Yew Tree Farm-Coniston

April is prime lambing time in the hills , you are bound to see lambs out .They are turned out from lambing sheds after a day or two generally. Often snows first week of April in.the hills," lambing snows" doesn't tend to hang about too long in the valleys as the sun finally has some warmth in it

There is a mis-understanding here. The Cafe is on the edge of Coniston village, the farm itself is two miles out of Coniston up in the hills. It is a walk up there (a super walk) as you are on public transport and none gets closer than two miles away.
The farm was once owned by Beatrix Potter and was used as 'Hilltop' in the movie Miss Potter about her life story.

They couldn't have the cafe at the farm as it is a listed building, and is a tenanted farm owned by the National Trust- planning permission for the cafe at the farm was refused. But there is self catering accommodation there.

You will see sheep and lambs just everywhere while you are out and about on the low fells (mainly on the 'in-bye' fields) at that time of year and be able to very easily photograph them and enjoy it. A fantastic time of the year to be there. They are so gorgeously cute. I've been really lucky before several times and encountered natural birth in the fields or seen them minutes or hours later.

Having said that the mothers will be very protective of their young. If you try to get too close to the lambs (and the lambs may well be inquisitive and come up to you) be careful. If 'baa-ing' doesn't work to bring the children back to Mum, or you get between mother and lamb the mothers will be aggressive. In particular (and the opportunity may present itself) do not handle the lambs.
There is a lot of recognition by smell, and it is easy for human touch to interfere with that process leading to rejection.
If a sheep starts stamping it's legs at you then retreat.

I have misgivings about these tame sheep they have on the farm. I'm sorry but that is not right. They have trained them somehow to be visitor friendly which is totally against what sheep (and especially Herdwicks) should be.

I haven't done the 'experience' visit (I don't need to, I'm a local) but I think that would be a great way to learn about Herdwicks, whatever my misgivings over the tame sheep field. We so nearly lost the entire breed 24 years ago in the foot and mouth disease year, which has doubled the joy every year since. I imagine they will teach you about 'hefting' the sheep. Something to read up on, if interested about sheep farming.

You don’t need to pay for an “experience” to see sheep. Just go for a walk on a footpath. They are everywhere.

You don’t need to pay for an “experience” to see sheep.

I disagree. If Rick's tours stayed in Ambleside or Coniston (rather than Keswick) then the farm is exactly the kind of place I would expect him to visit. It's not just about seeing the sheep, it is learning about both sheep farming in general, and the uniqueness of the Herdwick breed in particular. Also seeing the historical farmhouse which dates a lot earlier than Beatrix. Learning about the local way of life.
And how the sheep actually keep the landscape the way it is.
Sheep farming is a pretty precarious business, and diversification like this is exactly what keeps them in business.

It's like saying you don't need to do London Walks or a guided tour of some castle or Cathedral. You don't, but it adds significant value to what you are seeing and experiencing.

This is all good information, thank you. I wasn't aware the cafe wasn't right at the farm, so good to know. I also wasn't aware of the Miss Potter movie, so I'm going to watch that ASAP! Feels like a missed opportunity that they didn't film it at Hill Top. Anyway, thanks for all the feedback.