The school summer holidays will soon be upon us and it’s always tricky to think of ways of keeping children and grandchildren amused. Dartmoor has lots to offer and there are many local attractions in and around Moretonhampstead, and one that always seems to be a huge hit with young and old alike is the Miniature Pony Centre, just outside Moretonhampstead on the road towards Princetown.
Small or baby animals are always going to be a hit with children, but at the Miniature Pony Centre, they seem to have a knack of making it extra special. Children (and parents) can have lots of ‘hands on’ time with all sorts of animals, from foals to lambs to pigs and more. ‘Eros’ the baby donkey is an absolute delight (and has been featured in the national press!), very cuddly and very gentle. Children can get right in among the donkeys and ponies in the barn area, or out in the fields. A good old-fashioned pony ride is also on offer and, https://accisotret.com judging by the queues of children, still a popular option.
An added bonus (and all part of the entry price) is a children’s entertainer who, somehow, keeps hordes of children utterly enthralled for over half an hour… which leaves plenty of time for the adults to enjoy an ice cream and regain their strength!
There are regular bottle-feeding sessions, opportunities to view specific animals, such as the giant shire horses and plenty of chances to pet baby animals. And if the children are still full of beans… there is ‘Fort Bovey’ – an indoor assault course with a climbing wall, slid, tunnels and more! For younger children, there is also an indoor soft play area.
At the end of the day, visitors help drive the ponies out of the field and up into the main barn for feeding. This is great fun as the ponies (who know perfectly well where they are going!) all go cantering past at speed, much to the delight of the watching and squealing children!