Frequently Asked Questions

UPDATED – 1st January 2024

These Frequently Asked Questions provide useful and important information for a visit you are planning, whilst on site and after your visit. Additionally, they incorporate long standing considerations for Covid-19.

For the duration of your visit you will need to shadow your children to ensure they are following all guidelines.

Our staff are not responsible for ensuring your children are following guidelines.

Whilst visiting please remember the importance of washing hands using soap and hot water and to dry hands thoroughly (the sanitising of hands is not a substitute for hand washing).

The safety, well-being and health of our visitors is, as always, our top priority.

We look forward to welcoming you to the wonderful world of Washbrooks.

Farm

What are the farm opening hours?

The farm is open every day from 9:30am to 5pm.

Please note: On Christmas Eve the farms closes at 3pm. We are closed from 25th December until 1st January inclusive and re-open on Tuesday 2nd January at 9:30am.

Where can I find the admission prices?

All admission prices can be found here

What should I be aware of when visiting an Open Farm?

Please note the important advice for visitors and how you can protect yourselves on your visit.

– Washbrooks ‘Be safe around animals’ and ‘important information’ leaflet provided at entry.

Health and Safety Executive leaflet

– Frequent Handwashing
* Primary control in preventing ill health
* Most effective method of removing dirt and contamination remains hand washing with soap and running water followed by hand drying.
* Supervise and/or assist children with handwashing.

Please do take some time to read this information before your visit, for guidance during your visit.

The safety and well-being of our visitors and staff is, as always our top priority.

What is open?

The animal barn, outdoor play area, indoor play, pedal area and brook walk.

The tearoom is open and menu is available. Customers can order food/drink to eat in or takeaway. Customers can find their own table in the Tearoom to sit at and order from the counter.

The gift/toy shop is open.

What is included in the admission price?

All day entrance to the farm and unlimited access to outdoor play, indoor play, animal barn, pedal area and brook walk.

Can I book in advance/online?

No. We aren’t taking any advance/online bookings.
All tickets are purchased at the entrance on the day. No names can be left on the door.

A member of my party is registered disabled, does the carer have to pay admission?

At the admission desk, one carer will be eligible for free entry to each paying disabled visitor upon production of DLA/PIP letter dated within the last 2 years. Please note carers must be 16 or over.

Can I pay by card and cash?

Yes. We accept payment by card or cash.

Is there a charge for car parking?

No. Our car park is free.
We have plenty of parking and overflow car park for busy days. Near the entrance are signed disabled bays.
We ask that visitors park sensibly and respect the space of others and take care in the car parks.

Are there outdoor picnic areas?

Yes. Outdoor picnic areas are provided.

Can under 16’s enter Washbrooks unsupervised?

No. Children 15 years and under must be accompanied by an individual aged 16 years and over.

Do I need to bring wellies/waterproofs?

No – but we would recommend on a damp/wet day. Please ensure children dress according to the weather conditions. Also make sure adults wrap up warm too!

Where can I buy food and drinks?

Our Tearoom offers a selection of hot meals and sandwiches for adults and children, and a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and confectionery too.
The kiosk opens seasonally serving hot and cold drinks, cakes, crisps, sweets, ice cream and lollies.

All our food is freshly prepared to order. Please be patient with us.

Can we bring our own picnics?

Yes. Outdoor picnic areas are available to all visitors.
No food or drink to be taken into the animal areas or indoor play areas.

Only food and drink purchased at Washbrooks can be consumed in tearoom.
No picnics in the tearoom.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Dogs (except guide dogs) are not permitted on the farm.

Do Washbrooks have baby changing facilities?

Yes. Please ask any member of staff to point you in the right direction.

What’s your smoking/vaping policy?

Visitors are asked to refrain from smoking and vaping in the vicinity of children.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The majority of the farm is accessible for wheelchair users with a mixture of stone paths, concrete and grass.
There are wide entrances to all buildings. The disabled toilet is NOT fully equipped.
The far field walk may be harder for wheelchair users as the stone paths that surround the paddocks are rugged and there are slight inclines in places.

Do we have pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters available for visitors?

No. However, visitors are welcome to bring their own.

Can we go back to the car once we are in the farm?

Yes. You will need to exit through the gift shop/main entrance and show your ticket when you come back in.

How long does it take to go around Washbrooks and do you offer a ‘part day’ admission ticket?

Most visitors spend the day enjoying the fresh air and fun at Washbrooks.

We do offer a reduced rate of a free adult with paying school child after 3.30pm which applies weekdays during term time only.

What is there to do on a rainy day or if it rains?

Our indoor play offers slides, ball pit, climbing area and ball cannons. Within the indoor play is the Castle area for toddlers and the under 5’s.

The pedal area is covered and is located outside the indoor play area and has ride on tractors and scooters.

The animal barn is covered and designed so that children can enjoy excellent views of the animals all year round.

We would recommend you have a good look at available activities and decide on value to you and your family before making a decision to visit.

Washbrooks is ideally suited for the under 8’s.

Please note: our indoor play is not heated.

Can I get cash at Washbrooks?

We do not have a cash machine. There are a number of cash machines located in the nearby village of Hurstpierpoint.

What happens if someone needs first aid?

If you require first aid, please ask any member of staff and they will summon assistance. Washbrooks has a defibrillator onsite.

I’ve left something behind at the farm , what shall I do?

If you think you have left something behind, please email info@washbrooks.co.uk to see if we have it. If we find your missing item, we will contact you within 10 business days of us receiving your enquiry. Please note that all items are kept for a length of fourteen days from the day the item is found. If you have not heard from us within this time, we have unfortunately been unable to locate your item.

Please note if your enquiry is in relation to a piece of lost property that may have been in contact with bodily fluids, or is perishable, that such items are disposed of immediately for hygiene and sanitary reasons. This does include bottles.

Is there a gift/toy shop at Washbrooks?

Yes. It’s located in the Tearoom. Our shop sells a range of tractors, soft toys, novelty and pocket money toys.

We don’t sell sun hats or nappies – please come prepared.

Do Washbrooks sell gift vouchers?

Yes. We sell Washbrooks gift vouchers for any amount. These can be used towards admission, the Tearoom or the gift/toy shop and from 2nd January each year gift vouchers can be used towards membership too.

Do Washbrooks accept vouchers from external websites?

We’re afraid not. We have no agreements with any websites authorising a discounted price.

Do Washbrooks offer packages for nurseries/pre-schools and schools?

Yes – Ideally up to Key Stage One. Please email info@washbrooks.co.uk for details.

Can I become a Washbrooks member?

Yes. Join from 2nd January each year. Our membership is great value, giving unlimited access to the farm, indoor and outdoor play. £90 for individual membership (3 years and over). Valid from 2nd January to 24th December. Please see our membership page for our membership terms and conditions.

Do you host birthday parties?

Yes we do.
– If you are interested in booking or have a question please email parties@washbrooks.co.uk and include a contact number.
– Please see our parties page for our party information, terms and conditions.

Animals

What animals have you got at Washbrooks?

A variety of traditional farm animals. Our animals section has more information.

Can we meet/handle the animals?

No not for general admission.
If you are visiting as a school, preschool or nursery visit this is included as part of EYFS and Key Stage 1 package.

Can we feed the animals?

No. We do not allow visitors to feed our animals.

Tearoom

What are the Tearoom opening hours?

Our tearoom is open every day from 9:30am to 4pm.

Please note: On Christmas Eve the tearoom closes at 3pm. We are closed from 25th December until 1st January inclusive and re-open on Tuesday 2nd January at 9:30am.

Can I pay by card or cash?

We are encouraging card payment via contactless where possible and we will accept cash.

Can I just visit the Tearoom?

Yes. Everyone is welcome to visit the Tearoom.
Please note if you change your mind and would like to enter the farm you can purchase an admission ticket.

Does the Tearoom cater for food allergies and intolerances?

Yes. Please speak to our staff before you order food if you would like to know about our ingredients. Whilst every effort is made to minimise cross contamination, we operate a small kitchen. Therefore, there is a risk of cross contamination with regard to allergens.

Can I visit the gift/toy shop?

Yes. All visitors to the Tearoom are welcome in our gift/toy shop. Come and browse our range of tractors, soft toys, novelty and pocket money toys – plenty of presents to choose from.

Can I buy a gift voucher?

Yes. We sell Washbrooks gift vouchers for any amount. These can be used towards admission, the Tearoom, the gift/toy shop and from 2nd January each year gift vouchers can be used towards membership too.

If I just visit the Tearoom are baby changing facilities available?

Yes. Please ask any member of staff to point you in the right direction.

We’ve brought our own picnic, can we eat it in the Tearoom?

No. Only food and drink purchased at Washbrooks can be consumed in tearoom.

Can I book a table in the Tearoom?

No. Customers can find their own table to sit at and order from the counter.

Play

What age range is Washbrooks play equipment suitable for?

Washbrooks is ideally suited to the under 8’s.

Are there any age restrictions in the play area?

Yes.  There are some age restrictions to our play areas.  Clear signage is in place indicating appropriate use and age restrictions. 

Do Washbrooks have play areas suitable for toddlers and the under 5’s?

Yes we do. Including jumping pillow, sandpits, swings and trampoline for our younger visitors.

Do Washbrooks sell socks for use on jumping pillow?

No. Please remember an extra pair – just in case.

Seasonal

What are the Christmas/New Year opening hours?

On Christmas Eve the tearoom closes at 2pm and the farm at 3pm. 
We are closed from 25th December until 1st January inclusive and re-open at 9:30am on Tuesday 2nd January 2024.

Are seasonal gifts/toys available?

A wide range and variety of gifts and toys can be found in our shop throughout the year.

Can I buy a voucher for a Christmas gift?

Yes. We sell Washbrooks gift vouchers for any amount.

A great Christmas present idea that can be used towards admission, the Tearoom or the gift/toy shop and from 2nd January each year gift vouchers can be used towards a membership too.

Vouchers can be purchased in person from the Tearoom or over the phone by calling 01273 832201.

Covid-19

Covid-19 general information

– There are no restrictions on how many people can meet in any setting indoors or outdoors.
– Face coverings are no longer required.
– Before visiting, we would recommend you have a good look at available activities and decide on value to you and your family before making a decision to visit.
– Washbrooks is ideally suited for the under 8’s.
– We ask visitors to respect and be considerate of those who may wish to take a more cautious approach.
– Please be patient and kind to our staff as they may still be adapting to change.
– The owners will be available to chat to you about any aspect of your visit.
– For the Government Guidance ‘People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19‘ please click https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19

Will we get turned away if it gets too busy?

We will continue monitoring outgoing visitors as well as those incoming. We don’t envisage it being a problem, but there is a small chance and especially on bank holidays and school holidays. Should we reach capacity we will operate a one in one out policy.

What precautions do Washbrooks have?

– Washbrooks ‘important information’ leaflet provided on entry
– We’ve always had regular cleaning schedules and enhancements have been made
– Hand sanitiser available and hand washing facilities remain
– Ongoing staff training
– Regular monitoring which will allow us to amend and update any procedures quickly

Additionally at food service points
Tearoom
– We have made changes to the Tearoom layout and operation.
– A laminated menu which has been cleaned will be provided.
– Customers can order food/drink to eat in or takeaway.
– Customer self service of cutlery or condiments. Handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser available nearby.
– Water jugs and cups will be provided.
– Customers can find their own table in the Tearoom to sit at and order from the counter.

Takeaway service
– A takeaway food and drink service available from the Tearoom.
– A laminated menu which has been cleaned will be provided.
– Once your order has been placed you will be asked to wait outside the Tearoom.
– When ready, our staff will bring your order to you.
– Customer self service of cutlery or condiments. Handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser available nearby.
– More takeaway packaging will be used to limit surface contact.
– Customers are encouraged to dispose of packaging to reduce risk.

Kiosk (open seasonally)
– A takeaway drinks and confectionary service is available through a hatch.