Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre
Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre
our farm experience day ...
Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre - A unique Lake District Farm Experience
Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre is located near Windermere, in the quaint village of Ings. Recently opening in 2019, the visitor center offers day out for the whole family. Whether you want a family trip out, or simply an insight into how a local Cumbrian farm is run, their range of activities, café and butchers shop creates the perfect Lake District attraction.
Offering an authentic Lakeland farm experience, owners Kerrie and Isaac aim to highlight the affects the farming industry has had on the development and sculpting of the local area and National Park, whilst showing what they do on their farm. Although over the years farming has changed and improved, there are still many traditional methods used on functioning farms today, along with new innovative methods which have been integrated too.
To find out more about the work they do, we took a trip to the farm for a hands on experience.
Once we arrived at the farm, we were greeted by Isaac and Kerrie, as both work on the farm and in the Visitor Centre. After explaining to us about all the different elements on the farm and how they’ve integrated them into the centre, we were taken across to our first activity; dry stone walling.
Dry Stone Walling
Dry Stone Walling
Dry stone walling is one of the most common traditional farming methods still used today. Passed down through generations of farmers, dry stone walling has been a livestock control method used since way back when. For hundreds of years the walls have crisscrossed farmland and fells, reminding us of the Lake District’s deep-rooted pastoral heritage.
The skill of dry stone walling is highly important for maintaining the 1000’s of miles of wall we have in the Lake District. Unfortunately, the wall can be damaged by multiple factors such as the weather, livestock and people. It is vital that when damage is caused to the walls that they are repaired or rebuilt.
But what makes them any different to any other wall you ask? The difference is, no cement is used when building a dry stone wall. It is simply made to stand together from carefully selecting and placing the stones in order to make it secure. When built correctly with the right technique, a dry stone wall can last many years with minimal maintenance.
Offering the chance to have a go yourself, Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre have a designated dry stone walling area where owner Isaac shares his expert knowledge and skills, demonstrating how to build the perfect wall.
It wasn’t until we had a go that we understood the need for technique and precision, as the stability of the wall was essential. Using flatter, larger stones as the base building blocks, smaller stones as fillers or props, and large, uneven stones for the cam (top of the wall). As time went on building our wall, the strategy that had to go into the development of the wall was most certainly highlighted.
Although it’s not your conventional activity for some fun, you would be surprised. It is perfect to learn a new skill, compete against your group, or even if you just want a bit of a challenge.
Farm Experience Show
Occurring daily at 11am, the Farm Experience Show is a great way to learn more about the farm itself, the livestock kept on the farm but also the ways of the overall farming industry. Giving an insight to many aspects, learn about the different breeds of animals and why they are suited to Lake District farming, watch a clipping and sheepdog demonstration, and meet some of the livestock including Coco the Highland Cow, and Maestro the Limousin Bull.
With an abundance of knowledge and charm, Isaac puts on an entertaining and yet informative show. The engaging nature really provides an interactive Lakeland experience.
Archery
Once we had given the stone walling a go, it was time to have some fun with a bow and arrow. Surrounded by farmland and of course, a flock of Herdy’s, there was no better place to try our hand at archery.
With a quick tutorial of how to load the bow, how to draw and the best techniques to hit the target, it’s a brilliant activity to get involved in.
Wool Spinning
Another traditional activity that Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre provides is wool spinning. With a flock of Herdwick sheep, it’s safe to say that there is plenty of spare wool being produced by the farm. And what a better way to up cycle than by creating yarn from it?
With the fleeces provided, watch and learn how the fleece is turned into yarn, ready to be used for knitting or weaving into fabric and material. Have a go yourself and learn how to spin on a drop-spindle, a spinning wheel, and create your own bundle of yarn to take away with you.
Lakeland Farm Kitchen
Included with some of the activities, or if you’re not keen on getting hands on with the Lake District farming lifestyle so much, why not get a taste of the Lakes at the Lakeland Farm Kitchen. Serving local, delicious, homegrown food, tuck into some Cumbrian classics, a sweet treat or just a good brew ... much of their menu is grown on their own Lakeland Farm in the Langdale Valley ... you can't get more local than that!
Farm Shop & Butchers
Passionate about local produce, Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre breed and butcher their own meat which is available at the Butchers counter ... reducing food miles considerably. Visit the Farm Shop for a range of local, Lake District products. They also have an extensive selection of local food products including preserves, spirits, confectionary and bakes.