Yorkshire


<p></p>



<p></p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1439" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1.jpg" alt="Monk Park Farm" class="wp-image-8567" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1-768x767.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk1-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>Don’t be fooled by first impressions – Monk Park Farm is deceptively large, and once you’re through the gates, it just keeps on giving. Set in the countryside just outside Thirsk, it strikes that sweet spot between traditional working farm and full-blown adventure park.</p>



<p>This is very much a hands-on, get-stuck-in kind of place. From animal encounters to play zones and ride-ons, it’s designed to keep your kids busy, happy and – crucially – totally knackered by home time. Mission accomplished on that front –&nbsp;the rare post-visit car nap from the Muddy six-year-old said it all.</p>



<p>The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and refreshingly unpolished in the best way. Think less glossy theme park, more authentic, mud-on-your-boots farm fun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-do">WHAT TO DO</h3>



<p>Animals are, of course, the main event and Monk Park delivers them in spades (flocks?). The standout? Piglet snuggling. This was a firm favourite with my kids (and, admittedly, me), though as a family of gingers we held out for Peony the ginger pig for maximum bonding.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-Park2-768x1024.jpg" alt="Monk Park Farm" class="wp-image-8569" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-Park2-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-Park2-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-Park2.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>There’s a great mix of structured activities and free-roaming fun. Pig racing takes place daily at 1pm and is guaranteed to draw a crowd, while a brilliantly quirky guinea pig feeding setup – think hook-a-duck but with fishing rods and lettuce – was an unexpected hit.</p>



<p>Beyond the animals, there’s loads to keep energy levels high. Kids can hop on a slightly dusty but much-loved barrel ride, or opt for a gentler solo spin on the little train. Scattered across the site you’ll find climbing frames, play areas and a roleplay village, plus the ever-popular air bouncer pillows &#8211; though good luck dragging them away from those.</p>



<p>For something a bit different, take a wander down to 42 Wallaby Way for a walk with the wallabies, a nice touch for Finding Nemo fans, or enjoy a quieter moment on the woodland walk.</p>



<p>Even later in the day, when you might expect things to wind down, the animal areas were still buzzing, with goats happily feeding from little hands while my kids dissolved into giggles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h3>



<p>There’s a casual food court on site with enough choice to keep everyone happy. I attempted to steer mine towards something sensible (jacket potato, anyone?), but the ice cream wagon predictably stole the show.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-else">WHAT ELSE?</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-3-1024x768.jpg" alt="Monk Park Farm " class="wp-image-8571" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2026/06/Monk-3.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The staff deserve a mention here. They&#8217;re friendly, helpful and smiling throughout the day. Though, to be fair, if your job involves cuddling micro pigs, you’d probably be smiling too.</p>



<p>There’s also a strong events calendar here. Piglet snuggling may be winding down but there are seasonal highlights such as superhero takeovers and the ever-popular <a href="https://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/events/monkfest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monks Fest</a> in August (think foam parties and high-energy fun) so plenty of reasons to return.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-verdict">THE VERDICT</h3>



<p>Monk Park Farm nails a tricky balance. It feels like a proper farm experience but with enough added entertainment to easily fill a full day out. It’s wholesome, a little chaotic and totally packed with charm.</p>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong><br>Younger families, animal lovers, and anyone after an active, outdoorsy day with plenty of variety.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong><br>Those after a polished, high-end attraction – this is more wellies than white trainers and all the better for it.<br><br><strong><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-a-family-ticket-to-monkfest-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WIN a family ticket to MonkFest! </a></strong></p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.monkparkfarm.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monk Park Farm</a>, Bagby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2AG</strong></p>


Review: Monk Park Farm, Thirsk – hands-on muddy fun

You may also like