Waterfowl Sanctuary & Childrens Farm - Banbury

Adrian Horsewood

I took my three daughters – aged 7, 4 and 9 months – to the Water Fowl Sanctuary on a whim, as we had some hours to kill while waiting for other family. I had seen a mix of reviews online, some quite critical, but from photos thought it would be worth a visit – and I'm so glad we went!

The site is small and compact, but with many pens and cages with a wide variety of birds and other animals (exactly which ones depends, I assume, on whatever animals have been rescued or given a new home) that one can buy feed for – as well as chickens and ducks and geese, we saw llamas, emus, goats, a very large and sleeping pig, rabbits and guinea pigs.

There are also birds housed inside the visitor centre/entrance, which is where – if you wish – you can sit and hold some of the calmer animals; my elder daughters got to cuddle chicks, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs and were absolutely thrilled to bits!

The farm is owned by Mabel and run primarily by her son Rodney, who was immeasurably kind and patient with my excitable children while they held the animals, answering their questions and giving advice and information about the sanctuary.

In terms of facilities, there isn't a cafe on site, although there are picnic tables by the children's play area; the toilets, which had received very negative comments in the past, have clearly been spruced up (and there is now a baby change table in one of them, which I made use of). And where other reviewers had seen run-down rooms and pens, I saw only a functioning, working animal sanctuary where the priority is clearly the care of the animals rather than repairing every single little defect.

To be blunt: if you're after bright, glitzy attractions along with food & drink options, or for somewhere to spend a whole day, then you should look elsewhere – try Fairytale Farm, about 15 minutes' drive away. But if you want to spend a couple of hours' quiet time with animals, and appreciate the hard work and care that goes into looking after them, then you should definitely visit.

Nancy Taylor

Been this morning. Far rather give the money to a place like this than some corporate zoo. It’s small but cute. Takes 45 minutes to do unless you stay and play. Take a picnic? But for few pounds in this day and age to get in , kids loved the cuddle corner where your able to hold the animals and pet them as long as you wanted !!

Robert Nagy

Amazing place to cuddle bunnies, chicks, ducklings, guinea pigs and more.
You can easily spend a couple of hours wondering around on the farm, feeding and cuddling the animals.
Perfect for family time!

Sue Birrell

Seven of us met here not really knowing what to expect other than cuddling baby animals. What a great visit! 3 grandchildren, Mum & Nana spent ages cuddling and finding out about the animals while Dad and Grandad enjoyed the open areas to chat. Yes it's a bit run down but the owners make every visit so special and their care of the animals is their primary purpose. As many have already said a place to definitely visit again and the money goes straight to looking after the animals. Well done keep up the cuddles.

Donna Mills

It was mine and my daughters first time visiting this wonderful sanctuary that was surprisingly a lot bigger than we imagined it would be. We really enjoyed fussing and feeding the animals and talking to the lovely owner and her son who spoke about the history of the sanctuary. It was obvious all the animals are well looked after and cared for and loved very much by the owner. This is a little hidden gem that everyone should visit and support. I will definitely be visiting again ?

C Keller

Avoid!!
We drove a long way to come with two small children only to be greeted by incredibly rude owners. Really disappointed by the way some people feel it’s appropriate to speak even in front of young children. I made a point of saying that being rude is not acceptable only to be told “well she’s 93” - not an excuse!
We were the only customers there so surprising that we were greeted this way. My advice would be
1. Please consider how you speak to customers, there is never any excuse for rudeness but particularly in front of children.
2. Consider getting a card machine! It’s easy and cheap and is much better for customers.

Anne Tsang

Lovely place, very patient and kind owners. If you want to know more about any of the animals or the story behind the farm, just ask and they would be happy to tell you. They love the animals. Please support this family farm!

Mark Wise

Fantastic little farm run by a truly dedicated mother and son. All the animals are so well cared for. It's great for all ages and the small entry fee for all ages helps feed these animals. Do visit it's so worth it. You can cuddle loads of different animals and feed them will little feed buckets. We've been 3 times now and will be back next month. Enjoy it's great.