A great spot worth a little visit is HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) in Briercliffe, Burnley. It’s a lovely option for carers, families, and people with additional needs who enjoy animals, fresh air and a chance to get out and explore somewhere a little different.
Set in the beautiful Lancashire countryside, HAPPA is a rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming charity for horses, ponies and donkeys. A visit gives you the chance to see some of the animals they care for, enjoy the surroundings and support a genuinely worthwhile cause at the same time.
💡 What Is It?
HAPPA is based at Shores Hey Farm, just outside Burnley, where rescued horses, ponies and donkeys receive care and rehabilitation.
It’s open to visitors who want to meet the animals, learn about their stories and enjoy a countryside day out. There’s also a café, a gift and equestrian shop, and an outdoor play area, giving you a few different things to explore during your visit.
Whether you’re an animal lover, looking for a new place to visit with someone you support, or simply fancy a change of scenery, HAPPA is well worth considering.
👀 What You’ll Find
🐴 Rescued horses, ponies and donkeys to see and learn about
🌳 Countryside surroundings with opportunities to enjoy some fresh air
🚶 Pathways around visitor areas, including improved tarmac paths near the main car park and stables
☕ The HAPPA Café, where you can stop for a drink, a bite to eat or a slice of cake
🛍️ HAPPA Direct, an onsite shop selling equestrian items, gifts and other treats
🛝 An outdoor children’s play area
💚 The opportunity to support a charity doing important work to improve the lives of horses and ponies
🎁 Why It’s Worth Shouting About
HAPPA offers something a little different from the usual trip to the shops or a walk around the park. Seeing animals can be an enjoyable shared experience, and learning about their individual stories can give you plenty to talk about together.
For some autistic people, people with learning disabilities, or those who benefit from meaningful activities and time outdoors, an animal-focused visit may be a welcome change to the usual routine.
Of course, everyone is different. Farms can involve unexpected sounds, animal smells, changing weather and busy areas, so it’s worth thinking about the needs and preferences of the person you’re supporting before you go.
Another lovely bonus? Your visit helps support HAPPA’s work rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses, ponies and donkeys in need. So you’re not just enjoying a day out — you’re helping a good cause, too!
✅ Accessibility at a Glance
HAPPA has made improvements to help visitors with different access needs enjoy their visit. Its published accessibility information includes:
♿ Step-free access throughout visitor areas
🚗 Free onsite parking, with designated accessible parking spaces near the café
🚶 Wide pathways suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs in visitor areas
🚻 Accessible toilets
🪑 Seating areas around the site
☕ Lift access at the HAPPA Café
📞 A friendly team you can contact before visiting to discuss specific access requirements
A little heads-up: HAPPA is a working farm, so some outdoor surfaces have a rural feel and may be uneven. The approach lane also has a gradient. If you’re visiting with a wheelchair user, someone with limited mobility, or a person who may need additional support, it’s best to contact the team beforehand to discuss the route and facilities that will suit you.
It’s also worth remembering that HAPPA isn’t guaranteed to be a quiet or sensory-friendly environment at all times. If noise, unfamiliar smells or busy surroundings are a concern, planning ahead can make the experience more comfortable.
🔎 Want to Know More?
You can find visitor information, accessibility details, booking information and opening times on the official HAPPA website here.
HAPPA currently lists its farm visiting hours as 11am–4pm, with last admission at 3pm, and closure on bank holidays. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays. Please check the official website before travelling, as opening arrangements can change.
Entry fees apply, so check the current prices when booking.
💬 Know Somewhere Great?
Have you visited HAPPA, or do you know another lovely, accessible place that deserves a mention?
Please tell us about it through our Contribute page! Your suggestions help the Deliver Joy Project discover more activities, places and experiences for people with additional needs, their families and the people who support them.