Three Counties Christmas visits Over Farm, Gloucester
Posted on 30th May 2022 at 21:08
It is not uncommon for The Chester family to visit a farm attraction for a day out. With Ali’s family owning farms dotted around north Herefordshire, it seems that a farm visit that exceeds our expectations, and who clearly champions other local sources to create an impact - is a farm to recommend to others, and in this case, write a blog about.
Over Farm is a working farm in Gloucester which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year! This unique Gloucestershire farm grows fresh fruit and vegetables, has a farm shop selling local produce, owns a variety of farm animals, occupies an airstrip and utilises a venue barn for parties and weddings!
Three Fun Farm Facts:
1) You can learn how to fly a microlight on Over Farm’s airstrip. Up to 20 microlights can land here a day.
2) Brand new for 2022! Get competitive on the new 14-hole mini golf course.
3) You’ll find lots of varieties of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries in the fields, each tastier than the last! Plus, pumpkin picking in the Autumn.
Our Day
On Saturday 21st May, our daughter, Megan and I went to Over Farm in Gloucester, Gloucestershire.
It was immediately after we entered the farm park, that we saw the tractor ride appear ready to take guests around part of its 800-acre land. We took the opportunity to jump in the seated area in the trailer as a loudspeaker gave us a tour of the farm’s attributes. We drove past the animals and continued to drive along the path next a field where the farmers had originally tried to grow holly ready for the Christmas season- although this was unsuccessful at the time, the trees now create the small woodland area which is referred to as ‘Hollywood’. Despite the holly not growing sufficiently, Over Farm has now got a different field of well-developed Christmas trees. Every year a Christmas tree will grow around 1 foot, so as a business Three Counties Christmas may need to wait until they are a little bit taller to use them.
After the tractor ride, we strolled over to the ‘Barn on the Farm’ where they were exhibiting ‘Roaming Reptiles’. This was part of the ‘May’s Wild Weekend’ event that was held every weekend in May. A giant tortoise, a bearded dragon and a blued tongued skink were part of the menagerie that had travelled from Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Of course, Megan loved the snakes and was even prepared to stroke one! I made a quick getaway!
We eventually enticed Megan away with the promise of feeding the farmyard animals, including the donkeys, goats and sheep. The ostriches and pigs were entertaining too!
There was plenty for children to do, including; quad bike carriages, two bouncy pillows, duck racing, mini golf and two large playgrounds. One of the playgrounds has been recently developed and launched earlier this year. Large play equipment resembled combine harvesters and large tractors. There were also farmhouses and a two-story playhouse replicating Over Farm Market!
Ali and Megan enjoying the floral selfie bench!
Over Farm Market
Over Farm Market is an award-winning, family-run farm shop selling farm-grown produce, local meats, homemade treats, and a wide choice of local and artisan food and drink items. It is located on the roadside next to the car park. Over Farm grows more than 15 different crops throughout the year which are sold in its farm shop.
Operating for the last 40 years, the shop has evolved from its inception, where it just sold farm-grown potatoes and onions in bulk, to the present day which now includes the deli, butchers, bakery, and cafe. With one simple aim – to provide the best locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce with a great service.
Fresh bread, baguettes and rolls are baked daily at Over Farm Market. A choice of delicious pastries, pies and sausage rolls are also available hot or cold from the bakery counter. The butchery sources all meat and game as locally as possible.
In 2021, the café on the ground floor within the shop opened, serving everything from hot drinks and food to smoothies, milkshakes and cakes. Ali highly recommends it!
Some of Over Farm Markets produce sourced from within the Three Counties:-
The following list is in addition to much of the produce being grown or made at Over Farm itself.
• Frank’s Luxury Biscuits – Herefordshire
• Local Yolk’s Eggs – Gloucestershire
• Ethical Addictions Coffee Roasters – Gloucestershire
• Croome Cuisine Cheese – Worcestershire
• Netherend Farm Butter – Gloucestershire
• Two Farmers Crisps – Herefordshire
• Bennetts Ice-cream – Worcestershire
• Cotteswold Dairy Milk – Gloucestershire
• Bentley’s Apple Juice – Gloucestershire
• Butty Bach Ale - Herefordshire
Local produce from Over Farm and the Three Counties.
Our daughter Megan, and a python! ‘Roaming Reptiles’ – Ross-on-Wye.
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