FINDING a day out that is fun and engaging for the children, yet friendly on the pocket, is what you get when you visit the Miniature Pony Centre on Dartmoor.
Here, families and their children experience animals and fun-filled activities in a family-run haven, which prides itself on the care and management of its animals and the natural environment.
As well as the famous miniature Shetland ponies and Mediterranean miniature donkeys, the centre is home to several other horse and pony breeds, including Buster the Shire and Harris the Suffolk.
There are lots of friendly animals to meet, including goats, pigs, sheep and lambs, chickens, ducks and chipmunks.
There are plenty of fun, free and hands-on activities suitable for all children – helping to feed the animals, animal handling, and operating a real tractor are just some of the daily events.
There are also lots of extra activities during school holidays, including a daily horse show and regular children's entertainers. Please call or check the website for further details.
Budding young riders can head to the riding arena for a pony ride – a rosette is awarded to all riders. There is a small extra charge for pony rides, which are for children aged between three and 10.
There are lots of play areas, both indoors and outdoors, where children of all ages can burn off that excess energy.
And after a picnic, or lunch in the Paddock View Café, you can enjoy a walk around the grounds, giving you the chance to take in the wildlife and a variety of habitats including a willow garden, wetlands and ponds.
It is a memorable Dartmoor day.
The centre is easy to find on the main B3212 road, just two miles west of Moretonhampstead, towards Princetown.
For more information call 01647 432400.
