Abbotsham Road, Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5AP
The Big Sheep near Bideford has been welcoming over 3.5 million you since it opened, and the reason for that loyalty is simple: it delivers a genuinely enjoyable day out for the whole family, reliably, regardless of the weather. North Devon’s most visited attraction has grown far beyond its farming origins while keeping the agricultural heart that gives it its character.
Sheep racing is still the signature experience, and it is still as funny and unpredictable as it ever was. The sheep take their racing seriously in the way that only animals with very short attention spans can, and the commentary makes every heat an event. Sheepdog trials run alongside the racing programme throughout the season.
Beyond the animals, The Big Sheep has developed into a proper theme park with a roller coaster, adventure play areas, and toddler rides all added in recent years. The indoor play barn is a genuine asset in poor weather, and the site overall is well-organised and easy to navigate with pushchairs. There is good café and restaurant provision, and the farm shop stocks excellent local produce.
The Big Sheep is about 16 miles from Woolacombe, taking around 25 minutes by car on the A361 towards Bideford. It operates almost year-round, with reduced winter hours, check the website before visiting in the off-season. A well-earned Gold Award from Visit Devon.
What makes The Big Sheep particularly good for a North Devon holiday is its all-weather resilience. The indoor areas are extensive enough to keep the day running smoothly regardless of what the Atlantic decides to throw at the coast, and the combination of working farm authenticity and modern family attractions gives it a character that purely manufactured theme parks cannot replicate. Book online in advance during peak season to avoid disappointment at the gate, as it is consistently one of the most visited attractions in the South West.
