Salt Pig the Farm (formerly Putlake Farm) is a wonderful family friendly attraction near Swanage.

We visited during half term with nanny and were greeted at the gate by a couple of roaming hens.  They looked like they were having a lovers tiff and caught my daughter off guard so we had to politely ask them to step aside haha.

The reception can be found on the left, the café and toilets on the right and the animal barns are straight ahead.  The children were peckish although they’d had lunch so I ordered some chips while we discussed which part of the farm we’d start in.  The Salt Pig has an outstanding reputation for fresh local food and this can be found in the café.  From snacks to hot or cold lunches, kids lunch boxes to delicious treats, you’ll find something to please everyone.

I was desperate to see the animals and in the barn we found the most adorable kids (baby goats, not random children) and I could of happily curled up with them in the hay.  We spent quite some time watching them play and also spotted guinea pigs, rabbits, a horse and a pig.  Outside the barn we found some very loud donkeys plus goats, horses, alpacas, hens and a duck pond.

Behind the café is a wonderful large play area with a big play frame, play house, sandpit with diggers and a go kart track which the kids enjoyed whizzing around on.  The children played quite happily but boy was it a cold day and my poor mum was freezing so I suggested we head to the soft play to warm up.

The multi-level soft play is a great size and seating can be found all around the edge so you can easily see where the children are.  Down one side is a toy shop and some games and you’ll also find a tots area for little ones on the other side.  Once we were settled on a nice comfy sofa I went and got us some hot drinks and the kids had a cannoli each.  We’ve become addicted to buying these from The Salt Pig at Holme Farm and they begged for one as soon as they saw them.

I knew there was some animal activities that the children wanted to do so we left the soft play for cuddle time with the guinea pigs and then just before we left we fed the baby goats which were super cute.  I’m always amazed at how fast they can guzzle a bottle before running away for a snooze.

Animal activities vary depending on the time of year but on the day we visited you could feed the adult and baby goats, feed and cuddle the guinea pigs and pony grooming.  Sadly we arrived too late for the latter but we’ll do it next time.

While we were there we were told there are big plans for future play installations, activities and camping so this is very exciting for local families and visitors to the area.

I can thoroughly recommend a trip to Salt Pig The Farm, the new owners and staff are very welcoming, and the animals and play areas will keep children amused for hours.

For more information and ticket prices, please visit Putlake Farm.

Good to know:

• Pre-booking is not required.

• A hand washing station is located by the animal barn.

• You do not need to pay for farm entry if you only wish to visit the café.

• Every Friday morning there is a Toddler Group with reduced entry fee.*

• Entry for under 1’s is free.  Annual pass holders receive a reduced entry price.*

• Outside catering is available if you are organising a celebration.

*Any specific details were correct at the time of writing in February 2025.