Barleylands Farm Museum

Steam traction engines at Barleylands Farm Museum.

Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village is located in Barleylands, near Billericay, Essex.

In addition to Barleylands Farm Park and Craft Village there is also a cafe and an a la carte restaurant onsite. Bi monthly farmers markets and weekly Boot Fairs are held. Annually the whole site transforms into the Essex Country Show.

Barleylands Farm

The onsite Farm Park includes the Discovery Centre, home to vintage tractors and interactive exhibits.

Elsewhere throughout Barleylands Farm Park farmyard animals, birds of prey, two indoor playbarns and outdoor play areas can be found. New for May Bank Holiday, Barleylands introduced sheep racing, a very popular activity added to the daily programme.

Craft Village

On Friday 3 October 2003 the new craft village was officially opened at Barleylands Farm. Offering a range of craft workshops and individually owned business it is incorporated into the already established play and discovery center. The Craft Village run events throughout the year and encourage visitors to come and see them at work.

Essex Country Show

The Farm hosts the annual Essex Country Show on the 2nd weekend in September.[1]

Founded in 1986, the Essex Country Show celebrates all aspects of agricultural history and rural life. Over 50 crafters demonstrate such skills as spinning, hurdle making and blacksmiths, and rare skills like coracle-making and clog-making. Animal displays include heavy horses, a sheep shearing show, working dogs and small animal displays.

Sites to see include 50 working steam engines and 60 model engines, vintage tractors, cars and motorcycles, model boats on the lake, a threshing demonstration, a specialist food hall, music, arena events, 3 craft marquees, amusements, funfair and over 200 trade stands.

Farmers Markets

Barleylands farmers markets are held every second and last Saturday of the month. The stalls are open from 8.30 am until 12.30 pm, however, some remain until 5.30 pm.

During the colder months, the farmers market is held undercover, with the entrance from the main car park leading into the Craft Village. From fresh bread, locally sourced meat and freshly picked vegetables to herbs, flowers and even sauces, there is a wide range of produce from local suppliers and growers.

And after a visit, from 10am the studios open in the Craft Village, as well as the onsite Cafe.

Venue Hire

Barleylands has three conference rooms available for meetings, workshops and parties. The showground can also be hired for outside events.

Bootsales and Sports

The Barleylands showground is used by both local sports teams for training and matches, wedding hire, plus local residents who take part in the regular boot sales and events at the farm.

Camping

Situated on level ground the Barleylands campsite has electric points, toilet and shower facilities with disabled access. Available for both private hire and members of the camping and caravaning club.

References

  1. "Essex Country Show". Billericay, Essex. Retrieved 12 March 2015.

External links

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