FAQs – Windmill Hill City Farm Bristol

We’ve answered some of our most common questions below.

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what are your opening times?

Farm and gardens: 7 days a week 9am – 5pm

Reception: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm

Café: 7 days a week 9am – 4.30pm

IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE?

The farm is free to enter but as a charity we encourage donations.

MAKE A DONATION

DO I NEED TO BOOK MY VISIT WITH YOU?

If you are visiting in a large group (more than 10 people) it would be best to let us know you are coming, otherwise there is no need to book. Just come along!

CAN WE TOUCH THE ANIMALS?

You’re welcome to touch animals that approach the fences and edges of their paddocks, lots of them will enjoy a pat or a scratch! Please watch your fingers though, and wash your hands thoroughly after touching animals.

CAN WE FEED THE ANIMALS?

No thank you! Our animals are well cared for and get a healthy, balanced diet. Please do not feed them anything extra as it could make them ill.

CAN I PICK THE CROPS GROWING?

Please don’t pick any of the crops growing on site. The food we grow supplies the café and farm shop, generating essential funds for the farm and its charitable work with the community. If you’d like to sample our crops please purchase them from the farm shop.

DO YOU HAVE A CAFE? CAN I HAVE A PICNIC?

We have a fantastic café on site which serves coffee and cakes, snacks and meals. Much of the food served in the café is sourced from the farm. There is a kids menu and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

You are also welcome to bring a picnic and we have picnic tables on site. Please remember to wash your hands before eating, especially if you’ve been in the animal areas!

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the front garden and in the café.
However, we do not allow dogs anywhere near our animal paddocks. Guide dogs are the only exception.

IS THE SITE ACCESSIBLE?

We have accessible toilets and some areas of the farm are wheelchair accessible. However, some of our paths get muddy, so we cannot guarantee access at all times. However, our friendly team are always hand to provide advice and assistance.

CAN I BRING MY BUGGY?

You’re welcome to bring buggies to the farm, but please don’t take them inside the café. We have a buggy park outside the café when you’re going inside or if you don’t want to take your buggy around the farm. If you do use it, please fold up your buggy and put it inside the shelter – not just leave it nearby. We need our paths to be clear as they’re fire exit routes!

IS IT MUDDY?

The paths can get muddy in wet weather, so please wear suitable shoes.

IS IT SAFE? CAN I CATCH DISEASES?

To help keep you safe you should know that even clean and healthy animals can carry diseases that can be transferred to humans. Fortunately it’s easy to reduce the risks by following some simple rules:

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have touched animals, fences or other surfaces in animal areas, especially before eating.
Don’t use gels or wipes instead of soap and water – they don’t work on E. Coli found in dirt.
Never eat, drink or smoke in areas where there are animals (this includes sweets and snacks). Use the picnic area or the café (after washing your hands).
Never eat anything that has fallen on the floor.
Never kiss animals or allow children to put their faces close to animals.
Supervise children and vulnerable adults in your care closely to ensure that they wash their hands thoroughly.
If you are pregnant you should take extra care to avoid animal contact and thoroughly wash your hands before eating and after your visit.

CAN I REHOME MY RABBIT / HAMSTER / COCKEREL WITH YOU?

Unfortunately not. We are a working city farm, not an animal rehoming centre. Try contacting local animal shelters to find a new home for your pet.

Please be aware that abandoning an animal is against the law, as per The Abandonment of Animals Act 1960. Please rehome your animal responsibly.

CAN I ADOPT / SPONSOR AN ANIMAL?

At the moment we don’t offer any animal adoptions or sponsorships. However, we would love for you to support the farm and help us care for our animals by becoming a regular donor.

DONATE HERE

WHAT FACILITIES DO YOU HAVE?

Facilities on site include a café and farm shop, children’s nursery, community & kitchen gardens, a range of farm animals, picnic and play areas, indoor and outdoor spaces to hire and a 5-a-side football pitch.