[AD – PR invite] We were invited to check out the Easter Eggventure at Bluebells Dairy Farm in Spondon near Derby. Bluebells is a family owned dairy farm, that diversified into making luxury ice cream back in 2008 and then opened as a family friendly farm with plenty of play opportunities.
Last year my daughter went on a school trip to Bluebells Dairy Farm and has not stopped nagging me to take her back – so we were delighted to be invited to review their Easter activities at the farm.
Read my guide to Easter activities in Derbyshire
Easter Eggventure at Bluebells Dairy
There was absolutely loads to do – and a really nice mix of timed activities and being able to wander around at leisure. Tickets have a specific entry time, we arrived at 10am and after a little wander round it was time for the Easter Egg Hunt. Led by Dorcus the chicken, children had a fun dash around the field collecting plastic eggs which were then swapped for a small Easter egg of the child’s choice. Like everything at Bluebells, it was really well organised.
Next up was Sheepish Showtime with Sherbert and Sharon, a fun, fast paced show with lots of silly games and songs, culminating in the marquee bouncing around to ‘Jump Around’ by House of Pain. Brilliantly bonkers and enjoyed by all. Likewise, the Sheep Racing was fabulous fun – we got really quite invested in our chosen sheep, Ewesain Bolt who came second.
We all loved the Spring Bunny Trail – this proved a great way to chivvy along my daughter when she started flagging, soon she was fully engaged in spotting the bunnies dotted around the farm and jotting down their flavours.
Family friendly fun at Bluebells Dairy Farm
There’s lots of outdoor play areas including a large ‘cow to cone’ playground (as well as a smaller, quieter one by the entrance), ride on tractors, pedal go-karts and a huge bouncing pillow.
There’s also an indoor play barn featuring a giant sandpit and climbing frame, play village and splat factory with giant foam cannons and book corner.
Meet the Animals
The animal patch at Bluebells features giant bunnies, Highland Cows, pigs, goats, alpaca, sheep and much more. Then in the ‘Cow Palace’ we saw the beautiful Holstein Friesian cows (that the Brown family have been milking since the 1950s!), miniature ponies and newborn lambs.
Sadly all the birds were tucked away indoors as per government guidelines – but in normal times you’d be able to see peacocks and a variety of other birds.
Once you’ve paid your entry admission, all the activities are then free – and we didn’t really have to queue for anything. Facilities were well maintained and clean, including plenty of toilets and hand washing facilities.
There are plenty of picnic benches dotted around the site – as well as a café. No trip to Bluebells would be complete without sampling their luxury artisan ice cream. There’s over 26 different flavours. I plumped for white chocolate and raspberry with cherry sauce which was just as delicious as it sounds.
Overall we had a wonderfully wholesome family day out. There was plenty to do and see and it was lovely to spend some quality time together in the fresh air and Derbyshire countryside.
What’s parking like at Bluebells Dairy Farm?
There’s ample free parking – most on gravelly roads.
Is it muddy?
It’s a farm so it can be pretty muddy depending on the weather. Most of the paths are stone – although you will be walking on grass at some point.
Is Bluebells Farm pushchair friendly?
Yes Bluebells Dairy Farm is pushchair friendly – we saw lots of people with prams and buggies.
Can I visit Bluebells Ice Cream Parlour without paying to enter the farm park?
Yes, anyone can visit the ice cream parlour. Parking is free and there are some outside tables to sit and enjoy your ice cream (toilets available too!).
