Nestled in 120 acres of breathtaking Yorkshire countryside, Lineham Farm has been a sanctuary for local children since 1993, when it was converted into an outdoor children’s centre. Now home to Leeds Children’s Charity, this beautifully restored 17th-century farmhouse is the perfect setting for children to experience a break filled with fun, adventure and learning.
The farm is surrounded by fields, woods, lakes and wetlands where diverse wildlife thrives, taking advantage of our bird boxes, nesting boxes and habitat piles. Children can observe animals and birds from our viewing platform overlooking the wetlands. The farm itself is home to pygmy goats, sheep, chickens, and both miniature and standard Shetland ponies. These animals are an important addition to life at Lineham – we even use the eggs produced by our chickens. The young people we support love to be with them, feeding them, grooming them and taking care of them. Our animals are very well loved and looked after.
For many of our visitors, Lineham Farm offers their first chance to explore nature, care for animals and discover the wonders of the countryside. These experiences are not just fun – they help build confidence, nurture empathy and instil a sense of responsibility in children who lack these opportunities in their daily lives.
There’s just as much to do inside the farm as out. Children can play pool, table football and table tennis in our games room, where there’s also space for energetic group games. After a day of adventure, children can unwind in the cosy sitting room, complete with big, squidgy sofas and an open fire. Plus, there’s a library area filled with children’s books, perfect for sparking a love of reading. For those seeking more thrills, we have an impressive play barn, where children can tackle our 30-foot climbing wall or take on Jacob’s Ladder.
Every corner of Lineham Farm is designed to nurture, challenge and inspire. Whether conquering fears on the climbing wall, discovering the joy of books or learning teamwork through games, children leave with new skills, friendships and a renewed sense of self-worth.
We offer a vast range of activities, indoor and out, for the children to take part in. Some are educational, some relaxing, and all of them fun.
Activities include: Cycling, Archery, Climbing, Low-ropes, Orienteering, Bushcraft, Walking, Building campfires, Growing plants, Nature-watching, Learning about wildlife, Caring for farm animals, Emergency training, Learning the countryside code, Arts and crafts, Singing and dancing, Sensory activities, Team games.
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Take a look at our visitors enjoying the variety of activities on offer. Please note that not all the children pictured here are on respite breaks.
Bedtime is never boring at Lineham. We’ve got 12 bedrooms with bunk and single beds, each named after our favourite birds – Owl, Robin, Lark and Kestrel. Our standard residential package accommodates up to 32 children and a minimum of 4 staff, but we can accommodate a maximum of 46 children and 7 staff if requested in advance.
Find out more about how our residential breaks work and why they are so valuable in supporting disadvantaged children.
Are you a Leeds-based school looking for a residential venue that will support your curriculum and delight your pupils?
Lineham Farm can be booked for a limited number of corporate events and team building away days.
