Johnsons of Oldhurst
Summary
Johnsons of Old Hurst is a bit of a hidden gem tucked away in the Cambridgeshire countryside. Where else can you see crocodiles, chat to some lively parrots, let your kids roam on the play area and peruse the fantastic farm shop, technically for free?!
The amazing thing about Johnsons is they don’t charge you to look around, which understandably means they don’t allow you to bring picnics, but then as it’s cost you nothing to enter (there is a donation box in the Croc house) who would begrudge buying a drink and cake in the lovely café? (Ok so I usually go for a coke and large breakfast roll but you get the point).
Things to do
- The Farm For a technically ‘free’ farm there are so many animals to see, many of which can be found in the crocodile house. Alongside our sharp toothed friends there are snakes and turtles, meercats and ostriches and many more. My kids love seeing them all!
- The play area Whilst not very big, the play area will certainly entertain primary age children. The climbable fort is fun and just big enough for kids to find it impressive without being so big adults can enjoy it (boo!) Nearby there’s a giant mound with a tunnel slide and plenty of space for children (followed by out of breath parents) to run around.
- The café and restaurant The café serves lots of yummy grub and nice drinks as well, in the summer it’s nice to sit outside though I recall wasps were also quite keen on this arrangement. I’ve not eaten in the restaurant yet (I intend to!) but as the food served is the same as that found in the farm shop I’m sure it’s delicious. If you’ve eaten there comment below!
- Woodland walk To the back of the site there is wooded area which contains a couple of small circular walks. It’s not the prettiest of woods I’ve ever been too (ooo my top 10 woods – that would make an exciting blog post! *cough*) but there are some exciting animals to look out for and sit on including a black panther! For clarity these aren’t real…
- The farm shop So hands up if you don’t love a farm shop? Sure I don’t always love the prices but where else do you find such a range of delicious home made foods in one place? It would be dangerous if I worked in one… anyway Johnsons is no different and you really feel you need to treat yourself to something every time you go (Crocodile Burger anyone?!)
2 Good / 2 Bad
- It has crocodiles and alligators!
- It’s a cheap trip out if you only visit the café
- It can get really busy in peak times, best to aim to get there early
- It won’t take you ages to see everything if you’re not stopping for a drink
My Dadventure rating
A perfect half day activity at a friendly, well run local business. It definitely deserves a visit.
Information
Website: https://www.johnsonsofoldhurst.co.uk/
Address: Church Farm, Old Hurst, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire PE28 3AF
Phone: 01487 824658
This was a lovely place to visit and my lovely niece works there to the food is lovely
It really is isn’t it Steph 🙂 thank you for sharing!