by Marsh Farm, owned by James Sinclair, who also owns Rossi’s Ice Cream in Southend and Westcliff, has opened a purpose-built beach and paddling pool – just in time as temperatures in the county rose above 30 degrees.
While tourists flock to crowded beaches and seaside resorts, the inland attraction is hoping to rival them with its own sun-worship hotspot at the farm park in South Woodham Ferrers.
Lucy Staab, managing director of Marsh Farm, said: “It’s the perfect place for the little ones to splash around in the sun.
“We worked really hard to make our ‘secret beach’ look just perfect.
“We want families to see it as just one of many highlights during a packed trip to our farm.
“That’s why we are so proud to be able to offer our visitors something so ideal to escape the heat and enjoy the sun with the family.
“We have beach chairs, ice cream, pool toys and everything you could need for a fantastic day on our man-made beach.”
The artificial beach at Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park also offers parents a place to relax and sunbathe, Lucy said.
Mr Sinclair recently spoke of the boost in business he has seen as a result of rising temperatures, which helped Southend’s famous ice cream parlours thrive as temperatures hit zero on Monday.
The beach at Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park is open daily from 11am to 4pm during the summer holidays and is included in the park entrance fee.
Marsh Farm is currently hosting its annual children’s festival, Bubble N’ Bop.
Until September 1st, children can enjoy foam parties, bouncy castles, rides and much more “super-bubbly fun” for an all-inclusive ticket price.
In addition to the beach, Marsh Farm opened its £1.2 million dinosaur adventure park in May.
Children and adults can view lifelike dinosaur sculptures up close and participate in interactive activities, fossil digging and bouldering.
