Historic Working Farm
'Tom Acton is a leading authority on Victorian farming and his enthusiasm is evident, for in an age when most landowners obliterated all trace of the past to modernize their property, the Actons lovingly preserved the history and heritage of theirs.' David Upshal, Executive Producer, 'Victorian Farm'.
Situated in the estate’s 18th century Home Farm buildings, Acton Scott’s Historic Working Farm is a wonderful visitor attraction for all the family to enjoy.
Conceived by Thomas Acton more than a generation ago to keep alive the 19th century farming practices he grew up with, the farm was the first of its kind and has been much copied since. Tom's foresight has helped to preserve many traditions that might otherwise have been lost to modern day farming techniques.
Today, the Historic Working Farm offers a fascinating insight into rural life at the turn of the 19th century, as farm life unfolds daily and the land around is worked by heavy horses. There are daily demonstrations of period skills and visits from the Wheelwright, Farrier and Blacksmith, providing a picture of life as it might have been on a Victorian country estate.
For an up to date List of Events please click here .
The former School House, originally built by Frances Stackhouse Acton in the late 19th century, has been recently restored and is now a charming cafe, serving home cooked food - it is also open to non-farm visitors. There is a gift shop and special events throughout the open season.
The Farm is open from Tuesday 30 March until Sunday 31 October 2010 and is managed and operated by Shropshire Council's Museum Service as part of the Acton Scott Estate. For more information please telephone the visitor services team on 01694 781 307.
Opening hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10.00am - 4.30pm
Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holiday Mondays: 10.30am - 5.00pm
2010 admission prices
Adults: £6.00; Senior Citizens: £5.50; Children: £3.75 (under 5s free)
Family Ticket (2 adults and 3 children): £21.00
Season Ticket Adults: £17.50; Season Ticket Children: £10.00.
Bank Holiday Monday's Grand Day Out special price £2.50, see events below.
Groups, Schools and Children's parties welcome, telephone 01694 781 307 for details.
Access, amenities and schools
There is ample parking and wheelchair accessible (wheelchais are also available on request).
Gift shop and School House Cafe, serving home cooked food, and an under cover picnic area.
No Dogs (except guide or helping dogs) permitted on the site, as stock roam freely. Well behaved dogs on a lead may enjoy Acton Scott's guided walks.
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm provides an educational programme for schools with a varied programme of activities lasting one and a half hours and led by experienced tutors. All sessions cost £45 in addition to the discounted admission cost for schools, which for 2010 is £2.50 per child. Please telephone 01694 781307 to check availability before booking transport.
Commercial photography and filming on the Acton Scott Estate which includes the Historic Working Farm requires prior permission. For more information, please contact Rupert Acton on 07976 839 997 or email rupert.acton@actonscott.com
For more information about the 2010 programme of Courses in Traditional Rural Crafts and Trades, click here and for a booking form click here. Alternatively, speak to the visitor services team on telephone 01694 781 307 or email acton.scott.museum@shropshire.gov.uk