Much-loved Northants family farm teases ‘most fantastic’ promotion to meet the need of 80,000 annual visitors
A much-loved family farm is continuing to diversify and expand its offering, to meet the needs of its 80,000 annual visitors.
Mini Meadows Farm, on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire in Welford, evolved from the owner’s hobby to an attraction that holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
It began as a field in 2008 and is now visited by families, groups and schools who make the journey 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.
When asked how he believes 2026 is going to pan out, Ben told the Chronicle & Echo: “It’s going to be a difficult year. Costs will be going through the roof, including national insurance and minimum wage. Every business is going to struggle.
“People have got less money and more places to spend it. We have to keep things interesting to keep people returning, and pivot to welcome new customers. We have lots of plans to increase reach and turnover.”
Easter is a particularly popular time for Mini Meadows, with baby goats, chicks, ducklings, lambs and calves for visitors to meet and a variety of family-friendly activities. Ben also looks forward to seeing groups enjoy their £225,000 outdoor play area, which opened in March 2025.
“We employed two really experienced guys, who used to work for Universal Studios in Florida, to put a stamp on our events,” said Ben. “They’ll take them from pretty damn good to amazing, and they built Harry Potter World in Florida.
“We’re in the phase of building a massive workshop, so we can build things for other farm shops, farm parks and retail outlets. We want to provide amazing things for other businesses. Someone wants us to build their Christmas event for them, which is a £200,000 to £300,000 project.”
Another exciting development is that the team is half way through creating a barn to house an on-site farmshop.
“We have 80,000 visitors a year,” said Ben. “It’s rained for the past six months and in the summer it can be too hot outside so people don’t come. We’re creating different ways to get people in on a regular basis, and pivoting the business to do more cool things.
“We’re very much about being good value for money, animal-focused and old-fashioned family fun. We’re all about the animals, getting out into the sunshine and reconnecting with nature.”
Ben was asked what message he wants to send to the Northamptonshire community about the importance of supporting Mini Meadows Farm throughout 2026.
“The support works both ways,” he said. “We’ll always keep the prices as low as we can, despite increases in wages and national insurance.
“We’re working on a promotion that will knock their socks off, it’s the most fantastic promotion they can think of. We’re conscious that it costs £12 each to get in and if there’s five of you, plus lunch and travel – so this will be amazing.”