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Whirlow Farm is one of our favorite free things to do in Sheffield with kids. Whirlow farm is a small attraction with a lot to offer. Whether your trying to make the most of a rainy afternoon or enjoying a sunny bank holiday in 2026 – Whirlow Farm is a wonderful choice!
This lovely farm has a wide range of animals, educational exhibits, a kids playground, an amazing cafe (called The Barn) and also a farm shop and butcher. There are also some beautiful walks in the area. So if you have some free time, we highly recommend a visit.
We love Whirlow Farm and have visited many times. Whirlow Farm really does have something for everyone. Amazing coffee, great food and an epic play space for kids. Relax with a coffee whilst your kids swing, climb, bounce and watch the animals. Also, the staff are amazing.
In this article we will share a detailed review of the facilities, food and experience at Whirlow Farm. If you’re not sure whether to visit – we hope this article will help you make a decision. If you are planning a visit, we hope this article helps you prepare.
Don’t miss these amazing day trips from Sheffield
Where is Whirlow Farm located?
This lovely farm is located in the southwest of Sheffield. This is a lovely rural suburb of Sheffield right next to the Peak District. It is around 20-30 minute drive from Sheffield City Centre.
Address: Whirlow Ln, Sheffield S11 9QF
What are the opening hours at Whirlow Farm?
Here are the opening hours:
Monday – Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday – Thursday 9am – 3pm
Friday – Sunday 9am – 4pm
Cafe kitchen closes at 2:30pm
How much does it cost to visit Whirlow Farm?
It is free to visit Whirlow Farm in Sheffield. Parking is free and kids can see the animals and use the playground for free. The Barn Cafe serves a range of food and drinks.
What is the best way to get to Whirlow Farm Sheffield?
Drive
The simplest and most convenient way to get to Whirlow Farm is to drive. There is a large free and well paved carpark onsite. The carpark is only likely to be full on sunny weekends and bank holidays. To drive to the Farm, drive south along the Ecclesall Road away from Sheffiled City Centre. Turn Right and drive up Whirlow Lane. Turn left on Broad Elms Lane and you will see the carpark on your right.
Take a bus
You can also get to Whirlow Farm by bus. Be aware that there is a short walk up Whirlow Lane (around 500m to get to the Farm). You can take bus number 81, 82, 272 from Sheffield City Centre, leading up Ecclesall Road. Get off the bus at the Little Common Lane Stop (after Park head). From here you can cross the road and walk up Whirlow Lane.
Take a taxi
Another way to get to Whirlow Farm Sheffield is by taxi. Use Uber or flag a taxi. Expect to pay around £10 for a taxi ride in Sheffield (depending on the distance).
What facilities are available at Whirlow Farm?
Whirlow Farm Sheffield has excellent facilities:
- Extensive and free car park with disabled parking. The carpark is well pathed and has clear parking bays
- Toilets including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities
- There is a farm shop with a butcher
- There is a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating is also semi covered, and so you can remain sheltered even in rainy weather outside
- There are high chairs available
- They have a wide range of kids books available in the cafe – great option for a rainy day
- They have several barns and sheds where kids can see and learn about the animals
- There is a fun playground located in view of the cafe, the playground is relatively enclosed allowing kids an independent playspace
- There is also an education centre here
For more information and bookings check out the Whirlow Farm website.
What is the Whirlow Farm playground like?
One of the best things about Whirlow Farm is the park area for kids. This is a safe and relatively enclosed space for kids to play. The play park is made from wood and suitable for kids from 2 – 12 years old. Most of the playpark is built on grass making it safer if kids do fall over. The playground has swings, a basket swing, models, a wooden climbing frame and slides.
There are animal fields at the back of the children’s playground. The playground is sufficient for keeping kids engaged and the cafe seating allows comfortable and convenient supervision so parents can enjoy a well earned drink.
What animals can you see at Whirlow Farm
There is a good range of animals at Whirlow Farm. You can see Llamas, sheep, highland cows, turkeys, chickens, hens and goats. You can also buy animal feed at Whirlow Park. Visitiors are welcome to see the animals in the barns and animal sheds. You can also see animals in fields around the farm.
What is available at Whirlow Farm Cafe (The Barn at Whirlow)?
We are very impressed with the quality and range of food and drinks in the Whirlow Farm Cafe (also known as “The Barn at Whirlow”). This lovely cafe serves creative, fresh gourmet food. The menu dishes like full English Breakfasts, eggs benedict, sausage rolls, fish and chip sandwiches and salads. Most dishes range in price from around £5 – £10 per dish.
The Cafe also serves an enticing range of cakes and snacks. You can also buy hot and cold drinks. We highly recommend the Lattes here if you’re a coffee lover!
The cafe has indoor and covered outdoor seating available. There are high chairs and kids books available.
What can you buy in the Whirlow Farm shop?
There is also a Farm Shop next to the cafe. The Whirlow Farm shop sells local condiments, gifts, local beers and there is also an impressive butchers serving a wide range of free range meats, sausages and other products such as pork pies. The shop has a real quality to it. The prices are on the high side, but the quality is also excellent.
What walks can you do from Whirlow Farm?
We couldn’t write an article about Whirlow Farm without sharing a few epic walk routes in the area. For each of these walks we will include a map and the rough directions to help you know what to expect.
Short walk (1.4km roughly 15 minutes)
The short walk at Whirlow Farm is a loop of the Castle Dyke sports fields which are located next to the farm. Start by walking up the track through the farm. Turn right and follow the track up the hill. Keep your eye open for a gate on your right at the top of the hill.
Go through the gate and follow the path across the fields enjoying great views of Sheffield. Turn right at the and follow the next path along the fields and back to the farm. You can extend this route by walking further around the fields. This area can be exposed and windy.
Medium walk (5.6km roughly 1.5 hours)
The Medium Walk starts at the farm and takes you up Limb Valley to Ringinglow Village and then returns down Ringinglow Road. Start by walking up the track through the farm. Turn left and follow the track up the hill. At the top of the hill turn left and follow a small footpath across a field to the top of the woods. Take the path that follows steep steps down into Lib Valley woods. Turn right at the path at the bottom of the steps.
Follow the path up through Limb Valley. When you reach Ringinglow village you can see the famous Round House and Norfolk Arms pub. Follow the footpath down Ringinglow Road. Watch out for the right turn that leads to the Castle Dyke playing fields. Follow the paths across the fields to return to Whirlow Farm.
Long walk (9km roughly 2.5 hours)
The long walk takes you all of the way to the moorland above Sheffield with amazing views and a more challenging route. Walk up the track through the farm. Turn right and follow the track up the hill. At the top of the hill turn left. Follow the footpath across the field to the top of the woods. Follow the path down into Lib Valley woods.
Turn right at the path at the bottom of the steps. Follow the path up through Limb Valley to Ringinglow village. Turn left and along Sheepill Road. Cross the road and walk up the track to the car park. Turn right and follow the path through Lady Cannings plantation. When you reach the moorland follow the path up to the Ox Stones.
From here take the path to the left across the Moorland until you reach the Houndkirk Trail (an old Roman Road). Follow this trail back to Ringinglow village. Walk back along the path down Ringinglow road. Turn right along the lane leading to Castle Dyke playing fields. Follow the footpaths across the fields back to Whirlow Farm.
Oh yeah, if you love a good walk you will love these epic Ecclesall woods walks (not too far from Whirlow Farm)
Is Whirlow farm accessible for wheelchairs?
Whirlow farm has very good accessibility. There is a large car park with disabled parking spaces available. There are ramps leading to the Cafe at the front and back. The cafe also has wide wheelchair friendly doors. There is a disabled toilet on site. It is also pram and pet friendly.
What other things are there to do near Whirlow farm?
Whirlow Farm is near the Peak District that is packed with plenty of great walks. Furthermore, don’t miss Ecclesall woods – a great spot for walking and nature watching. Nearby you can visit the Abbeydale Miniature Railway. If you love visiting farms, don’t miss the epic Heeley City Farm, not far away in Sheffield.
