Dr Beynon's Bug Farm

Dr Beynon's Bug Farm, Lower Harglodd Farm, St Davids, UK
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

If you are looking for the best things to do with kids in St Davids, Dr Beynon's Bug Farm is a brilliant choice. Located just one mile from the heart of St Davids in Pembrokeshire, this unique, all-weather research and visitor centre is dedicated to the world of invertebrates. 

Prices start from £8.95 for children and £10.95 for adults. Toddlers aged two and under enter for free, and concessions are available for seniors and students at £9.95. It is a fantastic destination for families wanting to experience a mix of science, sustainable farming, and outdoor play in a beautiful coastal setting.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines hands-on animal encounters with nature conservation, this working farm is a top option. It offers a wonderful, educational escape where children can learn about the essential role of bugs in our planet's food chain and ecosystem.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

  • Tropical Bug Zoo: An indoor exhibit featuring exotic invertebrates, allowing families to observe fascinating species in climate-controlled habitats.
  • Bug Museum & Art Gallery: Educational galleries showcasing the beauty of bugs through artistic interpretation and historical context.
  • Nature Discovery Room: A dedicated space for tactile, hands-on learning about local wildlife and habitat restoration.
  • Bug Farm Trail: An outdoor space that showcases Pembrokeshire farming through wildflower meadows, ponds, and wetlands.
  • Bug Barn: A rustic indoor run-around space perfect for children to let off steam regardless of the weather.

Top 5 Highlights

  • Up-Close Meet the Bugs Sessions: Children have the rare opportunity to handle creatures like giant hissing cockroaches under professional supervision. It is a brilliant way to transform a child's perception of "creepy-crawlies" into fascination.
  • The Tropical Bug Zoo: This climate-controlled zone houses exotic invertebrates from around the world. It provides a rare glimpse into the complex lives of species that many children would never encounter in the wild.
  • Walled Garden and Meadows: The farm’s 100-acre estate features award-winning wildflower meadows and ponds. It is a beautiful, peaceful space for families to walk and learn about the importance of nature recovery.
  • Grub Kitchen: As the UK's first edible insect restaurant, this spot offers a daring culinary experience. Even if you aren't keen on eating insects, there are plenty of insect-free, sustainable vegan and vegetarian options available.
  • The Nature Discovery Room: This room brings biology to life with interactive exhibits. It is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists by demonstrating the vital roles bugs play in modern technology and agriculture.

Facilities

  • Accessibility: The site is fully accessible for those with mobility aids, featuring wide pathways and appropriate facilities.
  • EV Charging: Electric vehicle charging points are available on-site for visitors.
  • Toilets: Standard and accessible toilet facilities are available within the farm buildings.
  • Buggy Parking: Designated areas are provided, and the majority of the site is pushchair-friendly.
  • Food Options: Grub Kitchen provides sustainable dining, serving lunch and snacks (drinks and cakes available all day).

Pro-Tips

  • Pre-Book Sessions: If visiting during school holidays, book your "Meet the Bugs" session online in advance as these fill up very quickly.
  • Check Opening Times: The site is closed on Mondays all year round. Always check the official website before traveling, as dates are subject to change based on group bookings.
  • Arrive Early: The last entrance is at 3:15 PM, but arriving in the morning gives you the best chance to enjoy all the indoor and outdoor exhibits at a relaxed pace.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is Dr Beynon's Bug Farm worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers enjoy the Bug Barn play area and the gentle outdoor trails, though the "Meet the Bugs" handling session is best suited for slightly older children who can sit quietly.
  • How long does a visit take? Most families find that 2 to 4 hours is the ideal amount of time to explore the zoo, museum, outdoor trails, and enjoy a meal at Grub Kitchen.
  • Where is the best place to park? There is convenient, dedicated free parking available on-site at the farm, making arrival and departure very simple for visitors traveling by car.

What to see

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • St Davids Peninsula: The farm is perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding coastal paths of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
  • St Davids Cathedral: A short drive away, this historic landmark is a must-see for those visiting the area.
  • Local Coves: Access to some of Wales' most beautiful rocky coves and sandy beaches is only minutes away by car.
  • Whitesands Bay: A popular blue-flag beach nearby that offers great surfing and expansive sands for family seaside activities.
  • Oriel y Parc Gallery: A visitor centre and gallery in St Davids that often hosts child-friendly creative workshops and exhibitions.
  • St Justinian’s Lifeboat Station: A scenic coastal spot where families can watch for passing boats and learn about local maritime history.

What Visitors Love:

  • The staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and great at engaging children with the "Meet the Bugs" sessions.
  • The mix of indoor and outdoor activities makes it a reliable day out even if the Pembrokeshire weather is unpredictable.
  • The Grub Kitchen is a unique talking point, and families appreciate the educational focus on sustainable food.
  • The site feels uncrowded and spacious, offering a relaxed environment for children to explore.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • The restaurant does not take bookings, which can occasionally lead to waiting for a table during peak times.
  • Since the farm is closed on Mondays, visitors planning weekend-only or Monday-start breaks need to carefully coordinate their travel.
  • The site relies heavily on outdoor areas, meaning that during persistent heavy rain, the walking trails can become very muddy and difficult for younger children to navigate.
  • Public transport options are quite sparse, which can make it challenging for visitors without a car to reach the farm from nearby towns.

Attractions & Exhibits

  • Tropical Bug Zoo: Large collection of live exotic invertebrates.
  • Bug Museum: Displays focused on the science and history of insects.
  • Art Gallery: Invertebrate-inspired creative works.
  • Nature Discovery Room: Educational space for biology-based learning.
  • Pembrokeshire Farming History Museum: Insights into local agricultural heritage.
  • Bug Farm Trail: Outdoor path through diverse habitats (meadows, woodland, ponds).
  • Walled Garden: Carefully managed horticultural space for nature.
  • Bug Barn: Indoor play area for children.

New for 2026

  • Nature Networks Connectivity Project: New habitat improvements across the St Davids peninsula designed to support biodiversity.
  • Soil and Water Conservation Initiative: Expanded educational displays explaining how the farm is reducing the impact of farming chemicals on local Pembrokeshire ecosystems.
  • Renewed Meadow Trails: Re-seeded wildflower zones with updated identification markers, allowing families to spot a wider variety of butterflies and pollinators.
  • Extended Bug Farm Trail: Recently extended walking loops that lead to new observation points overlooking the coastal marshes.
  • Enhanced Picnic Infrastructure: Newly installed weather-resistant seating areas along the outer farm trails for comfortable family rest stops.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adult: £10.95.
  • Child (3–16 years): £8.95.
  • Toddler (2 years and under): FREE.
  • Concession (Senior/Student): £9.95.
  • Season Ticket Holder or Carer: FREE.
  • Adult Annual Season Pass: £20.00.
  • Child Annual Season Pass: £15.00.
  • Concession Annual Season Pass: £18.50.
  • Family Annual Season Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children): £60.00.

Pricing URL: https://www.thebugfarm.co.uk/visit-us/opening-times-and-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Information: For private family celebration or group event enquiries, please email info@thebugfarm.co.uk.

  • February Half Term (14–22 February): Open Tuesday–Sunday.
  • 23 February–29 March: Open weekends.
  • Easter Holiday (30 March–12 April): Open Tuesday–Sunday.
  • 13 April–24 May: Open Thursday–Sunday.
  • May Half Term (25–31 May): Open Tuesday–Sunday.
  • 1 June–19 July: Open Thursday–Sunday.
  • Summer Holiday (20 July–30 August): Open Tuesday–Sunday.
  • September: Open Thursday–Sunday.
  • October: Open weekends.
  • October Half Term: Open Tuesday–Sunday.
  • November: Closed.
  • December: TBC.

Address: Dr Beynon's Bug Farm, Lower Harglodd Farm, St Davids, UK

Post Code: SA62 6BX

Council: Pembrokeshire

County: Dyfed

  • By Car: Located at Lower Harglodd Farm. Satnav post code is SA62 6BX. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.
  • Public Transport: Limited local bus services operate in the St Davids area. We recommend traveling by car or planning your route with local bus timetables in advance.

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