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.
The Old School, originally built by Frances Stackhouse Acton in the late 19th century to educate the children of the Parish, has been recently restored and is now a charming cafe. It serves home cooked hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks and is also open to non-farm visitors. There is a gift shop and special events throughout the open season.