For thousands of children each year, CAFT Farm Altrincham is more than just a name — it is a sanctuary of joy, inclusion, and hope. Nestled in the tranquil Cheshire countryside near Altrincham, this remarkable charity has spent nearly four decades offering free holidays, fun days, activities, and support to children whose lives have been affected by physical disability, illness, social disadvantage, or emotional hardship.
With a mission rooted in compassion and a legacy of community support, CAFT Farm Altrincham has evolved into one of the UK’s most impactful charities. It dedicates itself to giving children the gift of adventure, confidence, and lasting memories. Each visit to the farm provides children with an opportunity to laugh, play, and feel safe in an environment designed entirely for their enjoyment.
What Is CAFT Farm Altrincham?
CAFT Farm Altrincham stands for The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, a registered charity (No. 1003675) based at Booth Bank Farm, a charming 17th‑century farmhouse set on a 10‑acre site on Reddy Lane, Millington, near Altrincham, Cheshire. The farm combines historic charm with modern accessibility, ensuring that every child can experience the joys of the countryside.
The charity opens its doors to children aged 17 and under who face significant challenges. These include complex physical or learning disabilities, sensory impairments, terminal illnesses, emotional and behavioural needs, or situations such as bereavement or being a young carer. CAFT Farm Altrincham’s programmes are completely free of charge for qualifying families, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to equality, access, and childhood enjoyment for all.
A Journey of Compassion: CAFT’s Humble Beginnings
The story of CAFT Farm Altrincham began not with grand funding or government support, but with one man’s empathy and determination. In 1985, Tim Grundy, a broadcaster, was moved by the plight of children who simply could not enjoy a holiday because of their circumstances. During a visit donating toys to a North West children’s centre, he asked whether toys were all the children needed. He was told that even the promise of a holiday was beyond reach for many families.
That moment sparked a mission. Tim began fundraising tirelessly, and four years later, in 1989, Booth Bank Farm was purchased with the goal of creating a haven for children who needed laughter, freedom, and community. After years of renovation, CAFT Farm Altrincham welcomed its first children in 1992, beginning a legacy that has continued to grow.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | CAFT Farm Altrincham (The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust) |
| Type | Charity / Nonprofit Organisation |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Tim Grundy |
| Location | Booth Bank Farm, Reddy Lane, Millington, Altrincham, Cheshire, UK |
| Mission | Providing free farm experiences, holidays, and activities for children with disabilities, illness, or disadvantage |
| Age Group Served | Children up to 17 years old |
| Cost | Free for eligible children and families |
| Notable People | Sir Bobby Charlton (Former President), Jason Manford (Current President), Ian Eccles (Chief Executive) |
| Website | www.caft.co.uk |
| Social Media | Official charity accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
The Evolution of a Magical Place
From those early days, CAFT Farm Altrincham has continuously expanded its facilities and programmes. By 1992, the first 200 children arrived at the farm, marking the start of a new chapter in inclusive holiday care.
In 2000, legendary footballer Sir Bobby Charlton CBE became CAFT’s President, lending influence and dedication that supported the charity for over two decades. A year later, a multi‑sensory suite and adventure playground were opened, offering spaces designed to be inclusive and stimulating for children of all abilities.
Further developments included the launch of a respite care facility in 2004, providing state-of-the-art equipment for children with complex needs. The founder, Tim Grundy, passed away in 2009, leaving a living legacy that continues to inspire. In 2021, CAFT Farm Altrincham introduced CAFTfest, an accessible summer festival bringing joy, music, and community to hundreds of families. By 2024–2025, the charity had achieved record numbers of children served, with new inclusive facilities such as sensory walkways being added.
What Children Experience at CAFT
Walking around CAFT Farm Altrincham feels like stepping into an inclusive world designed for fun and freedom. Every child, regardless of ability or circumstance, is encouraged to play, explore, and make memories. From the moment families arrive, they are greeted with warmth and a sense of belonging.
Visitors can meet and interact with friendly farm animals, including alpacas, donkeys, and pygmy goats — a magical experience for children who may never have been close to animals before. Accessible play areas include wheelchair-friendly equipment and sensory spaces, allowing all children to participate fully. Woodland adventure trails, den-building zones, fire-pit areas, and craft spaces give children freedom to explore and create.
The farm also hosts creative activities such as arts, music, and multi-sensory play. Seasonal programmes include Easter celebrations, CAFTfest, Halloween fun, and Christmas visits with Santa. Indoor facilities, like a sports hall and games rooms, ensure rainy days remain exciting, while residential stays offer families the chance to relax and bond in a supportive environment.
Free Visits That Change Lives
One of the most remarkable aspects of CAFT Farm Altrincham is that everything it offers is free for qualifying families. The costs associated with running the farm, including maintenance, staff wages, and animal care, are covered through fundraising, donations, and events. This ensures that no child is excluded due to financial hardship.
To sustain operations each year, CAFT Farm Altrincham needs to raise more than £1.1 million, made possible through the support of volunteers, corporate sponsors, and the wider community. Each pound raised goes directly into creating experiences that give children confidence, joy, and cherished memories.
The People Behind the Magic
Although CAFT Farm Altrincham is an organisation rather than a person, its story is shaped by remarkable individuals. Tim Grundy, the founder, believed every child deserved joy and adventure. His vision laid the foundation for decades of impactful work.
Sir Bobby Charlton CBE, legendary footballer, served as CAFT’s President for 23 years, helping to raise awareness and funds. In 2026, award-winning comedian Jason Manford became President, continuing the legacy with passion and dedication. Ian Eccles, Chief Executive, leads the charity’s strategy and day-to-day operations, ensuring that CAFT Farm Altrincham stays true to its mission of making childhood experiences accessible to all who need them.
Hundreds of volunteers, affectionately known as the “CAFT crew,” bring the farm to life every day, providing support, care, and friendship to every child who visits.
How CAFT Fits into the Community
CAFT Farm Altrincham’s impact extends far beyond its physical site. Schools across the North West refer children for visits, local volunteers donate thousands of hours each year, and community fundraisers help sustain the charity’s programmes.
The organisation also partners with foundations and other charities to reach children who might otherwise be overlooked. By fostering these partnerships, CAFT Farm Altrincham ensures that its programmes touch as many lives as possible, providing support and joy to children and families facing significant challenges.
Looking Forward: Vision and Growth
CAFT Farm Altrincham continues to build on its success with ambitious plans for the future. According to its five-year strategy, the charity aims to help 150,000 children by 2030, expanding facilities while maintaining the personalised care each family receives.
Enhancements include new sensory environments, upgraded play equipment, and expanded residential spaces. CAFT Farm Altrincham is committed to creating more moments where differences are celebrated and memories are made, making the farm an ever-evolving space of inclusion, joy, and growth.
Why CAFT Matters
At its core, CAFT Farm Altrincham is more than a charity farm. It is a place where children are free to be children. In a world where illness, disability, and hardship can isolate families, CAFT Farm Altrincham stands as a beacon of inclusion, support, and joyful possibility.
Every child deserves the chance to laugh, play, make friends, and feel the warmth of community. CAFT Farm Altrincham reminds us that the greatest gift we can give children is the opportunity to simply be, in a place where joy is unconditional and hope is always present.
Final Thought
CAFT Farm Altrincham is more than a charity — it is a place where childhood can truly flourish, no matter the challenges a child faces. Every corner of the farm, from the friendly animals to the adventure trails, is designed to spark joy, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
For families facing hardship, CAFT Farm Altrincham offers not just activities, but moments of connection, laughter, and hope. Its commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and free experiences reminds us all that every child deserves a chance to simply be a child. Supporting or visiting CAFT Farm Altrincham is more than giving — it’s becoming part of a community that celebrates every child’s right to happiness and adventure.
FAQs
Q: What is CAFT Farm Altrincham?
A: CAFT Farm Altrincham is a UK charity that provides free farm experiences, holidays, and activities for children with disabilities, illness, or challenging circumstances.
Q: Who can visit CAFT Farm Altrincham?
A: Children up to 17 years old who are terminally ill, disabled, disadvantaged, or facing severe challenges can enjoy the farm’s programmes with their families.
Q: Is there a cost to visit CAFT Farm Altrincham?
A: No, all visits, events, and residential stays at CAFT Farm Altrincham are completely free for eligible children and families.
Q: Where is CAFT Farm Altrincham located?
A: The farm is at Booth Bank Farm, Reddy Lane, Millington, near Altrincham, Cheshire, in northwest England.
Q: How can people support CAFT Farm Altrincham?
A: Supporters can donate, volunteer, or participate in fundraising events to help CAFT Farm Altrincham continue providing free experiences to children in need.
