The BIG Sheep, located just outside Bideford, is North Devon’s ultimate family-friendly adventure park, packed with rides, live shows, animal encounters, and exciting attractions for all ages.
The Big Sheep, located just outside Bideford, is one of North Devon’s most popular family attractions, blending fun, education, and farming heritage in a way that appeals to all ages. Originally founded as a working farm, the park has evolved into an award-winning adventure destination, offering everything from thrilling rides and live animal shows to indoor and outdoor play areas, all set within beautiful North Devon countryside.
With a unique emphasis on sheep and rural life, The Big Sheep provides interactive experiences, exciting entertainment, and hands-on farming activities, making it a must-visit for families, animal lovers, and those looking for a fun-filled day out in Devon.
The Big Sheep began as a working sheep farm, originally owned by the Turner family, who wanted to create a visitor attraction that combined their love of farming with a fun, educational experience for families. The idea was to showcase the life of a modern working farm, while also introducing elements of adventure and entertainment to make it engaging for visitors of all ages.
Since opening its doors in the 1980s, The Big Sheep has grown from a small farm attraction into one of the region’s leading adventure parks, without losing its agricultural roots. While the park now features thrill rides, shows, and family-friendly attractions, it remains dedicated to educating visitors about farming, rural traditions, and animal welfare.
The Big Sheep offers a mix of adrenaline-pumping rides, live animal encounters, and family-friendly entertainment, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
One of the standout features of The Big Sheep is its combination of traditional farm fun and exciting rides, making it different from typical farm parks.
The Rampage Rollercoaster is the largest rollercoaster in Devon and a highlight for those looking for an adrenaline rush. The park also offers family-friendly rides, including a giant swan pedal boat lake, tractor rides, and a fun train ride around the park. For younger visitors, there are miniature fairground rides, bouncy pillows, and pedal go-karts, ensuring entertainment for all age groups.
The Big Sheep is known for its hilarious and engaging live shows, which add a unique touch to the visitor experience. One of the most famous attractions is the sheep racing, where visitors can watch sheep compete in a fun, obstacle-filled race while cheering for their chosen runner. The duck trials, featuring expertly trained working dogs herding ducks through an obstacle course, provide another entertaining and educational spectacle.
The park offers plenty of hands on animal experiences, allowing visitors to meet and feed lambs, goats, pigs, and rabbits. There’s also an opportunity to see sheep shearing demonstrations, where visitors can learn about the wool industry and its importance to farming.
For families with younger children, The Big Sheep boasts an enormous indoor play zone, complete with slides, climbing areas, and soft play equipment. This is particularly useful on rainy days, ensuring that fun continues no matter the weather. The outdoor adventure area includes bouncy pillows, climbing frames, and even a dedicated battle zone for laser tag, making it a great place for kids to burn off energy.
Throughout the year, The Big Sheep hosts a range of seasonal events, drawing visitors from across Devon and beyond. Popular events include the Ewetopia Halloween Festival, the Christmas Winter Wonderland with Santa’s Grotto, and the Springtime Lamb Feeding Experience, which allows children to bottle-feed baby lambs. In summer, the park hosts live music events and fireworks displays, adding an extra layer of entertainment.
The Big Sheep offers a unique blend of thrill rides, interactive farming experiences, and engaging entertainment, making it one of the best all weather attractions in Devon.
Unlike many adventure parks, it retains its agricultural heritage, offering an insight into farm life and rural traditions while providing modern attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether it’s racing sheep, riding the Rampage Rollercoaster, or feeding adorable lambs, there’s something memorable for everyone.
With its combination of fun, learning, and adventure, The Big Sheep continues to be a favorite destination for families, school trips, and tourists looking to experience something uniquely Devonian. Whether you’re visiting for a day of thrills, hands-on animal encounters, or just a relaxed day out in the countryside, The Big Sheep guarantees an unforgettable experience.
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