The Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm, near Coniston, offers the chance to meet and photograph the Lake District’s iconic Herdwick sheep on a traditional working hill farm. Learn about the flock, the people who care for it and the landscape these hardy sheep help shape, with friendly sheep encounters in an unforgettable Lakeland setting.
Interested in the traditions of Lakeland hill farming? James Rebanks’ The Shepherd’s Life explores the working fells and their sheep through the seasons. Read about it in our Lake District audiobooks guide.
What happens on the Herdwick Experience?
Your visit starts with an introduction to historic Yew Tree Farm and its connection with Beatrix Potter, followed by the story of Herdwick sheep, their distinctive markings and wool, and the role of hill farming in the Lake District. Guides take you out to meet the farm’s friendly ambassador flock, with opportunities for photographs and supervised close interaction. Depending on the season, you may also see lambs or rams.
Most experiences last two to three hours, giving visitors time to learn about the animals and appreciate the working landscape. This isn’t a petting zoo or a casual drop-in attraction; it is a guided farm experience focused on the region’s native sheep and the people who raise them.
Prices and bookings
General Herdwick Experience
Join a small scheduled group. The farm advises that ages 10 and above are generally most suitable, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Private Herdwick Experience
Exclusive session for one to eight people, including at least one adult. A good option for families with younger children, photographers or specific access needs.
Prices checked against the official Herdwick Experience page on 9 November 2026. The farm’s booking calendar determines actual available dates and times, and sessions may be rescheduled if minimum numbers are not reached. It normally offers general experiences on Wednesdays and Sundays at 10.30am or 2.30pm, but these should not be treated as guaranteed departures.
Check available general-session dates and book directly or explore private bookings. These are official booking links, not affiliate links.
Beatrix Potter and Yew Tree Farm
Yew Tree Farm is a distinctive late-17th-century Lakeland farmstead, known for its whitewashed farmhouse, stone buildings and historic spinning gallery. Its history is closely linked to Beatrix Potter, who helped protect the surrounding farmland and its traditional agricultural character. The farm is now owned by the National Trust and remains a working agricultural property.
Herdwicks are especially associated with Lakeland’s fell farms. Their ability to thrive on upland grazing, the changing colour of their fleece and their connection to the region’s landscape make them an unforgettable subject for both animal lovers and photographers.
Photographs of The Herdwick Experience
Practical visitor information
- Clothing: wear sturdy waterproof footwear and weather-appropriate layers. The visit is outdoors on a working farm, with wet grass, mud, hills and potentially slippery ground.
- Accessibility: the first part of the farm experience includes accessible hardstanding, parking and toilet facilities. The later hillside section is uneven and unsuitable for standard wheelchairs or people with limited mobility. Contact the farm to discuss a tailored private session.
- Dogs: visitors are asked not to bring dogs to the sheep experience.
- Food and drink: no refreshments are sold at the farm itself. Herdwicks Café and Bistro is in Coniston village, about two miles away, not at the farm.
- Transport: the nearest regular bus stop is approximately two miles away in Coniston. Arrange transport before booking if you are not driving.
Address and directions
Address: The Herdwick Experience, Yew Tree Farm, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8DP.
Telephone: 015394 41433
Herdwick Experience email: yewtreefarmherdwickexperience@gmail.com
Website: yewtree-farm.com
Yew Tree Farm lies beside the A593 between Coniston and Ambleside. Approaching from Ambleside, turn onto the A593 towards Coniston and look for the signed farm entrance on your right after approximately five miles. Customer parking is available for booked participants. The farm asks general walkers to park elsewhere rather than use its customer parking.
See the farm’s official driving directions and find Yew Tree Farm on Google Maps.
More distinctive Lake District animal experiences
If you enjoy close encounters with local animals, try Wastwater Alpaca Trekking in Wasdale or Alpacaly Ever After for guided alpaca walks and farm encounters. You can also discover more things to do in our Lake District Business Directory and explore Coniston.
Information and prices reviewed on 9 November 2026 against Yew Tree Farm’s current official booking and location pages. Availability, prices and activity arrangements are subject to change.