Just 20 minutes from Manchester city centre, Cockfields Farm Park is the kind of place where toddlers bottle‑feed lambs, teens race down giant slides and grown‑ups sip deluxe hot chocolate while meerkats scurry nearby. Family‑run and fiercely friendly, this award‑winning attraction on the Oldham–Ashton border packs a whole lot of countryside magic into one fun‑filled day out. Ready to plan your visit? Dive into the details below.
Quick‑Look Facts
| Need to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Cockfields Farm Park, Lees New Rd, Ashton‑under‑Lyne, OL6 8AR |
| Standard opening | 10 am – 4 pm daily (last entry 2 pm) |
| Season | Main season 11th Feb – 6th Nov; Christmas events from 1st Dec |
| General admission | Adult/Child £12.95 online (under‑1s £2.95) |
| Parking | Large on‑site car park, free of charge |
| Food | Woolly Jumper Café + picnic areas |
| Contact | 0161 331 3322 • info@cockfields.co.uk |
Getting To Cockfields Farm
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By Car – Plug OL6 8AR into sat‑nav. The farm sits just off Lees Road, about 10 mins from M60 J23. Free parking on site.
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By Tram – 3 miles from Ashton‑under‑Lyne & Oldham Mumps Metrolink stops; grab a taxi or hop on a local bus.
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By Bus – Route 425 (Oldham) stops 6 mins’ walk away at Abbeyhills Rd; route 231 (Manchester Piccadilly) stops 15 mins’ walk away at Lichfield Ave.
Top Things To See & Do At Cockfields Farm
1. Hands‑On Animal Encounters
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Bottle‑feed goats and lambs, cuddle rabbits & guinea‑pigs and meet reptiles in the Safari Tent daily.
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Marvel at the meerkat enclosure and stroll through the walk‑in aviary.
2. Epic Play Zones
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Indoor Play Barn – multi‑storey soft‑play with drop slides for rainy days.
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Giant Bouncy Pillow & adventure playground – bounce, climb and zip‑line outdoors.
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Mega Sandpit & Mud Kitchen – dig, build and get gloriously messy.
3. Seasonal Spectaculars
| Event | 2025 Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Teddy Bears’ Picnic | from 17 Jul | Teddy treasure hunt & sing‑along |
| Big Summer Blow Out | 26 Jul – 31 Aug | Farm‑wide makeover, foam parties & live DJ sets |
| Sunset Party Concerts | selected Aug eves | Tribute acts (Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter & more) |
| Magical Christmas Experience | from 29 Nov | Train to the “North Pole”, Elf Village & private grotto visit |
4. Woolly Jumper Café & Food Options
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Stone‑baked pizzas, speciality hot dogs, kids’ meals, vegan & gluten‑free choices.
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Homemade tray‑bakes, deluxe lattes & hot chocolates for a sugar boost.
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Bring your own picnic – indoor & outdoor tables provided (just keep food out of the café).
5. Facilities & Accessibility
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Fully wheelchair‑friendly paths and accessible toilets; tractor ride with lift.
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Free carer ticket available for registered carers (general admission only). First‑aiders on site at all times; designated smoking area in car park.
Money‑Saving Tips
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Pre‑Book Online – tickets are up to £5 cheaper than gate prices and often include animal feed bundles.
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Look for Combo Deals – multi‑event packages and Early‑Bird rates (e.g., Christmas Experience from £6.95).
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Off‑Peak Visits – weekday term‑time offers keep crowds low and costs down.
Itinerary Idea (Full Day)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 | Arrive, grab coffee while kids hit the Bouncy Pillow |
| 11:00 | Animal encounter session in the Events Barn |
| 12:30 | Picnic or pizza at Woolly Jumper Café |
| 13:30 | Tractor & trailer ride across the paddocks |
| 14:00 | Indoor Play Barn (perfect just before last entry) |
| 15:00 | Meerkat feed & gift‑shop spree |
| 16:00 | Head home with sleepy, satisfied kids |
Nearby Eats & Sleeps
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Whitegate Inn Beefeater – family‑friendly pub grub (5 mins’ drive).
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Travelodge Ashton‑under‑Lyne – budget hotel 13 mins away for overnight stays.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing lambs in spring, raving at a summer foam party or hopping aboard a twinkling elf train at Christmas, Cockfields Farm delivers year‑round memories just outside Manchester. Book ahead, pack the wellies and prepare for a screen‑free adventure your gang will talk about for weeks.
See you down on the farm!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cockfields Farm Park
1. What time does Cockfields Farm open and close?
Cockfields Farm is open 10 am – 4 pm every day, with last entry at 2 pm. Special events may have extended hours, so always check your e‑ticket.
2. How much is Cockfields Farm entry in 2025?
Standard weekday online tickets are £12.95 per adult or child; under‑1s are £2.95 and concessions (carers/over‑66s) are £9.95. Peak‑event days can cost more.
3. Do I have to book Cockfields Farm tickets in advance?
Yes. Online pre‑booking is strongly recommended (and cheaper); popular weekends and events often sell out before the gate opens.
4. Is parking free at Cockfields Farm Park?
Yes – the farm has a large on‑site car park that’s completely free for visitors.
5. Can I take my own food to Cockfields Farm?
Absolutely. Picnics are welcome at the indoor and outdoor picnic tables; just avoid eating them inside the Woolly Jumper Café.
6. Is Cockfields Farm wheelchair accessible?
The site is step‑free with accessible toilets, paved paths and a tractor ride fitted with a wheelchair lift.
7. Are dogs allowed at Cockfields Farm?
Only assistance dogs are permitted on the farm; pets must stay at home.
8. Does Cockfields Farm have baby‑changing facilities?
Yes. Baby‑changing stations are provided in both toilet blocks, and staff can warm bottles on request at the café.
9. Is Cockfields Farm cashless or can I pay with cash?
The venue operates as a cash‑free site, so bring a debit/credit card or pre‑pay online for extras like animal feed.
