Sheepdog Experience in Surrey
A Half-Day, Hands-On Sheepdog Handling Adventure
Step into the world of real sheepdog handling with our exclusive Sheepdog Experience in Surrey.
Designed for anyone who has ever wondered what it feels like to work with a trained sheepdog – this immersive half-day session puts you right at the heart of the action.
The session is really aimed at a couple or small family group, who are dog lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
This is your chance to learn the basics of sheep work with Mark Banham, ISDS Judge, Shepherd and International Champion.
What the Sheepdog Experience Involves
Learn to Work Sheep With a Trained Sheepdog
You’ll spend the session on our Surrey farm, where you’ll:
- Meet our fully trained working sheepdogs
- Learn the fundamentals of sheep movement and behaviour
- Understand how handlers communicate through commands, posture, and positioning
- Take the reins and work the sheep yourself under expert guidance
- Enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment perfect for all ability levels
This is a genuine working farm experience – authentic, exciting, and suitable for complete beginners.
A Unique Gift Experience in Surrey
This sheepdog experience makes a unique gift for anyone interested in countryside life, working animals or farming. Gift vouchers are suitable for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions throughout the year.
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- Father’s Day / Mother’s Day
- Special occasions
- Couples or families looking for something completely different
We can also provide a GIFT VOUCHER to be given as a present for those of you giving to friends and family.
The Experience can be redeemed within one year of purchase, giving plenty of flexibility for the recipient.
Who is the Experience for?
This experience is ideal for
- Fans of the famous tv series – “One Man and his Dog”
- Dog lovers
- Border Collie fans
- Anyone curious about working dogs
- People looking for a countryside escape
- Gift-seekers wanting something unique
- Individuals or small groups
No prior farming or dog-training knowledge is required. Just a love for the outdoors – we’ll provide the rest!
A Glimpse into the past
For many people, watching a sheepdog at work brings back memories of traditional farming life – the timeless partnership between dog and handler, working quietly together on the land.
One Man and His Dog
For those who grew up watching One Man and His Dog, the sight will feel instantly familiar. This experience offers a rare chance to step back in time and see that same skill, instinct and teamwork first-hand, just as it has been practised on farms for generations.
First aired in 1976, the television series introduced this age-old rural tradition to a wider audience and remained much loved for 37 years. Here, you can reconnect with that heritage and share the experience with your children and family – not on a screen, but on a real working farm.
Enjoy a Sheepdog Half Day Experience
Get a feel for working sheep with a dog on the farm with Mark Banham, in Surrey.
Book Your Sheepdog Experience
Prices for Sheepdog Experience
Mark is a professional sheepdog trainer and international trials competitor, so this really is a top class experience, with some exceptional dogs, not just a Red Letter Day jolly on a farm.
- £150 – 1 PERSON, if willing to share a session with others
- £250 – 2 PEOPLE in a private group
- £50 – per additional person in a private group
Group sizes are kept deliberately small to ensure a hands-on, personal, and engaging experience.
How to book
Use the buttons to WhatsApp or Email me at the farm. I will get back to you within 24 hours as I am probably out working the sheep, cows or developing the Rewilding of our meadows on the farm.
Address: Shabden Park Farm, High Road, Chipstead, Surrey, CR5 3SF
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sheepdog Experience in Surrey?
The Sheepdog Experience is a half‑day, hands‑on sheepdog handling adventure on the Banham Sheepdogs working farm. It’s designed to let you meet trained working dogs and learn the basics of sheep control under expert guidance.
What will I do on the Sheepdog Experience?
During the session you will:
Meet fully trained working sheepdogs
Learn how sheep move and behave
Understand handler communication through body position and commands
Work the sheep yourself with expert support
Enjoy the experience in a relaxed, friendly environment
Do I need any prior experience?
No. The experience is suitable for complete beginners — no prior farming or dog training knowledge is required.
Who is the Sheepdog Experience ideal for?
The experience is ideal for:
Dog lovers
Border Collie fans
People curious about working dogs
Those wanting a countryside escape
Gift‑seekers looking for something unique
Individuals or small groups
Is it suitable as a gift?
Yes — it is promoted as a unique gift experience suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, and other special occasions.
How much does it cost?
Pricing is shown on the page as:
£250 for two people
£50 for each additional person
Group sizes are kept small to ensure a personal experience.
Where does the experience take place?
The experience is hosted at Banham Sheepdogs’ working farm in Surrey at Shabden Park Farm, giving you an authentic rural setting to work with dogs and sheep.