The Nicholson family were in danger of losing their farm in 1989, so they decided to take a leaf out of Chatsworth’s book and opened up to visitors on Good Friday of that year.
The farm dates back to at least the 17th century and was part of he landed gentry’s Cannon Hall Estate until it was broken up and the family bought it in 1957.
The farm now hosts families and school visits to see the animals, which now include more exotic livestock such as llamas, and take part in activities and enjoy the adventure playground.
Plenty of celebrities have also visited in that time.
Here we show some of the fun over the past three decades in pictures.
1. Farming family
The Nicholson family team at the visitors' entrance to Cannon Hall Farm Photo: Courtesy of Cannon Hall Farm
2. Hard graft
There's still plenty of real farming to do Photo: Courtesy of Cannon Hall Farm
3. Our foal Molly
Newly-born miniature Shetland pony Molly with partner Dave Nicholson and his daughter Poppy, aged four, at Cannon Hall Farm in 2000 Photo: Steve Ellis
