dedicated marquee for exclusive use as an indoor space during your visit, ensuring everyone stays warm and dry whatever the weather. This space can be used for talks, crafts and as a lunchroom. Lunch boxes can be stored within your space in the marquee. (Guided visit only).
- Farm tour with a member of the Monk Park Farm staff who can provide educational information on our animals – please pre-arrange when booking your visit. (Guided visit only).
- Animals to meet in our petting barn.
- Signage around the farm giving information about our different breeds. The signs are scannable for audio description.
- Good accessibility on paths around the farm, and a wheelchair-friendly feeding station.
- Extended indoor petting barn.
- Enhanced woodland walk alongside Balk Beck. Please note this area has limited accessibility and we appreciate your patience while we continue work to improve it.
Time to Play
If you would like some play time as part of your visit, we’ve got lots to keep the children entertained including:
- Mini train ride
- Air bouncers
- Huge outdoor play and picnic area including large sandpit and ride-on toys
- Smaller play area with zip wire, play fort and swings
- Barrel ride through the deer and llama park (Additional charges apply).
Food
Schools are welcome to bring their own food which can be eaten outside in our large picnic area or in the marquee which includes ample seating.
Our team at the Hungry Monk Café are also able to provide a selection of cold or hot food by pre-arrangement only. We also have an ice cream kiosk. (Additional charges apply).
Please speak to us about your requirements when booking.
Hygiene & Safety
We carry out regular cleaning of all areas throughout the day and have various handwashing areas and lots of signage reminding people of the importance of hygiene while visiting the farm.
We provide every school with a copy of our risk assessment to help them plan their visit to make it safe during their time with us.
School Bookings
Admission for schools of 10 or more children is charged at £8.95 per child (excluding VAT).
For every 6 children, one teacher, staff member, or school supervisor is admitted free of charge. Additional adults will be charged at £8.95 each (excluding VAT).
These rates apply on general admission dates only and do not apply to special events or seasonal experiences.
Groups of 30 or fewer: Visits will be unguided and can be booked on Mondays or Fridays when the farm is open to the public. You’ll be free to explore the farm at your own pace and join in the activities alongside the public.
Groups of 30 or more: We offer guided school trips on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, when the farm is closed to the public. These visits include a dedicated farmer talk and a more focused educational experience.
Please note: These rates are only available to official educational organisations such as schools, nurseries, holiday clubs, or other registered groups.
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