Farm day out proves winner

Written by Helen Fowler

One of my highlights of the last couple of years was riding a giant tricycle around a farm in East Lothian. My husband and two children were perched on the contraption as well. That added to the fun.

It's hard to explain the sense of exhilaration and freedom the experience gave me. I had been unwell and somehow our family to trip to East Links Farm helped put me on the mend.

As many trips as you like

We drove about an hour out of Edinburgh along the main A1 trunk road to find the farm. Once there, we had at least three (it might even have been four) trips on the farm's narrow gauge railway. There is no extra cost for the train. The cost is included in the entry price and you can make as many trips as you please.

The train journey gave us a guided tour of the farm and its animals. On board, all four of us had a commentary from the driver as we sped around the farm. We watched deer, pigs, lamas, sheep, donkeys, goats and Highland cattle go past.

Kind to animals

Farm staff showed great kindness towards the animals in their care. That was one of the things that helped make a day there so enjoyable. The farm website provides updates on which animals have given birth to young. And the names chosen for new arrivals.

Back at the visitor centre, after the train ride, my eldest daughter commandeered her own vehicle. A pedal tractor. She and the other two-year-olds drove around the area set aside for toddlers.

Horseshoe pitching

Nearby, in another areas, older children were having fun crashing into each other with abandon.

The farm's website promises other entertainment, including a party barn, trampolines and even something called horseshoe pitching. Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to sample any of these activities. A shame, since the horseshoe pitching sounds unusual and fun. If potentially dangerous.

Kind to parents

East Links is geared towards family days out. There are activities pitched at different ages. Nobody turns a blind eye at screaming infants. They have all the changing and feeding facilities any parent of small children might need. It's a lot of fun.

Although it's an hour's drive from Edinburgh, I would recommend it wholeheartedly. I hesitate to use the word 'bonding experience'. But that about sums up our family afternoon out.

East Links Family Farm and Narrow Gauge Railway Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1XF Tel: 01368 863607

Adults £9, children £8, two and under go free. Tickets provide unlimited access to all facilities and activities (except pony rides)