Chobham Adventure Farm, a children’s farm in Surrey, is expanding across the South East, following the acquisition of a neighbouring farm in the area, marking its second location in the region.
Chobham Adventure Farm is a family-friendly children’s farm that aims to educate through interaction with a variety of animals, ranging from cows and sheep to guinea pigs and ferrets.
The farm now has plans to replicate its success since acquiring Jake’s Play World, based in Sandhurst.
It has ambitious plans to develop the 17-acre site with the purchase of a 5-bedroom house on-site, which will be converted into a nursery next to the farm, set to open in September 2025.
This development will also create 10 new jobs in the area, as well as accommodating 60 nursery-age children.
The purchase has been supported by a £2 million term loan from Lloyds. The business has been working with Lloyds since its inception in 2016, after providing an initial loan to kickstart the business.
The site will stay open throughout the summer holidays, with seasonal activities for families and children, including animal encounters, outdoor adventure play and summer-themed crafts.
This summer, visitors will also be able to enjoy the on-site café, which will serve healthy dishes made with locally sourced produce. As a carbon-neutral business, sustainability is central to operations, with solar power, recycled packaging and rainwater harvesting all in use.
Chobham has ambitious plans to develop Jake’s Play World to align with the farm’s existing offering, which includes purchasing new outdoor play equipment, a new kitchen and reception area.
There are also plans to increase the age range from 0-6 years to cater to 12–15-year-olds, with the development of water activities on the lakes surrounding Jake’s.
Bean Chapman, CEO at Chobham Adventure Farm, said: “We’ve been working with Lloyds for the previous eight years, and they’ve been a fantastic support to us. Their support has meant we’re able to invest in a site that has great potential and can appeal to a new age range, in a great location.
“Children’s education and making quality family memories lie at the heart of our ethos, and we are looking forward to developing a memorable and exciting experience for families with this new acquisition.”
Chris Luffman, relationship manager at Lloyds, added: “Chobham Adventure Farm is a great example of a business that puts their customers first, with memorable experiences for families lying at the heart of their offering.
“We look forward to supporting the development of Jake’s Play World and helping them to explore sustainable, healthy and fun experiences for families, with all ages being catered to.”
