Batesons Farm in Brindle, Lancashire, is offering families an autumn day out with its own pumpkin patch, newly arrived alpacas, and a milkshake vending shed selling fresh dairy products. The family-run dairy farm, which has been milking Holstein Friesian cows for decades, is located in the small village of Brindle, Chorley, about a 30-minute drive from Bolton or Wigan centres. It sits near the historic country pub, The Cavendish Arms, making it a feasible weekend excursion.
The Milk Barn and its offerings
Inside The Milk Barn, customers can use contactless payment on vending machines to buy fresh pasteurised milk and milkshakes directly from the cows, which are milked twice a day. The unmanned hut is open 24/7, and customers can park nearby and walk up to the barn.
Options include a glass bottle with a Union Jack cap or a milkshake cup, with flavours such as chocolate, strawberry, banana, and specials like Scream Egg, Banoffee, and Winter Berries. Prices are £2 for a small glass bottle (1/2 litre) and £2.50 for a large (1 litre), while whole milk is £1 and £1.50 respectively. Milkshake cups cost £1.40 for a small and £2.50 for a large. There is also a vending machine with tubs of ice cream from Lakes Ice Cream.
Autumn attractions
To tie into the season, the farm has launched a pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their own pumpkins before Halloween. Opening times vary, typically on Saturdays or Sundays, and both card and cash are accepted. Customers should check the farm's social media for updates.
The farm also recently welcomed three alpacas, which can be seen from the outdoor seating area next to the milk barn. They have become so popular that customers have been sharing pictures on the farm's social media page and suggesting names for them.
The pumpkin patch is open at selected times, and the fresh milk and milkshakes are available 24/7. Batesons Farm is located on Sandy Lane, Brindle, Chorley.
