Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

We had so much fun with our first maize maze experience last year that we were thrilled to be invited back again this summer for some Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm.  You too can enjoy the Pirates of the Maize Maze until 4th September and navigate your way around the 10 acre maze.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

We arrived 15 minutes after opening last Wednesday and it was clear that the pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm were proving popular already.  There’s a large car park next to the entrance, we parked up and headed into the farm.  There’s so much more to enjoy than just the maize maze itself but knowing it takes at least an hour to complete, we decided to head there first.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

We listened to the safety talk, picked up our flag in case we got hopelessly lost and looked at the Pirate Pack we’d been given.  These are available to buy for £2.00 and include a treasure map of the maze, pencil, eye patch and compass.  Last year we did the maze without a map, so it is possible, but we fancied trying out our map reading skills this year.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

We still find it amazing that the maize is planted in such a way to create a picture from above. This year we’d be walking round a pirate ship on the high seas in search of treasure along the way.  Everyone was given a Quiz Booklet too so we could go in search of Del Gardo’s Treasure.  It was time to head into the unknown.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

There were stamps to collect along the trail and a quiz to complete as we worked our way around the maize maze.

As we walked around the maize maze we found bridge sections which were good for giving you some idea of where you were standing in the 10 acre maze.

If you need a pit stop within the maze there is a Snack Shack and portaloo in the middle of the maze.  At certain times in the day you can also play Cannonball Chaos .  But my pirate was keener to seek out the treasure than to play games.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

An hour and half later and we’d reached the end of the maize maze – yippee!

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

We didn’t get to try it out this time around, but there is also a smaller maize maze for younger children which we still had fun completing last year.

We’d worked up an appetite and having been so impressed with the food in Scarecrow Joe’s Restaurant, we’d already decided that that was where we’d eat again this year.  The prices are reasonable and the food is fresh, homemade and really rather delicious, even just having sandwiches and baguettes.  Next time we will try the hot food as the selection looked just as good as our last visit.  You could also grab a pizza from the Courtyard Cafe and there are picnic benches available across the site.

We might have been having some pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm, but no visit would be complete without saying hello to the various animals.  From guinea pigs and quail, sheep, cows and alpacas, there are lots to see.  You can pick up animal food pots at the main reception desk but my 7 year old decided he’d rather look at rather than feed the animals.

Everything is always so clean and well presented at the National Forest Adventure Farm, it’s something that’s stuck in my mind over the last year.  The animal paddocks are great to walk around and there are information boards relating to the various animals.

My son had spotted the Pirate Duck Race area when we’d entered the maize maze and wanted to investigate. Although a couple of the duck runs weren’t working, he had great fun pumping water down the course for his collection of ducks.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm include pirate themed shows at times throughout the day. These are either held in the events field near to the animal paddocks or close to the Courtyard Cafe.  We caught a little of the Buccaneer Bootcamp show which the children seemed to be enjoying.

My son decided he wanted to do some more exploring so we headed off to visit the kitchen garden.  It’s a good place for a bit of bug hunting and these days my son is able to identify a lot of the vegetables that are growing.

The hourly tractor-trailer rides are included in the entry price of a day out at the National Farm Adventure Farm, as are all but a few of the activities.  Along with the animals to see in the further paddocks, we also spotted a few scarecrows along the way.

Whether you fancy some fun in one of the various sandpits, the water splash out, the jumping pillow or farm fun frisbee golf, there is something for all ages.  There’s also an indoor soft play area to enjoy.

We had a great day out enjoying pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm, and so much more besides.

The farm have special events on throughout the year so it’s worth following them on Facebook to keep an eye out on all their news. You can also save 10% by booking your tickets online.  We’d definitely recommend a visit.

Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

Country Kids

disclosure:  we were given complimentary tickets and a pirate pack in exchange for an honest review

9 thoughts on “Pirate adventures at National Forest Adventure Farm

  1. We love the National Forest Adventure Farm! We haven’t visited the maize maze this year but after seeing your great post I think our bank holiday activity is decided 🙂 thanks for sharing #countrykids

  2. This does look like a lovely way to spend a day out and it really is a full day out by the time you work your way around all they have to offer. What an amazing Maize Maze with the picture and the pirate theme. I love the idea of the treasure map and stamps to collect and the flag is wise as it really does sound big. Well done making it to the centre and still having the energy for all the other lovely things on offer at the farm.

    Thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids

  3. It’s been ages since we’ve been t one of these big maize mazes. They are so much fun and a 10 acre one is pretty huge too. Great to see all the animals after too. Mich x #CountryKids

  4. Crikey that’s a large maize. I think we’d definitely need a map because N would probably get bored half way through! We’ve not been there since we met up with my online birth board mums when N was about 2yo #countrykids

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