On Sunday 11th June 2023, hundreds of farms all over the country will open their gates for LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2023. As the farming industry’s annual open day, it offers a fantastic chance for people to discover real farming first-hand and see for themselves how their food (and much more besides) is produced. It is also a great way for farmers to shine a light on what they deliver and why supporting British farming matters.
Each event is unique based on the farm’s individual story. Activities during the day may include a farm walk, nature trail, tractor and trailer rides, demonstrations, pond dipping, activities for children, a mini farmers market or a farm shop.
There are 3 farms near York opening their doors (or gates!) to the public and all are free some require booking:
See a modern working dairy farm, meet the animals and get up close. You can go on a farm tour and enjoy product sampling. There are plenty of activities for children making it a great family day out!
📍 Address: New Road, Hessay, York, YO26 8JS
⏰ Date & time: 11th June 2023, 11am – 4pm
🎟 Pre-booking NOT required – just turn up
Enjoy a guided walk with project founder Alwyn Craven around the Forest of Flowers nature reserve, taking in large areas of new woodland undersown with wildflowers.
Over the past five years, 74 acres of arable and grassland at Home Farm have been transformed into new native woodland. Much of this was achieved using the innovative process of inverting the topsoil, followed by sowing wildflowers among the newly planted trees.
During the walk, you will see large areas of wildflower habitat and woodland planted between 2016 and 2017. You will also get to see 13 new ponds which were created in 2020/2021. You will also get to meet the small herd of goats, which are milked daily.
Our walk will be approximately 2-3 miles through flat but uneven terrain – we recommend sturdy/waterproof footwear such as walking boots.
📍 Address: Home Farm, Tollerton Road, Huby, York, YO61 1JB
⏰ Date: 11th June 2023, 10am – 12 noon
🎟 Booking essential – pre-book here (FREE)
A Field to Fork walk round the farm, hosted by the farmer – including soil safari, grinding wheat to make flour, and pond dipping.
One group setting off at 10am, and finishing 11.30am, when the second group will set off and finish at 1pm.
Please wear long trousers, and tough shoes.
📍 Address: Chantry Lane, Stutton, Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, LS24 9NQ
⏰ Date: 11th June 2023, 10am – 1pm
🎟 Booking essential – pre-book here (FREE)
If you want a trip further out then there are also open farms in Leeds and Harrogate. You can find all of the details for these on the Open Farm Sunday Website HERE.
For full details of local farms participating in Open Farm Sunday click here.
Open Farm Sunday is free to attend but there may be charges for refreshments or certain activities.