Much-loved Northants family farm reaps success from investing in £225,000 playground
A much-loved Northamptonshire family farm has reaped the benefits from investing nearly £225,000 into an all-weather playground, which opened to the public earlier this year.
Mini Meadows Farm, on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire in Welford, evolved from the owner’s hobby to an attraction that is visited by more than 100,000 people each year.
It began as a field in 2008 and is now visited by families, groups and schools who make the journey from across the country.
Founder and owner Ben Barraclough began by breeding and selling rare chickens, before more animals made the farm their home and more buildings went up over time.
Ben initially purchased an empty field to breed the chickens, but the farm now features an expansive indoor soft play area, cafe and outdoor farm park – as well as a diverse range of large and small farm animals to feed and pet, and an extensive calendar of events.
Mini Meadows is dedicated to providing an affordable farm experience that is ethical, educational and entertaining for children and adults alike.
Talking about how business has been for Mini Meadows throughout 2025 so far, Ben shared that he has hired two individuals who used to work at Universal Studios in Florida.
The pair have been working hard to revamp the upcoming Halloween and Christmas events, and Ben says they are going to be another level as they are raising the bar to a professional standard.
Although the summer holidays have been a success for the venue, Ben said: “People have got less money than they used to, and cost of living has meant our entry, food and drink has gone up.
“Nothing is cheap anymore but our prices reflect the amount of work and investment we have put in.”
That includes the addition of an all-weather outdoor play area, which opened earlier this year and cost nearly £225,000 in total. Ben admitted this is the most he has ever paid out.
He is pleased that it has been received well by the community and that they have created something that challenges children, which they have enjoyed more.
“The state-of-the-art play area has helped our buildings stay clean,” said Ben, who added that the addition of the critter corner has also been a hit among visitors.
Ben was asked what he believes makes the experience at Mini Meadows unique, and what sets them apart from other family attractions and days out.
“Lots of places call themselves mini farms, and I believe we have the widest range of animals of anywhere I know,” said Ben. “Our tickets start at £10 and I don’t know anywhere you can go for that price for the day nowadays.”
Mini Meadows recently saw the birth of its first baby donkey Olaf, and the team invites the community to come and meet him.
Looking to the future of the business, Ben is pleased that they have been granted planning permission for another building and this will allow all of next year’s events to be “revamped”.
“Our Christmas event is always the biggest of the year,” he continued. “This year’s is going to be interactive, brilliant times 10, and there won’t be a Christmas event like this anywhere else.”