Meadow View Country Park in Wigbeth, Wimborne (BH21 7JH) is a 52-acre family holiday park in Dorset with its own on-site stables and petting farm, where families can meet donkeys, Shetland ponies, sheep, and goats, take part in a guided animal care experience with Caroline from £18 per person, and book lead-rein pony rides for younger children. Most holiday parks promise a swimming pool and a playground and call it a family break. We do something a little different. Our stables and petting area sit right in the heart of the park, run with care by Caroline, where children can brush ponies, feed the donkeys, and learn how the animals are looked after every day.
For families with young children, animal lovers, or kids who feel calmer around animals than crowds, this changes the whole shape of a Dorset holiday. The day stops being about ticking off attractions and starts being about real moments with real animals, in a real working countryside setting. Combine that with glamping pods, safari tents, shepherd’s huts, and luxury static caravans, and you have one of the most distinctive family-friendly holiday parks in Dorset.
What Makes Meadow View Different From Other Dorset Holiday Parks?
Meadow View Country Park stands apart from most Dorset holiday parks because it combines proper family accommodation with a working stables and petting farm on the same 52-acre site. You do not have to drive anywhere to find the animals. They are part of your stay.
A few things make us genuinely different:
- On-site stables and petting farm run personally by Caroline, with small group visits rather than crowded attractions
- Real countryside setting between Cranborne Chase National Landscape and the New Forest National Park
- Mix of accommodation including glamping pods, safari tents, shepherd’s huts, luxury static caravans, and off-grid camping pitches
- Family-run feel with check-in handled in person and a strong focus on calm, friendly hospitality
- SEN-friendly approach across both the stables and the wider park
If you want a Dorset family break where the children come away talking about the donkeys and the ponies rather than the queue for the pool, Meadow View is built exactly for that.
Meet the Animals at Meadow View Stables
The stables and petting area at Meadow View is home to a growing family of animals. Some are with us all year round, and more are joining over the coming months as we expand the petting farm.
Donkeys
Our donkeys are calm, curious, and brilliant with children. They are usually the first introduction for younger visitors because they are gentle, friendly, and happy to be brushed and fed under supervision.
Shetland Ponies
The Shetland ponies are a firm family favourite. Their size makes them less intimidating for toddlers and first-time visitors, and they are also the stars of our lead-rein pony rides.
Sheep, Goats, and Rabbits (Joining Soon)
Our petting farm is expanding from October half term, with sheep, goats, and rabbits joining the herd. This will give families an even wider range of animals to meet across a single visit.
You can book a Family or Individual ticket for the petting farm through our booking system, and visits are kept calm and small in scale so the animals stay happy too.
What Is the Guided Animal Care Experience?
The Guided Animal Care Experience at Meadow View costs £18 per person and gives families a hands-on, relaxed introduction to the animals at the stables. The experience is led personally by Caroline, who keeps groups small and welcoming, with no pressure to take part in anything that feels overwhelming.
During the experience, you can expect to:
- Meet the donkeys, Shetland ponies, and other resident animals
- Help with feeding under Caroline’s guidance
- Learn the stories of each animal and how they came to live at Meadow View
- Spend time with the herd at your own pace
For an extra £2 per person (£20 total), you can also return at around 4.30pm for the evening feeding session, which is a lovely calm way to round off the day. Sensible footwear is required for all visits because of the working farm environment.
Is Meadow View Suitable for Autistic and SEN Children?
Yes. The Guided Animal Care Experience at Meadow View is specifically designed to be SEN-friendly, with calm small-group visits suitable for children and adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. There is no pressure to join in, no loud noises, and no rushing from one thing to the next.
Caroline runs every session personally, which means each visit can be adjusted to suit the child or family in front of her. Some families come for a short, gentle introduction. Others stay longer, return for feeding time, or build it into a full weekend at the park.
The wider holiday park is also well suited to families looking for a calmer break, with 52 acres of countryside, very low light pollution, and accessible step-free bathroom blocks across the site.
Can Children Ride Ponies at Meadow View?
Yes. Meadow View Stables offers safe lead-rein pony rides for younger children, where Caroline or a trained handler walks alongside the pony at all times. The rides are designed for first-time riders and toddlers, so there is no need for any previous experience.
A few useful things to know:
- All rides are lead-rein only, with a handler walking alongside the pony
- Suitable for toddlers and young children meeting safety requirements
- Sensible footwear is required (no open-toed shoes)
- Timings and availability are confirmed at the time of booking
For many families, the pony ride is the highlight of the whole stay, and it pairs beautifully with the Guided Animal Care Experience earlier in the day.
How the Petting Farm and Stables Fit Into a Family Holiday
Most family holiday parks separate the accommodation from the activities. At Meadow View, the stables and petting farm sit in the heart of the park, so the rhythm of your stay can naturally include time with the animals every day.
A typical family day might start with a slow breakfast at your safari tent, a walk down to meet the donkeys mid-morning, a lead-rein pony ride before lunch, and an afternoon exploring the wider park or heading off to a local Dorset attraction. Evenings can finish around the pizza oven at The.Barnhouse, or with a quieter return to feed the animals at 4.30pm.
This works particularly well for:
- Toddlers and young children who love repetition and routine
- Multigenerational families where grandparents enjoy the calmer pace
- SEN families who benefit from predictable, low-pressure days
- First-time glampers who want a gentle, activity-rich introduction to the outdoors
Where to Stay at Meadow View Country Park
Meadow View has a range of family-friendly accommodation, so you can pick the right comfort level for your group.
- Glamping pods (Little Elm, Little Ash, Little Yew, Little Oak): A double bed plus sofa bed, kitchenette, and outdoor space. Up to two small dogs welcome.
- Safari tents: Sleep four to six, with an enclosed bedroom, lounge, kitchenette, and large private porch. Great for young families.
- Shepherd’s huts: Cosy spaces for two adults or two adults and one child, some with ensuite shower rooms.
- The.Cinespa hot tub shepherd’s hut: A renovated hut with a private hot tub and outdoor movie screen for up to four people, bookable in hour-long sessions.
- Luxury static caravans: Two and three-bedroom options ideal for larger families and longer stays.
- Off-grid camping pitches: Spacious grass pitches for tents, motorhomes, and touring caravans, with proper bathroom blocks nearby.
What Else Is There to Do at Meadow View?
Beyond the stables and petting farm, the park has plenty going on across its 52 acres. Some of it is structured, and some of it is the kind of quiet outdoor time families do not always realise they need.
- A landscaped lake and wildlife pond for pond dipping and quiet time
- Woodland and meadow walks across the wider park
- The.Cinespa private hot tub and outdoor cinema sessions
- The.Barnhouse bar and wood-fired pizza oven, open at weekends from 5pm
- A dedicated on-site dog park
- Excellent stargazing thanks to very low light pollution
- A children’s play area and on-site shop arriving in Spring 2026
The wider area is full of family-friendly options too, including Kingston Lacy, Moors Valley Country Park, Adventure Wonderland, Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, and the beaches at Sandbanks, Studland, and Lulworth Cove within easy driving distance.
Where Is Meadow View Country Park?
Meadow View Country Park is at Horton Road, Wigbeth, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7JH. We sit between Cranborne Chase National Landscape and the New Forest National Park, with the Dorset coast a short drive away.
Approximate distances from us:
- Wimborne town centre: A few minutes by car
- Bournemouth and Sandbanks beaches: Around 20 minutes
- Bournemouth International Airport: Around 15 minutes
- The New Forest: Just over the border to the east
- Jurassic Coast (Lulworth, Durdle Door): Within easy driving distance
- London: Around 2 hours by car or train
This central location means you can enjoy the stables and petting farm in the morning and still be on a beach or at a National Trust property by lunchtime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Meadow View
What animals are at Meadow View Stables?
Meadow View Stables is currently home to donkeys and Shetland ponies, with sheep, goats, and rabbits joining the petting farm from October half term onwards.
How much does the animal experience cost?
The Guided Animal Care Experience at Meadow View costs £18 per person. You can pay an extra £2 to return for the evening feeding session at around 4.30pm, bringing the total to £20.
Can toddlers go on the pony rides?
Yes. Meadow View offers lead-rein pony rides designed for young children and first-time riders. A handler walks alongside the pony at all times to keep things safe and calm.
Is the petting farm suitable for autistic children?
Yes. Sessions are deliberately kept small and calm to suit children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory sensitivities. Caroline tailors each visit to the family in front of her, with no pressure to take part.
Is Meadow View Country Park dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome year-round at Meadow View, and we have a dedicated on-site dog park. Most accommodation options take up to two small dogs.
Do you need to book the petting farm in advance?
Yes, advance booking is recommended. Family and Individual tickets can be booked through our online booking system to make sure groups stay small.
Is Meadow View a good family holiday park for young children?
Yes. Meadow View is particularly suited to families with young children, with calm animal experiences, lead-rein pony rides, safari tents and pods sized for small families, and 52 acres of safe countryside to explore.
Can grandparents and grandchildren stay together?
Yes. Our luxury static caravans with two and three bedrooms are popular with multigenerational families, and the calm pace of the park works well for groups of mixed ages.
Where is Meadow View Country Park?
Meadow View Country Park is at Horton Road, Wigbeth, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7JH, sitting between Cranborne Chase National Landscape and the New Forest National Park.
How do I book a stay at Meadow View?
You can book directly through our website or by phone on 07919 275236. We are also listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Pitchup.
Plan Your Family Break at Meadow View
If you have been searching for a Dorset family holiday park where children can actually be around animals, take part in real countryside experiences, and have the space to slow down, Meadow View is built exactly for that.
You can mix and match the bits of the stay that work for your family. Book a glamping pod for a long weekend, add the Guided Animal Care Experience and a lead-rein pony ride, and round off the evenings around the pizza oven at The.Barnhouse. Larger families can spread out in a luxury static caravan, and groups who still love a tent can pitch up on the off-grid grass pitches.
Get in touch with the team on 07919 275236 or email info@meadowviewcountrypark.com to check availability, or come and visit us at Horton Road, Wigbeth, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7JH. We look forward to welcoming your family.