Coombes Farm Lambing

Coombes Farm Lambing UPDATED 2022: First with me being pregnant and then the pandemic we have not taken the boys lambing for such a long time. That is something I am determined to rectify this year and have already booked a slot at a popular local farm. WhIch I am sure I will write about in due course. However, the best experience we have had to date with taking the boys to see the baby lambs is at Coombes Farm which we visited one Easter Sunday a couple of years ago.

Where is Coombes Farm?

It is funny as living in the area now for most of my life I had no idea that there was a farm in Lancing open to the public. Located in West Sussex on the top of the downs. Coombe Farm has been open for the lambing season for a long time. And it is easy to spot if you are looking for it as there are a number of lambing signs which are already visible. You may find that it is also referred to as Church Farm having been farmed for more than 100 years by the Passmore family. It is a working farm and not open all year round. Instead having a number of open days. So lambing is a great opportunity to visit on one of its open days. You can use postcode BN15 0RS to find the farm on the South Downs.

How much does it cost?

Entrance is £4 for children and £5 for adults. You need to book your slot online via their website. Each reserved slot is for half an hour and they run up to 4 pm. The farm shuts at 4,30pm. Although you are booking a slot on the website you are not limited on the time you visit for. Unless you book the last slot of the day of course as everyone needs to leave by 4.30 pm. There is also a tractor ride which when we visited lasted for thirty minutes! I am not sure if it is still as long now. But Charle as you can imagine loved it. You can not book this in advance instead you pay onboard. So make sure you have enough change with you. When we visited it was £2.50 per person. Although this may have gone up.

Coombe Farm Lambing Opening Dates 2022

Coombe Farm is open for lambing between the 19th of March and the 24th of April this year weather permitting. With the first booking slot at 9.30 am and the last at 4 pm. Please note that visiting a working farm during lambing season is not recommended for pregnant women.

Coombes Farm Lambing what to expect

As you enter the farmyard there are two large barns with lots of pens. You need to remember this is a working family run farm so it’s rough and ready. Not that we mind this, but it was mildly entertaining listening to people moaning about the smell. Saying that it’s not overly dirty, although the yews are lambing so you have to expect some mess! After all newborn lambs do not come out all fluffy and white! Also, think about footwear and coats. The majority of the farm is outside as you would expect.

There are lamb pens at the back of the first barn which are large enough to climb into. In fact, children are encouraged to do so, and although there is a sign which says do not pick up the lambs many of the kids were. Thankfully there was a farm employee on hand to help. The hay in these pens is clean and fresh, many of the kids were sitting down and the lambs being naturally inquisitive would come up and sit with them. Which is a lovely way for the children to experience the baby lambs.

While we were there the children also had a chance to feed the lambs. Despite going on about it for the last month or so, when he actually got the option Charlie decided he didn’t want to feed them either. I may just have to face the fact that he’s starting not to want to have his photo taken so much! The lambs were pretty cute though.

The Tractor Rides & Food

After petting the lamb Charlie headed off to go on the tractor ride with his grandparents, they were gone for a good half an hour on the trailer rides. Hubby and I went to feed Harry in the cafe during this time. There is plenty of seating inside should the weather be less than satisfactory, we got a cuppa from the cafe and sat down at what only resembles old school tables. The cafe is really pretty basic, only selling cold food, cakes and sandwiches but that was fine for us as all we wanted was hot drinks. When Charlie came back he declared he was hungry and we had a look at Bens Kitchen – a mobile place outside which did burgers, baps and sausage rolls. There were a few picnic tables but since we had a rug we sat on the floor. This gave Harry a chance to explore. Charlie enjoyed climbing a tree next to where we were sitting along with a number of other children.

The weather started to close in so we decided to make a move, as we left in a bit of a hurry we didn’t manage to look around the old flit built church also on site. I believe it dates back to the Saxons so I have made a mental note of it, for when Charlie does school history projects. We spent a good couple of hours at Coombes Farm which is not bad considering the price to get in. Being a working farm I did wonder if it would be set up for a buggy but it was fine.

Parking at Coombes Farm

The only thing I would say is that parking is in a field adjacent to the entrance and although the grass is cut short. If it had been raining and muddy I am not sure I would have got my car out, as it is pretty hilly. Saying that the farm runs events throughout the year so I expect we will be back to visit. You can find out more on the Coombes Farm Website.

Have you been to a farm recently for lambing? What did you think? Have you any recommendations? Please let me know in the comments below.

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