Guinea Pig Fishing At Rare Breeds Centre
Guinea pig fishing does sound rather cruel?
In fact, its a very popular animal friendly activity at the Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm in Wiltshire.
Guinea Pig fishing Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
This animal interactive sport involves tying juicy fresh vegetables onto a mini-fishing rod as the 20 plus creatures tuck into the snacks dangling over them.
Pig racing is also up there as a visitor spectacle! Plus, the chance to interact with a whole host of animals both large and small.
Pig Racing. Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
Located just ten miles north of Salisbury near to the Hampshire Wiltshire border the family friendly farm opened to the public 30 years ago.
Open all year round the farm is also now also home to an English vineyard producing Bluestone English sparkling wine.
Wine Tasting. Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
During your visit you are likely to encounter Goats, Pigs, Donkeys, Ponies, Sheep, Rabbits, Peacocks, Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Geese.
Rare Scottish Ponies Currently At The Centre
More exotic animals like Alpacas native from South America are part of the menagerie.
Alpacas at the Rare Breeds Farm.
Currently the team are working on a special breeding programme with rare Eriskay ponies from Scotland.
Eriskay ponies are among the last surviving original native ponies from the Western Isles of Scotland.
Dan McSorley Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
However, they are classified as critically endangered by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST).
Their foals are often born black or bay and usually turn grey as they grow. For their size they are immensely strong and are able to carry a light adult with ease.
Guinea Pig Fishing Is Real!
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Livestock Manager Dan McSorley, said, “We have lots of animals that the visitors can get close to and stroke. Activities like Guinea Pig fishing are so popular with our guests. However, its working with the rare breeds animals that we are also known for. The Eriskay ponies are in serious decline there are only less that 300 left in the world.”
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
Raising additional funds for the various projects are important for the farm. These include going on an Alpaca walk or having an Alpaca as a ring bearer at your wedding!
The farm hosts a number of other experiences and functions like, barn dances, weddings plus all sorts of animal encounters and more recently vineyard tours and wine tasting have been added to the events list too.
Light lunch at the cafe.
With a well stocked farm food shop and restaurant on site. You can even just come in for some shopping or snack if you do not have time to tour the whole 40 acre farm.
Being just off the main east west A303 main road its perfect for popping in for a light meal or coffee break.
Popular at holiday times, half terms they also have hostel accommodation on site as well.
Or just 7 minutes away:
As a place to stay for exploring the wildlife attractions in the area, the Gray Manor Hotel is a great choice. Situated a short drive from Cholderton. Nearby is also the Hawk Conservancy.
Extensive grounds surround the red brick former manor house and its contemporary rooms cater for couples and families. It’s also a popular wedding venue.
Wildlife attractions Gray Manor Hotel location is perfect.
Dining in main dining room or the bar area plus, on the exterior patio. The menu has a good variety of food and the hot breakfast choice.
Helpful staff, friendly and quick. Comfortable rooms with plenty of parking.
