Lambing Season at The Cholderton Estate: lambing encounters
Lambing season is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year at The Cholderton Estate. Our rare breed Hampshire Down flock is at the heart of our organic farm, and each spring, new life brings fresh excitement to our fields and lambing shed. This February half-term, the Cholderton Estate Trust will again be holding our lambing encounters, in support of the wonderful Naomi House children’s charity.
LAMBING ENCOUNTERS
Lambing encounters will take place from Tuesday 18th - Friday 21st February daily at 3.30pm. The experience is aimed at younger children aged 4 - 9 (supervised by their adults) and will be in small groups to avoid disturbing the sheep. Our sessions last 20 minutes where you will be able to come into the lambing barn and help to feed the lambs.
Old clothes and sturdy footwear is a must!
Places are expected to fill up quickly so please do get in touch soon if you would like to come. Voluntary donations are requested to either be paid directly to Naomi House children’s charity or cash donations can be passed to us on the day for us to pass on to the charity.
A Historic Flock with a Remarkable Story
The Cholderton Estate’s Hampshire Down flock is one of the most important gene banks for this rare breed. Originating from a mix of Wiltshire Horn, Berkshire Knot, and Southdown sheep, Hampshire Downs became a staple of southern English farms in the 19th century, prized for their wool, meat, and contribution to soil fertility. Our flock, founded in 1890, has a proud history of show wins and has played a crucial role in preserving this native breed. In fact, in 1911, the Estate’s flock numbered over 2,700 sheep, tended by 14 shepherds, with its reputation reaching far beyond the South of England.
We continue to manage the flock with a commitment to sustainable, organic farming, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these sturdy, handsome sheep grazing on our ancient pastures for generations to come.
Visit the Farmyard This Spring
Lambing encounters during half-term are always a sell-out event, but there are still plenty of ways to experience rural life at The Cholderton Estate. Visitors staying in our holiday accommodation can enjoy a front-row seat to the rhythms of the farm, with lambs playing in the fields and new arrivals making their first wobbly steps in the barn. If you’re visiting for the day, you’re welcome to enjoy a coffee at the farm shop and take a quiet peek into the lambing barns - please just remember to be respectful of our heavily pregnant ewes as they prepare to give birth.
A True Farm Stay Experience
A stay at The Cholderton Estate is more than just a countryside retreat - it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the daily life of a working organic farm. From watching the Hampshire Down lambs grow to exploring our beautiful, rolling landscapes, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Spring is a beautiful time to visit, with the farm bursting into life and plenty of opportunities to see our rare breeds up close.
With accommodation booking up fast, it is a great time to book your stay and experience the magic of lambing season for yourself. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or just popping by for a coffee and a glimpse into our historic barns, we look forward to welcoming you to The Cholderton Estate.
Check the availability of our accommodation options here.