SEND Fest at Marsh Farm
An exclusive inclusive festival day at Marsh Farm Animal Park. All activities included in your ticket, with a dedicated calm zone, fully accessible facilities, and entertainment for every age and ability.
Book TicketsAbout This Venue
Marsh Farm Animal Park in South Woodham Ferrers is a brilliant, accessible venue for SEND Fest. Set in the heart of Essex, it offers wide open spaces, hard-standing pathways, a purpose-built beach and splash pool, multiple entertainment barns, and a dedicated Zen Den calm zone. All activities are included in your ticket - no hidden extras.
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Everything You Need to Know
Dates
Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st July
Time
10:00am - 5:00pm
Location
Marsh Farm Animal Park, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 5WP
Parking
Free on-site car park with blue badge disabled bays close to the entrance
Accessibility
Hard-standing footpaths throughout. AccessoLoo mobile changing facility on site
Food & Drink
Multiple catering outlets on site. Card only. Picnics welcome on the Activities Field
Facilities
Accessible toilets, disabled changing with hoist, baby changing at multiple points
Quiet Spaces
Zen Den calm zone available throughout the day near the Animal Shed
SEND Fest runs from 10am to 5pm. We expect most people will arrive between 10am and 12 noon, so if you are looking for a quieter start we would advise arriving after 12 noon. Another tip is to head straight to the back of the park on arrival - Dinosaur Adventure and the Back Field are often quieter earlier in the day.
You will need to scan the QR code on your ticket on arrival. To speed up entry, we recommend having this printed out or ready to display on a mobile device.
Yes, there is a free car park on site for visitors, and an overflow car park. Blue badge disabled parking bays are clearly marked as the spaces closest to the entrance - head straight down the first aisle as you enter the main car park.
There are hard-standing footpaths in most areas. Many animals and activities on the farm are accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users. However, due to their natural composition, some play areas are not wheelchair friendly.
Yes, Marsh Farm has accessible toilets along with a disabled changing area which includes a hoist. We will also have AccessoLoo on site - a mobile vehicle with a full ceiling track hoist system, a full-size height-adjustable changing bench, a peninsular toilet with grab bars, and a height-adjustable wash basin. The unit also has a shower over the changing bench area.
All activities at Marsh Farm are included within your ticket - there are no additional ride costs on the day. The only extra costs will be if you choose to purchase food or drink on site, buy anything from the Marsh Farm Gift Shop, or from stalls including SAA Clothing and The Washclub.
Yes. The BEAST inflatable is not suitable for children under 3, and children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. The Beast cannot operate in inclement weather. For the carousel, teacups, and train ride you must be 90cm or taller. Gallopers require 100cm or taller. The Balloon Ride requires 120cm or taller.
For the Beast inflatable you must wear grip socks (available on site for £3, or bring your own trampoline park grip socks). A waiver must be signed before going on the Beast. Marsh Farm has a purpose-built beach and splash pool, so bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and towels. Swim shoes and goggles may also be useful for the foam party. Ear defenders are recommended for the DJ, singing, and magic performance barns.
Marsh Farm is a card-only site so cash cannot be taken to purchase food and drink or in the Gift Shop. However SAA Clothing and The Washclub will accept card or cash payments.
Yes, you may bring a picnic but please do not eat inside the Playbarn as those tables are for customers purchasing food. There are benches and deck chairs on the Activities Field, which is the ideal spot for picnics.
No dogs or pets are allowed on site at Marsh Farm, including in vehicles in the car park. However, registered assistance dogs are welcome and should be wearing their identification vest.
Yes. All senior and full-time team members on the farm have had first aid training. We hope your visit is accident-free but we are fully prepared for any incidents.
Marsh Farm Animal Park, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5WP. Full directions and a site map will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event.
No problem - please email us at kerry@independenceproject.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10am–1pm & 1:45pm–5pm | The Beast Inflatable | Front of the Farm |
| 10am - 5pm | Jeep Track | Front of the Farm |
| 10am - 5pm | Rides | Activity Field / Middle of Farm |
| 10am - 5pm | Indoor Play | The Playbarn |
| 10am - 5pm | Role Play Village | Role Play Village |
| 10am - 5pm | Upside Down House | Middle of Farm |
| 10am - 5pm | Dinosaur Adventure | Dinosaur Adventure |
| 10am - 5pm | Sand Art and Colouring | Craft Cabin |
| 10am - 5pm | Glitter Face Art | Near Animal Shed |
| 10am - 5pm | Beach and Splash Park | Activity Field |
| 10am - 5pm | Build It Lego | Activity Field |
| 10am - 5pm | Trailnet Trikes and Sports Zone | Back Field |
| 10am - 5pm | Eazee Learning DJ, Music and Dance | Show Barn |
| 10am - 5pm | Zen Den (calm / quiet zone) | Near Animal Shed |
| 10:00am | Meet and Greet: Baby Shark | Middle of Farm |
| 11:00am | Storytelling: A Squash and A Squeeze | Pet Barn Theatre |
| 11:00am | Magic Show | Barn Theatre |
| 11:00am | Meet Bella Bunny | Middle of Farm |
| 11:00am | Feed the Pigs | The Pig Pen |
| 11:30am | Foam Party | Next to Carousel |
| 11:30am | Signed Stories with Makaton: Dear Zoo | Middle of Farm |
| 11:30am | Meet a Ferret | The Stables |
| 12:00pm | Storytelling: Room on the Broom | Pet Barn Theatre |
| 12:00pm | Meet the Baby Dinosaurs | Middle of Farm |
| 12:00pm | Meet a Goat | The Stables |
| 12:00pm | Music Show (Mon: Ace Company Choir / Tue: Mushroom Theatre) | Barn Theatre |
| 12:30pm | Guinea Pig Lunch Time | The Rodent Room |
| 1:00pm | Storytelling: The Gruffalo | Pet Barn Theatre |
| 1:00pm | Magic Show | Barn Theatre |
| 1:30pm | Foam Party | Next to Carousel |
| 1:30pm | Signed Stories with Makaton: Monkey Puzzle | Middle of Farm |
| 1:30pm | Feed the Alpacas | The Alpaca Field |
| 2:00pm | Storytelling: The Smeds and The Smoos | Pet Barn Theatre |
| 2:00pm | Meet a Goat | The Stables |
| 2:00pm | Meet Peter Pig | Middle of Farm |
| 2:30pm | Foam Party (No Music) | Next to Carousel |
| 2:30pm | Feed the Pigs | The Pig Pen |
| 3:00pm | Storytelling: Tabby McTatt | Pet Barn Theatre |
| 3:00pm | Magic Show | Barn Theatre |
| 3:00pm | Meet a Guinea Pig | The Rodent Room |
| 3:30pm | Signed Stories with Makaton: I Know A Monkey | Middle of Farm |
| 3:30pm | Meet the Baby Dinosaurs | Middle of Farm |
| 4:00pm | Foam Party | Next to Carousel |
Play Barn Restaurant - Kids Meals
- Bella's Bunny Sandwich Bundle - £6.95 (ham/cheese sandwich, fruit, yoghurt, crisps, juice)
- Half Jacket with Cheese and Beans - £6.95 (with side salad and drink)
- Mini Farmers Bundle - £8.95 (3 chicken goujons, 3 vegan goujons or cheeseburger, fries, veggie sticks, drink)
- Plain Kids Pasta with Mayonnaise - £3.95
- Plain Kids Pasta with Grated Cheese - £4.50
- Plain Kids Hot Dog and Chips - £6.50
- Plain Kids Burger and Chips - £6.95
- FREE Tea or Americano with every kids meal purchase
Play Barn Restaurant - Adult Mains
- Mighty Marsh Burger with Fries - £12.75
- Signature Burger with Fries - £12.75
- Halloumi Burger - £12.75
- Big Dog and Fries - £9.00
- Loaded Jacket Potato (cheese, beans, tuna or chilli) - £9.50
- Chicken Gyros - £10.25
- Halloumi Gyros - £10.25
Play Barn Restaurant - Sides and Desserts
- Fries - £3.75
- Cheesy Fries - £4.75
- 9 Halloumi Fries - £6.50
- 7 Onion Rings - £5.20
- Kids Loaded Fries (BBQ Chicken or Chilli) - £12.00
- Rossi Ice Cream, Impulse Ice Cream, Yoghurt
Fish 'n' Chip Hut (next to the Beach)
- Fries - £3.75
- Cheesy Fries - £4.75
- Cajun Chicken Fries - £9.50
- Pizza Fries - £9.50
- American BBQ Fries - £9.50
- Fajita Fries - £9.50
- Soft Scoop Ice Cream
Popcorn Shack (next to the Barn Theatre)
- Popcorn Small / Medium / Large - £4 / £6.50 / £8
- Hot Dog - £5.50
- Cookies - £3.25
- Cookie Cups - £3.25
- Doughnuts - £3.50
- Sweet Bags - £3.75
- Soft Scoop Ice Cream
Picnics Welcome
- You are welcome to bring your own food and drink
- Please use the benches and deck chairs on the Activities Field
- Do not eat inside the Playbarn (reserved for paying customers)
- The site is card-only at all Marsh Farm outlets
- SAA Clothing and The Washclub stalls accept card and cash
Allergen information is available on request at all catering outlets. The site is card-only — no cash accepted at Marsh Farm outlets.
This social story has been created to help prepare your child or young person for their visit to Marsh Farm. Reading through it together beforehand can help reduce anxiety and make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
We are going to SEND Fest at Marsh Farm
SEND Fest is a special day out just for families like ours. It takes place at Marsh Farm Animal Park in Essex. It is an exclusive event so only SEND Fest families will be there - everyone understands and everyone is welcome.
Getting there
We will travel to Marsh Farm by car. The address is Marsh Farm Animal Park, Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 5WP. There is a free car park when we arrive. If I use a blue badge, the disabled spaces are right near the entrance.
Arriving at the entrance
When we arrive, we will go to the entrance. Someone will scan a QR code on our ticket. There might be a small queue. It is okay to wait - we will be through soon. We can use the alternative entry next to the gift shop if we prefer.
What the farm looks like
Marsh Farm is a big outdoor space with paths, grass, barns, and animal areas. There will be colourful flags, stalls, and activity areas. It might be noisy in some areas. We can bring ear defenders if loud sounds are hard for me.
Things we can do
There are lots of activities to choose from. We do not have to do everything. We can choose what we enjoy. Some options include: The Beast inflatable, the beach and splash pool, face art, Lego, the Zen Den calm zone, animal feeds, storytelling, magic shows, and the foam party. We can also just walk around and look at the animals.
The Zen Den - calm space
If I feel overwhelmed or need a break, we can go to the Zen Den near the Animal Shed. This is a quiet, calm space where I can rest and feel safe. Nobody will rush us. We can stay as long as we need to.
Food and drink
There are restaurants and food stalls on site. We can buy food there, or bring our own picnic. If I have allergies, allergen information is available at all food outlets. The site is card-only. We can eat outside on the Activities Field if we prefer.
Toilets and changing facilities
There are accessible toilets on site. There is also a special vehicle called AccessoLoo which has a full changing bench, a hoist, and an accessible toilet. If I need to use this, we can find it on the day.
The day will end
SEND Fest finishes at 5pm. When it is time to go, we will walk back to the car park. It might feel sad to leave, but we can look at photos and talk about our favourite parts of the day. Going home is okay.
Venue Map
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