Pennywell Farm is a tourist attraction just outside the town of Buckfastleigh in south Devon, England. It is the biggest activity farm in the South West region.[1][2] Pennywell is home to over 150 animals and offers visitors a different hands-on activity every half hour.
The attraction boasts the highest rated reviews[3] of any Devon attraction. It was voted “Devon's Best Family Attraction” in the “Muddy Stilettos Awards 2022”.[4]
Pennywell Farm is situated 600 feet (180m) above sea level with breathtaking panoramic views over Dartmoor National Park.
History
Pennywell Farm was founded by Christopher and Nicola Murray, who opened the attraction to the public on 22 May 1989. With no buildings, power, water, or infrastructure in place, the farm began as a greenfield site and was developed entirely from scratch.
The idea was that visitors to the farm would not be spectators but that they would be able to have hands-on interaction with the animals.
Pig racing at Pennywell Farm
Pennywell became the first attraction in the UK to offer a new, hands-on activity every half hour – a concept that has since been adopted by other farm parks nationwide. The model proved successful and set the tone for Pennywell’s future as a pioneer in farm-based tourism.
The Pennywell Miniature Pigs shot to fame[5] in 2007 and attracted a whole host of celebrity owners. Media interest followed we have had film crews from Germany, Japan, America, Australia, South Korea as well as the BBC, ITV and Sky.
Pennywell Farm was the first tourist attraction in Devon and the first farm attraction in the country to be awarded Gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.[6]
Meeting the miniature ponies at Pennywell FarmRed rocket ride at Pennywell Farm
Over the years, the farm overcame significant challenges, including the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak. During this time, Pennywell lost around 85% of its business but was saved by an anonymous donation – a moment the owners credit as life-changing. In 2003, the farm was visited by the Countess of Wessex (now the Duchess of Edinburgh), who marked English Tourism Week with a ceremonial tree planting. The farm also became known for its community involvement and charitable work. Its now-famous Christmas Nativity Experience began in 1990 as a simple event for local schools and has since grown into a full-scale festive celebration.
Today, Pennywell remains a family business, with the second generation of the Murray family involved in day-to-day operations. It continues to innovate, educate and delight visitors from across the UK and beyond.
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