The show was the best bit, when the animals came in one at a time.I’m going to tell friends about the really good sand pit and the really good playground I went on a big slide It was as high as a very old oak tree I liked the toys in the shop I bought a tape measure.Briony: I thought it was lovely My favourite things were the pigs, because they were little I clapped at the show The man got different animals in. When you see the hatching of the chicks, it’s like a little miracle at work.Alex: I would like to live here because it has got really good things that you can read about as well I want to come again There was a really good show on, with cows, goats and sheep We sang “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”. They even talk about rabbits getting married and having babies, which uses language that children understand.There is a lot of active involvement and good exposure to animals I liked the show because it was informative The animals seemed happy, well looked after and loved. There are a good four to five hours’ entertainment here, with something of interest for everyone – for example, the beach barn is a good idea because children love playing in sand.Everything is labelled, and the information is excellent, though some of the signage looks a bit tired Whoever wrote the signs has a good sense of humour. Each animal comes on stage and makes its way to its own spot on a specially built pyramid, as Tim tells the audience a bit about that particular breed.The visitorsClaire Milton, a teacher from Nottingham, went with her son Alex, six, and daughter Briony, four.Claire: It’s paradise for children. There’s the popular hatching centre, where you can watch a chick take its first glimpse of the outside world, the farrowing shed full of newborn piglets, the night-time walk where owls stare as you saunter past, and the house with its albino toad, display of busy ants and unusual reptiles.For children who fancy an alternative to animals, the beach barn offers a simple, covered area full of sand where youngsters can kick off their shoes and socks and have a good dig. Outside, a play area features an unusual slide, sit-on tractors for children, plank races, a water tower and a straw barn.At certain times of year the farm’s owner, Tim Clark, puts on a unique show using some of his sheep, goats and cows.

Alongside the traditional inhabitants – cows, sheep and pigs – are rheas, llamas, crayfish and deer. Children are encouraged to get to know the animals, and even have the chance to hold baby rabbits, guinea-pigs, chicks and ducklings. Watch out for parents who are keen to muscle in on this one.
Each barn holds a different treat. According to Hundertwasser, the uneven floors are “a melody for the feet, and bring back natural vibration to man”.

But what of the grass on the ceiling? Hippie or visionary: discuss over sour cherry strudel in the adjacent cafe, or while perusing the Cobra exhibition (until 3 May) which marks the 50th anniversary of the experimental European art movement.. Down at the farm and a day out at the beach are two great attractions for children, and at the White Post Modern Farm Centre you can have both – all the more surprisingly since the farm centre is in the middle of landlocked Nottinghamshire

The centre at Farnsfield is a working farm. The Gothic masterpiece is a focal point for all visitors, but if a full Sunday service seems a bit much, try a tour of the church’s catacombs, which include a mass grave and a bone house. Alternatively, a 343-step spiral staircase gives access to a great cityscape. There’s currently some restoration work in progress, but the church remains a must-see.Quick lunchA couple of minutes’ walk from St Stephen’s, bite-sized sandwiches are available from the deli counter of Trezniewski (1 Dorotheergasse), once the hang-out of Kafka. Despite the touristy notoriety, there’s still something of a bo-ho spirit within the cramped Art Deco interior as you’re served tiny Pliff measures of Pils from the bar.Icing on the cakeKunstHausWien museum, the invention of the maverick architect Hundertwasser, is seemingly inspired by the make-believe aesthetic codes of Alice in Wonderland or Hansel and Gretel. Despite Vienna’s sedate reputation things can get pretty lively, especially on Saturday nights.