Discover the John Clare Countryside

We’re pleased to share the newly launched John Clare Countryside brochure, celebrating the rich landscape of nature, heritage and wellbeing that surrounds Sacrewell Farm.

As a proud part of the John Clare Countryside, Sacrewell Farm plays a key role in connecting people with this special area. The brochure explores the vision for the countryside, highlights local wildlife and heritage, and showcases how places like Sacrewell are helping protect and enhance these landscapes for future generations.

View Here

Little Lambs

Join us on term-time Mondays and Fridays for a special day out with your little one!

Our Little Lambs Ticket costs just £15 and includes admission for 1 adult and 1 child, a free bag of grass pellets to feed the animals, story time or bubble fun, and access to our sensory play areas – from the mud kitchen and water tables to bug hotels and hay bales.

Plus, enjoy all the regular fun on the farm too, with our toddler soft play and large toddler outdoor play area, as well as the farm trail!

Book Here

Sacrewell Farm receives grant to restore historic farmhouse and explore its future

We’re thrilled to announce that Sacrewell Farm has been awarded a £63,787 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save our historic farmhouse and explore its potential for the future.

The 18th-century Grade II listed farmhouse at Sacrewell is a cherished piece of local history. It stands as a reminder of the generations of farming families who lived and worked here. Over the past decade, the farmhouse has stood empty, and both the building and its surrounding dry-stone walls are now in urgent need of care. Without action, this important part of Sacrewell’s story could be lost.

Thanks to this funding, we can now begin the vital work of understanding what’s needed to bring the farmhouse back to life. Alongside looking at how we can protect the building itself, the project will explore how it can be used in the future, ensuring it has a meaningful role for visitors, our community, and generations to come.

Environmental protection, biodiversity, and accessibility are also central to the project. By prioritising these areas, we can ensure that Sacrewell’s heritage is enjoyed by everyone while safeguarding the surrounding landscape and wildlife.

This grant represents a major step in securing the long-term future of the farmhouse and supporting the sustainability of The William Scott Abbott Trust. By investing in our heritage today, we are safeguarding Sacrewell’s legacy for tomorrow.

During the project, Sacrewell Farm will be hosting events and activities, which will be announced on our website. These will give the community the chance to get involved and help to shape the future use of the Farmhouse.

Karen Newton, General Manager at Sacrewell Farm, said: “We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and everyone who plays the National Lottery for making this project possible. The farmhouse is at the heart of Sacrewell’s story, and this funding gives us the chance to not only save the building but also reimagine how it can serve our community for generations to come. This is the beginning of an exciting journey to protect our heritage, connect people with the land, and ensure that Sacrewell continues to thrive as a place where history, nature, and community come together.”

Sacrewell’s Super Summer!

Join us this summer for themed family fun at Sacrewell, with a brand-new activity week every Saturday! From superheroes and dinosaurs to pirates and mythical creatures, there’s something exciting for every young adventurer to enjoy. Including dress-up competitions, hands-on crafts, interactive games, and special character meet-and-greets – plus plenty of opportunities to explore the farm and enjoy the great outdoors.

Here’s what’s coming up this summer:

🦸‍♂️ Superhero Week | 19th – 25th July

🦕 Dinosaur Week | 26th July – 1st August

🫖 Alice in Wonderland Week | 2nd – 8th August

🐉 Mythical Creatures Week | 9th – 15th August

🏅 Sacrewell Olympics Week | 16th – 22nd August

🏴‍☠️ Pirates Week | 23rd – 29th August

🎊 End of Summer Week | 30th August – 5th September

We’re open every day from 9am – 4.30pm, and your ticket includes all-day access, so you can take your time and enjoy everything Sacrewell has to offer.

*Facepainting/Glitter tattoos incur a small charge

Buy tickets

Sacrewell Summer Pass

If you plan on visiting us multiple times this summer why not purchase a Summer Pass and enjoy unlimited visits during the school holidays – at £35 per person it’s fantastic value!

Buy Summer Pass here

Summer 2025 Pass

Enjoy unlimited visits during the school holidays (19th July – 2nd September) for just £35 per person. (Under 1’s go free). It’s fantastic value if you plan on visiting us multiple times this summer!

Meet animals, play, and explore – every visit is a new adventure!

With this pass, you can enjoy:

• Award-winning natural stream play area
• Outdoor adventure play area
• A variety of friendly farm animals including: pigs, donkeys, cows, goats, ponies, sheep
• Summer activities & crafts
• Sensory garden with mud kitchen
• Fallen trees den building area
• Indoor soft play area – the Playbarn
• 18th Century mill – full of history and heritage
• Animal Village

Buy Summer Pass here

*Please ensure to bring your pass to reception to gain entry.

The William Scott Abbott Trust marks Volunteers’ Week 2025

The William Scott Abbott Trust is proud to join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across the UK in recognising the incredible contributions volunteers make every single day for Volunteers’ Week 2025 (2^nd June – 8^th June).

At Sacrewell, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, from heritage and livestock to gardening and events. Their time, skills, and passion help us inspire new generations to connect with agriculture, heritage, and the natural world.

We heavily depend on volunteers to maintain the site and ensure the animals look their best throughout the year, thereby contributing to an unforgettable experience for our visitors. For many of our volunteers, Sacrewell offers not just a place to help, but a place to heal, grow, and reconnect. Here is what some of our volunteers say!

“The two main things I have gained from my volunteering work are confidence and friendships.” – Olly, Maintenance Volunteer

“People who work here have made me feel part of the team”– Kevin, Heritage Volunteer

“Working alongside the team is great as I’m learning new things every time, I’m at Sacrewell” – Rae, Livestock Volunteer

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re also celebrating the brilliant support we receive from our corporate volunteers. In the last year, corporate teams have rolled up their sleeves in various projects across our site, including deep cleaning the forge, restoring farm machinery and tools, and building our Animal Village, home to our small animals. These CSR days not only support our site, but also offer unique, team-building experiences that make a real impact.

A huge thank you to each of our volunteers – past, present, and future. Whether you’re here every week or just for the day, your contribution helps us as a charity thrive.

Want to get involved? Whether you’re an individual looking to lend a hand or a company interested in a team day, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Explore our current opportunities: https://search.volunteero.org/wsat_sacrewell

👉 Or email: volunteer@sacrewell.org.uk

Volunteers’ Week is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, a partnership between Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland.

Heritage Craft Workshops at Sacrewell

This year, Sacrewell is excited to host Nene Coppicing and Crafts and leather craftsman Justin Capp for a series of heritage craft workshops. Visitors can experience traditional techniques, learn new skills, and connect with artisans dedicated to preserving these crafts.

Nene Coppicing and Crafts

Nene Coppicing and Crafts is a volunteer-led community group based near Peterborough, promoting heritage woodland skills and conservation. Their site, hosted by Natural England, features ancient woodland where they have revived traditional coppicing and charcoal-making practices to benefit local biodiversity.

The group regularly demonstrates their skills at shows such as Sandringham and Burghley and offers workshops at Sacrewell, covering crafts like green woodworking, willow work, and sheep fleece crafts. Additional workshops can be arranged based on interest.

Upcoming Workshops with Nene Coppicing and Crafts:

• Make a Large Willow Dragonfly – Saturday, 12th April
• Introduction to Willow Basketmaking – Saturday 31 May, Saturday 21 June, Saturday 5th July

For bookings, visit nenecoppice.org or email nenecoppicingandcrafts@gmail.com

Justin Capp – Master of Leatherwork

Justin Capp, a leather craftsman with over 30 years of experience, will share his expertise at Sacrewell. Justin holds weekly classes at his Northamptonshire studio and teaches at a London fashion school. His leatherwork journey began with decorative carving and moulding inspired by Celtic mythology, leading to creations for storytellers, museums, and international fashion catwalks.

His passion lies in traditional techniques such as hand stitching, beeswax burnishing, and copper riveting, celebrating leather’s versatile nature.

Upcoming Workshops with Justin Capp:

• Introduction to Hand-Stitched Leatherwork – Friday, 26th April
• Make a Leather Dog Lead & Personalised Dog Walk Pouch – Saturday, 27th April

To book, email justincapp4@gmail.com or call 07925279025.

To find out more about heritage craft workshops, visit our event page here.

Celebrating Heritage Treasures Day at Sacrewell Watermill

At Sacrewell, we are incredibly proud of our rich history and the role Sacrewell Watermill plays in the heritage of Thornhaugh-cum-Wansford. This #HeritageTreasures Day, we’re excited to celebrate and share some of the fascinating aspects of our history and heritage, both old and new.

Milling at Sacrewell has deep roots, stretching back to the Roman era and evolving over centuries to the building we see today, which was rebuilt in 1755. Even more intriguingly, the mill may sit on the site of one of the mills mentioned in the Domesday Book, linking us to England’s early agricultural history. Unfortunately, the mill ceased its operations in the 1960s due to a lack of human resource. However, its legacy lives on through efforts to preserve and share its history.

In 2013, The William Scott Abbott Trust received a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing us to restore the mill. It reopened its doors to the public in 2015. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the mill’s reopening, a moment we are proud to celebrate as part of Sacrewell’s heritage. Sacrewell Mill remains a living piece of history that continues to inspire and educate the next generation.

You can find out more about our beautiful Watermill here.

Giving Tuesday

Since 1964, The William Scott Abbott Trust has proudly managed Sacrewell, a welcoming family farm dedicated to agricultural education and the preservation of our farming heritage. Each year, we engage over 4,000 schoolchildren, teaching them about where food comes from, instilling a love for the countryside, and inspiring outdoor exploration and play. We also care for a variety of animals, showcasing the balance between farming and wildlife in rural England. Our scenic site offers all visitors the opportunity to connect with animals and experience the outdoors first hand.

Your support helps us continue our mission and preserve Sacrewell’s heritage for future generations. Here’s how you can make a difference:

Amazon Wishlist

We’ve curated a selection of items that support the overall experience at Sacrewell. By purchasing items from our wishlist, you can make a direct impact on our work and help us inspire future generations. Simply select an item, and it will be delivered straight to us!

Easyfundraising

Support Sacrewell while you shop online! By signing up for Easyfundraising, a percentage of your online purchases at participating retailers will be donated to our charity at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple and effective way to make a difference with your everyday shopping.

Donate at the Desk

If you’re visiting us in person, you can contribute directly by making a donation at our desk. Every penny counts towards improving our services, maintaining our historic buildings, and caring for our animals. We’re also working on introducing an online donation option soon, making it even easier to give.

Volunteering

Join our team of dedicated volunteers! Whether you’re passionate about working with animals, preserving heritage, gardening, or engaging with visitors, we have opportunities for everyone. Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back while being part of something truly special. You can find out more about our volunteering opportunities here.

Your support, no matter how big or small, helps us continue to create magical experiences for our visitors and safeguard our heritage for future generations.

To learn more about these initiatives or to get started, please contact Melissa our Charitable Activities Lead: volunteer@sacrewell.org.uk

Black Friday Sale!

20% off AAA Annual Passes 

Offer ends Sunday 1st December!

Give the gift of Sacrewell this Christmas!

With our Black Friday sale, treat someone special to an Access All Areas (AAA) annual pass, offering unlimited visits all year while supporting our charitable trust.

💚 Adult Pass: £60 (Normally £75)
💚 Child Pass: £44 (Normally £55)
💚 Concession Pass: £48 (Normally £60)

The gift that keeps on giving! Use code BFAAA2024 at checkout to save 20%. 

Hurry – this offer ends at midnight on Sunday, 1st December 2024.

Book Here

10% off Parties

For a limited time only!

Planning a birthday celebration? Book a children’s party with us this Black Friday and enjoy a 10% discount! 🎈

Create unforgettable memories for your child with a special day at Sacrewell.

Don’t miss out – this offer is only valid from 25th Nov – 1st Dec 2024 for new 2025 party bookings!

Call or email the team and mention ‘Black Friday offer’ to save 10%.

Book Here

20% off Day Admission

Join us this weekend (29th Nov – 1st Dec) for a special discount on entry!

Enjoy a full day of family-friendly fun:

🌳 Award-winning natural play and outdoor play park

👣 Indoor soft play

🐰 Walkthrough Animal Village

🌱 Sensory garden with mud kitchen

🐷 Variety of farm animals

⚙️ 18th Century mill, history and heritage

🥪 Origin8 Cafe

🧸 Gift shop
 

Admission includes ALL DAY access so you can stay as long as you please. And we are dog-friendly so you can bring your pet pooch along too!

Admission discount automatically applied at checkout.

Book Here

Honouring our history

The Women’s Land Army at Sacrewell

Did you know that Sacrewell was home to several Land Girls during World War II? The Women’s Land Army was reformed in 1939 to address the pressing need for local food production as food imports dwindled and many men were away serving their country. By 1944, over 80,000 ‘Land Girls’ were working across the nation, tackling everything from livestock care to crop management in often challenging conditions. Their contributions during World War II were essential in helping to sustain Britain in a time of great need.

A vital role in agriculture

At Sacrewell, William Abbott served in the Home Guard, while his wife, Mary, played a pivotal role as chair of the local WLA committee. Together, they opened their home to Land Girls throughout the war. These dedicated women became an integral part of the farm, tending to the dairy herd and ensuring that operations ran smoothly. Many chose to stay even after the war ended, contributing to the rebuilding of the agricultural workforce as men gradually returned to their fields.

Remembering their legacy

At The William Scott Abbott Trust, we are proud to remember the Land Girls, whose hard work and determination helped keep the nation fed, as well as the military personnel who fought for our freedoms.

We will remember them

National Lottery winners transform Seedlings Garden

What an exciting day we had in our Seedlings garden last week!

A group of local National Lottery winners generously volunteered their time to give the preschool garden a fabulous makeover. The team overhauled the water play area, refreshed and revitalised our mud kitchen, and created a beautiful wildflower bed.

Our little judges were thrilled with the transformation and had a fantastic time getting hands-on!

Sacrewell Farm’s Learning Officer Kirsty Elvin said: “This has come at such a great time with National Lottery celebrating their 30 years but also Sacrewell celebrating 60!

The whole purpose of Seedlings is to offer toddlers the chance to learn about food, farming and its connection with nature, and to really inspire them to engage with the natural world.

“Who knows, the work of the winners may be the catalyst for creating a future farmer, budding botanist or excited entomologist. Feeding young minds is what we’re all about and we are touched that the winners have given up their time in this way to help.”

Discover more about our Seedlings preschool group here.

Welcome back Ed!

We’re so thrilled to share that Ed, our fantastic tractor driver is back!

Many of our customers will have noticed that Ed has been missing from the farm in recent months, and upon his return, he is happy for us to share his journey with you.

Last year Ed received a cancer diagnosis and has been receiving chemotherapy treatment, now he has received the all clear, he is looking forward to gradually coming back to work and we are all delighted to welcome him back.

He is excited to be back aboard the tractor, but please be patient with us over the next few weeks as we slowly re introduce tractor rides.

As a thank you to the wonderful NHS team that looked after Ed, we will have a donation box in the back of the tractor if anybody would like to support with a donation.

Investing in the A47: Improving connectivity and safety

You might have noticed some activity from construction workers on land around Sacrewell Farm, so we wanted to explain what’s happening. Rest assured, despite the construction work, we remain open for business and are continuing to introduce new animals, activities, and events to our fabulous site.

For full details of what’s coming up at Sacrewell please visit our events page.

What’s happening?

The A47, a vital road connecting several key cities and towns in England’s rural heartland, is undergoing a transformative upgrade. This ambitious project, part of a larger investment initiative by the government, aims to enhance journeys and safety along the 115-mile stretch between Peterborough and Great Yarmouth.

One of the pivotal segments of this project is the A47 Wansford to Sutton dualling scheme. Approved in February 2023, this project signifies a significant milestone in the broader effort to modernise the A47. Spanning approximately 1.6 miles between Wansford and Sutton, this section currently operates as a single carriageway, leading to congestion and safety concerns. The proposed upgrades include converting it into a dual carriageway, constructing a free-flow link road from the A1 southbound to the A47 eastbound, roundabout enhancements, and improved infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.

By upgrading this section, the aim is not only to enhance safety but also to reduce journey times and accommodate future traffic growth.

What does this mean for Sacrewell Farm?

The culmination of this project will have a significant positive impact on safety when entering and exiting Sacrewell Farm. With a new underpass directly linking the A47 to our location, accessibility for our customers will be hugely improved, and queueing times reduced. We will remain open during the construction period, and we appreciate your patience and understanding regarding any temporary disruptions. As a charitable organisation, your support is crucial in enabling us to maintain and operate our site.