“We genuinely didn’t want to introduce this, but unfortunately it has become necessary to ensure we can continue providing a welcoming place for families to visit.”

Bosses at one of Preston’s most-loved farm attractions has announced changes after ‘free day out’ misinformation spread online.

Park Farm in Longmoor Lane, Nateby, near Garstang, has diversified with The Mookshake Shack; offering milkshakes, ice cream and coffee, as well as an animal trail for customers.

But the family behind the Shack has noticed an increase in visitors - including nursery businesses - arriving at the farm just to use the trail, without making a purchase.

Thanking their customers for support, the team announced this wasn’t sustainable for the business, and reluctantly, charges will now be brought in.

They said: “Firstly, we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who visits The Mookshake Shack, supports our family farm and helps us keep this a place for families to enjoy. We really do appreciate every single visit.

“Over the last few months we’ve seen a growing number of people visiting the farm purely to use the animal trail and outdoor areas without making a purchase. We’ve also had several large groups, including nurseries and organised outings, arriving to use the facilities without buying anything. We’ve also seen a number of social media posts referring to The Mookshake Shack as a “free day out”, which may understandably have caused some confusion.

“We’d just like to clarify that our animal trail has always been intended as something to enjoy alongside a visit to The Mookshake Shack. As a working family farm and small business, the income from our milkshakes, ice creams and other products is what allows us to care for our animals, maintain the trail and keep improving the facilities that everyone enjoys. Unfortunately, if people visit without supporting the business, it simply isn’t sustainable for us to continue offering these experiences.”

I visited Park Farm Mookshake Shack and it was amazing. | nw

placeholder image — I visited Park Farm Mookshake Shack and it was amazing. | nw

Changes

They added: “From now on, our animal trail and outdoor areas will remain free to enjoy with any purchase from The Mookshake Shack.If you choose not to make a purchase, there will be a minimum entry fee of £5, which covers between one and five people. For groups of more than five people, there will be an additional charge of £1 per person. If you’re visiting as part of a nursery, school or other organised group, the same pricing structure will apply. We’re happy to provide a receipt for either purchases made in The Mookshake Shack or for entry fees if required.

“We genuinely didn’t want to introduce this, but unfortunately it has become necessary to ensure we can continue providing a welcoming place for families to visit. We hope everyone understands and supports this decision. We love seeing you all enjoy the farm, and with your continued support we can keep improving what we offer for years to come.

“Thank you, as always, for supporting our family farm! The Mookshake team.”