Essex adventure farm has been named best small attraction in region
31st May 2024
An Essex adventure farm has been named one of the best attractions in the East of England.
Hasty’s Adventure Farm in Clacton has won the Tourism Awards’ – Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year for 2024.
The farm was established in 2015. The idea of Hasty’s came from the family, which at the time had young, adventurous children wanting to play outdoors.
The owners said that they wanted to share the area with other children, so they could meet farm animals and learn where their food comes from.
The adventure park got its name from the field where it is located. The site was formerly farmland.
Successful expansion
2016 marked the farm’s first full season of being open from March until October.
A year later, the animal barn and discovery barn were built. This created a better animal experience for the public, the owners said.
They added: “We had chicks, lambs, new goats and pigs in the barn. In the discovery barn we used it for school groups and parties.
“We also added a toddler area next to the adventure play area. This had wooden playhouses built, a large climbing log, giant logo blocks, a swing and a mud kitchen.”
Over the next few years, they continued the development of Hasty’s by adding in more play areas on the field, a tunnel tyre mound with slide, a den building area as well as go karts and a big straw climb.
Fantastic place for a family day out
In 2023 Hasty’s was awarded the National Farmers Attraction Network of the small farm parks award.
This year, the farm has been chosen as a winner in the East of England Tourism Awards for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.
The owners said that they are “super proud” of this recognition.
One of the award judges said: “Hasty’s Adventure Farm is a fantastic place to spend a family day out. Set amidst the rural Essex landscape, the farm offers a myriad of interactive experiences, from animal encounters to thrilling activities such as pedal go-karts and grass sledges, with many weather protected.
“The well-maintained facilities and diverse attractions cater to children of all ages. Particularly impressive is the huge undercover wooden adventure zone.
“The friendly staff’s dedication to creating a welcoming, relaxed and friendly environment added a special touch to an experience that I would have no hesitation in recommending.”
Read more rural news.
