About Roves Farm
Roves Farm is a family owned, working farm open to the public all year round.
Roves Farm covers 166 hectares (nearly 400 acres) just 3 miles east of Swindon, on the Wiltshire and Oxfordshire border.
We opened our Visitor Centre in 1992 to welcome people of all ages to come and experience and learn about animals, farming and the countryside.
Roves Farm has remained a working farm whilst developing a thriving Visitor Centre, Café, Farm Shop and Butchery.
Over the past several years it has undergone some significant changes and is now predominantly a livestock farm; our commercial sheep flocks, pigs and cow herds have grown as we look to supply our farm shop with high quality meat produce all year round.
We currently run a commercial flock of 300 Poll Dorset and Suffolk cross breeding ewes, 20 Gloucester Old Spot breeding sows, producing over 350+ piglets a year, and a herd of 40 breeding Sussex cows.
On the farm
Sheep
Our sheep graze the fields at Roves Farm, as well as under solar panels and on neighbouring farmland. Breeds of ram used to tup the ewes are chosen carefully to ensure the best quality meat product. Lambing takes place in January and April each year. The smaller Poll Dorset flock lamb in January, and the main Suffolk cross breeding ewes lamb in April. Lambing in January, early in the season, means that we have a year-round supply of lamb for the Farm Shop.
Sussex cattle
Our Sussex herd calve in Autumn and Spring. Being a traditional breed, they thrive on grassland and require very little extra feed. The Sussex herd come into the barns for winter and are fed on home grown silage and extra feed during this time.
Gloucester Old Spot Pigs
Our Gloucester Old Spot pigs are a traditional rare breed pig chosen for the finest quality cuts of pork. We currently have 20 breeding sows and two boars, producing 350-400 piglets each year. Born on the farm and reared mostly outdoors, they are happy, slow grown pigs raised in a stress-free environment.
Pet Animals
As well as our commercial livestock, we have many friendly farm and domestic animals who enjoy lots of attention from our visitors. You will find sows & their piglets along with goats housed in the animal barns and paddocks around the centre. You can get up close with them in a variety of animal handling and feeding activities.
Our smaller domestic animals include rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots, Degus, ferrets, tortoise, corn snake and lots more.
Wildlife
Flower rich meadows and grass field margins, hedgerows, woodlands, wild bird covers and watercourses are a haven for a diverse array of wildlife living and feeding on the farm. You might be lucky enough to see deer, foxes, squirrels, pheasants, birds of prey and many more on our tractor rides around the farm.
Activities for kids
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What people say
Had our son's birthday party here, lovely soft play and farm, get well involved with the animals, even tho raining was still mostly covered, Sam was lovely for sorting the partySatisfied Parent
We visit every week to meet friends. My daughter really enjoys the interactive play sessions and with our membership it offers excellent value, I wouldn’t be without it!Mel, Mum to Isla (age 2)
Our Birthday Party at Roves for our 5-year-old was amazing from start to finish. Sam was great and super friendly and helped the party run smoothly. Having the food included for the kids and being able to pre-order adult food was great – we then only had to bring the cake. The animals and activities were a hit too. Thank you Roves Farm.Happy Parent
"What a lovely day we had at Roves Farm in Sevenhampton, Swindon! We had so much fun and there were plenty of activities for the little ones to keep entertained."
@catiapaice