Dyfed Shire Horse Farm
Dyfed Shire Horse Farm
4.5
About
Wales’ only dedicated Shire Horse Farm visitor attraction based between the Preseli Hills and the Coast of North Pembrokeshire and Newport Bay. We are proud that our family has farmed the land here for 8 generations since 1849. Our family first opened the farm to the public in 1992, to help us to preserve the Dyfed Shire bloodline in memory of our grandfather John Rees Lewis who started the bloodline. The birthplace of Celt aka Major Mercury Drum Horse of the Queen's Household Cavalry.
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4.5
358 reviews
Excellent
282
Very good
44
Average
12
Poor
9
Terrible
11
vintageperson
Horsham, UK98 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We stayed in the cottage which was run down, the washing machine leaked water all over the floor when it was on.. so dangerous, the beds were like sleeping on wood, no wardrobes in the bedroom, the light in the bathroom kept cutting out
We paid a lot of money for this place and was not worth it
There was no wi fi, which we were told was going to be put right and was not
There were gaps around the windows and the camp site was so close to the cottage, we were not happy with this
The whole place was run down including the play area
A total rip off, in fact we cut our family holiday short by going home on the Wed instead of the friday
We paid a lot of money for this place and was not worth it
There was no wi fi, which we were told was going to be put right and was not
There were gaps around the windows and the camp site was so close to the cottage, we were not happy with this
The whole place was run down including the play area
A total rip off, in fact we cut our family holiday short by going home on the Wed instead of the friday
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Han
4 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed our visit, the staff were friendly and very willing to tell us about the horses. The children loved the carriage ride and bottle feeding the foal. A great opportunity to see such lovely well cared for horses close up. It’s a working farm so you can’t expect it to be pristine.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth M
London, UK152 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
I dislike writing reviews like this, but I feel strongly that action needs to be taken at this place.
Despite all the PR about this being the source of UK and international Royal families horses, I find this very difficult to believe. As we approached the outside of the 'farm' it looked rather run down and tatty, however the lady on reception was jolly, enthusiastic and seemed genuinely happy to see us. I was surprised at the entry cost, being £25 for 3 adults and a dog, but then seeing the high prices of the items in the gift shop, I thought that maybe this was a very high quality place. The lady gave us a map, showing all the activities and the timetable for the day.
Her enthusiasm was infectious but, for us, very short lived.
We found the whole place to be very run down and in desperate need of repairs and cleaning. None of the items on the list of timed activities during the day took place. There seemed to be a large amount of activities planning (benches set out for delivering talks, skittles/bowling, deflated play area etc etc) but none could be used. We only saw one member of staff actually in the farm throughout the whole day and he was obviously busy with animal work.
And now for the main problem with this place.... the animals. We saw two stabled mares with their foals, and one other mare without a foal. We also saw 2 horses in the field by the car park and two stallions in a hanger.
All three mares looked very depressed, not interested in their surroundings at all. One of the mares with foal had awful crusted over sores around her nostrils which didn't look like they had been treated at all. One of the stallions also had sores around his nose and nostrils with fresh blood in evidence, he was also standing on only three legs, holding his hind leg off the floor. He was very unhappy and loudly neighing and pounding the floor.
There was also a cat - not a wild, farm cat, but a domesticated, very friendly loving cat who was desperate for attention and purring loudly. This poor creature had terrible matts all over it's head and back and flanks, this matted fir went right down to the skin, so would be very painful and only able to be removed by a vet.
There was also a very unfortunate incident with a farm dog, who (we were told later) was only 6 months old and hadn't started his sheepdog training yet. He ran wild throughout the farm, when (we were told) he was supposed to be locked away from visitors. He terrorised our older dog to the point where we intended to leave, but the lady on reception then got the cafe lady to go and catch him and put him away. She was not best pleased at having to do this. as displayed by her grumpy looks in our direction.
If all the animals we encountered at this place were healthy, happy and well cared for, we could have overlooked the rough state of the place, but sadly this was not the case.
We were all very demoralised and saddened as we left. Considering the place was quite busy, I wonder where the considerable entrance money taken on the day was actually being spent.
Despite all the PR about this being the source of UK and international Royal families horses, I find this very difficult to believe. As we approached the outside of the 'farm' it looked rather run down and tatty, however the lady on reception was jolly, enthusiastic and seemed genuinely happy to see us. I was surprised at the entry cost, being £25 for 3 adults and a dog, but then seeing the high prices of the items in the gift shop, I thought that maybe this was a very high quality place. The lady gave us a map, showing all the activities and the timetable for the day.
Her enthusiasm was infectious but, for us, very short lived.
We found the whole place to be very run down and in desperate need of repairs and cleaning. None of the items on the list of timed activities during the day took place. There seemed to be a large amount of activities planning (benches set out for delivering talks, skittles/bowling, deflated play area etc etc) but none could be used. We only saw one member of staff actually in the farm throughout the whole day and he was obviously busy with animal work.
And now for the main problem with this place.... the animals. We saw two stabled mares with their foals, and one other mare without a foal. We also saw 2 horses in the field by the car park and two stallions in a hanger.
All three mares looked very depressed, not interested in their surroundings at all. One of the mares with foal had awful crusted over sores around her nostrils which didn't look like they had been treated at all. One of the stallions also had sores around his nose and nostrils with fresh blood in evidence, he was also standing on only three legs, holding his hind leg off the floor. He was very unhappy and loudly neighing and pounding the floor.
There was also a cat - not a wild, farm cat, but a domesticated, very friendly loving cat who was desperate for attention and purring loudly. This poor creature had terrible matts all over it's head and back and flanks, this matted fir went right down to the skin, so would be very painful and only able to be removed by a vet.
There was also a very unfortunate incident with a farm dog, who (we were told later) was only 6 months old and hadn't started his sheepdog training yet. He ran wild throughout the farm, when (we were told) he was supposed to be locked away from visitors. He terrorised our older dog to the point where we intended to leave, but the lady on reception then got the cafe lady to go and catch him and put him away. She was not best pleased at having to do this. as displayed by her grumpy looks in our direction.
If all the animals we encountered at this place were healthy, happy and well cared for, we could have overlooked the rough state of the place, but sadly this was not the case.
We were all very demoralised and saddened as we left. Considering the place was quite busy, I wonder where the considerable entrance money taken on the day was actually being spent.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pandaroo
Lancashire, UK313 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Such lovely horses. Brilliant to be able to stroke them. The foal in particular was beautiful. All well looked after and being a working farm, the whole place felt real, not manufactured
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria S
England, UK11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I really hate writing reviews such as this one, however I was very disappointed with our visit and I have made contact privately to try and discuss this however I found the response via email rude and then I was told it would be looked into and I haven’t heard anything back even though I have tried to contact them again…
Myself , my partner & my two year old visited at the start of august , we travel an hour to visit after looking around to see what we could do whilst on holiday. On arrival the staff at the next were friendly , polite and gave us a time table for the day.
We visited the outside play area , visited the animals and then headed back to see the horse brushing however we waited and waited and this never happened so we went back to the outside play area. Then we headed back again to ride the quad/ train not sure what it is called we waited there again but for some reason this never happened either. We then went for a walk and got an ice cream and later headed back for the tractor ride , we were waiting along with other visitors we waited 20 minutes and then a lady approached us saying the driver was out but would be back soon so we continued waiting another 20 mins past and the lady approached again saying 10 mins so we waited.
Then a man appeared I’m guessing this was the tractor driver, the lady and this man was having a discussion and then we were told the tractor ride wasn’t taking place now. An argument happened between the lady and the man whilst we were there which was very unprofessional and rude. The lady was saying what’s the point in it being on the time table if you aren’t going todo it ….
We went inside as our little boy was getting unsettled so we thought we would go into the soft play before we leave atleast he can do that, however the inflatables had been deflated , the soft play cleared to one side so we thought this must be closed too so we left.
Nothing on the time table happened and the soft play looked closed , it was a waste of journey really and money.
When I emailed to explain the above I was told I should have asked for the soft play to be blown up again …. No one is ever told the soft play is closed which is not what I had said… as first time visitors we were unaware they deflate everything due to energy costs & we have to ask for them to be blown up???
In regards to the argument between staff I was asked - If you could also provide a description of the two members of staff you allege were "arguing" that will further assist me.
Thanks,
Which I did but have had no response and in my opinion the above is rude and suggests I am lieing ….
Very disappointing visit
Myself , my partner & my two year old visited at the start of august , we travel an hour to visit after looking around to see what we could do whilst on holiday. On arrival the staff at the next were friendly , polite and gave us a time table for the day.
We visited the outside play area , visited the animals and then headed back to see the horse brushing however we waited and waited and this never happened so we went back to the outside play area. Then we headed back again to ride the quad/ train not sure what it is called we waited there again but for some reason this never happened either. We then went for a walk and got an ice cream and later headed back for the tractor ride , we were waiting along with other visitors we waited 20 minutes and then a lady approached us saying the driver was out but would be back soon so we continued waiting another 20 mins past and the lady approached again saying 10 mins so we waited.
Then a man appeared I’m guessing this was the tractor driver, the lady and this man was having a discussion and then we were told the tractor ride wasn’t taking place now. An argument happened between the lady and the man whilst we were there which was very unprofessional and rude. The lady was saying what’s the point in it being on the time table if you aren’t going todo it ….
We went inside as our little boy was getting unsettled so we thought we would go into the soft play before we leave atleast he can do that, however the inflatables had been deflated , the soft play cleared to one side so we thought this must be closed too so we left.
Nothing on the time table happened and the soft play looked closed , it was a waste of journey really and money.
When I emailed to explain the above I was told I should have asked for the soft play to be blown up again …. No one is ever told the soft play is closed which is not what I had said… as first time visitors we were unaware they deflate everything due to energy costs & we have to ask for them to be blown up???
In regards to the argument between staff I was asked - If you could also provide a description of the two members of staff you allege were "arguing" that will further assist me.
Thanks,
Which I did but have had no response and in my opinion the above is rude and suggests I am lieing ….
Very disappointing visit
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenniambyth
Wokingham, UK120 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is the second time that we have visited and we love it. The pride the owners have in the place is clear for all to see and the horses are wonderful. We had a lovely family visit and we will definitely be back.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Rice
11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We visited here many years ago. We visited again. It did not disappoint. Once again the staff are truly amazing, warm, knowledgeable people. They are so inviting. Nothing is too much trouble. They are happy to answer any questions. Their shire horses are so impressive. Obviously well looked after and proud of them.
They also have a good few things to do. These include: sand pit, go karts, trampolines, crazy golf, skittles and more. Their gift shop is crammed full of lovely items. You can find something for anyone.
We stopped for lunch and the food was absolutely delicious. We all chose the all day breakfast special. It was heaven. Five grinning faces as we polished them all off. We followed up with what I suspect were homemade cakes for dessert. They were incredible as well.
This venue is a must see. The staff are a real draw to it. Nice, friendly, knowledgeable people are such a draw.
They also have a good few things to do. These include: sand pit, go karts, trampolines, crazy golf, skittles and more. Their gift shop is crammed full of lovely items. You can find something for anyone.
We stopped for lunch and the food was absolutely delicious. We all chose the all day breakfast special. It was heaven. Five grinning faces as we polished them all off. We followed up with what I suspect were homemade cakes for dessert. They were incredible as well.
This venue is a must see. The staff are a real draw to it. Nice, friendly, knowledgeable people are such a draw.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tpouvtn
Ponterwyd, UK169 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Disappointing.
We visited this farm having driven some miles to get here. Agree with other reviewers that it is very tired.
Yes, the horses were lovely, it was interesting to see all the awards.
However, the staff member seemed disinterested when hosting the 'donkey grooming ' and answering questions about the horses.
Despite the map both as a handout and on the wall saying there were birds of prey- there weren't.
The children's climbing equipment looked dilapidated and tired. We left after an hour or so.
We visited this farm having driven some miles to get here. Agree with other reviewers that it is very tired.
Yes, the horses were lovely, it was interesting to see all the awards.
However, the staff member seemed disinterested when hosting the 'donkey grooming ' and answering questions about the horses.
Despite the map both as a handout and on the wall saying there were birds of prey- there weren't.
The children's climbing equipment looked dilapidated and tired. We left after an hour or so.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saram3930
Adlington, UK27 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Great family business to visit. Despite the rain we had a fab day. The horses are beautiful and the owner had fab story’s to tell us about the success of the horses they breed and work
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul
Llandudno, UK6 contributions
Jul 2022
Made my Special Needs Daughter,Lay on Farm floor Overnight,Without a blanket,Shivering,treated Not as a Vulnerable human,but as a farm animal.!!!
Written 12 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs on a lead allowed
They are indeed at a small entry fee of £2 per dog.
Lolly221
14 contributions
Are wellies recommend if it has been raining before going?
MartletwyOnTour
Wales, UK56 contributions
Hello there!
Yes we would recommend wellies just in case if it has been wet.
You can bring spare footwear with you and pop out to the car park to change them if necessary!
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Claim your listingDYFED SHIRE HORSE FARM: Tickets, Tours & Things to Know (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Dyfed Shire Horse Farm
- Dyfed Shire Horse Farm is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:45 - 16:30
- Wed - Thu 10:45 - 16:30
- Hotels near Dyfed Shire Horse Farm:
- (1.03 mi) Ael y Bryn
- (3.58 mi) Croft Farm & Celtic Cottages
- (4.32 mi) Trenewydd Farm Holiday Cottages - Cardigan, West Wales
- (4.77 mi) Cnapan Guest House
- (5.47 mi) Top of the Woods Camping & Glamping
- Restaurants near Dyfed Shire Horse Farm:
- (0.52 mi) Frosted Bee Restaurant
- (5.84 mi) Crowes
- (4.81 mi) The Canteen
- (4.85 mi) Castle Inn Bar & Restaurant
- (4.81 mi) Blas at Fronlas