WORCESTERSHIRE'S glorious countryside is home to many businesses and places for people to visit for a taste of rural life.

There are a number of farms open to the public offering a chance to get close to the animals and see how farmers produce their goods.

There is also lots for young people to mix having fun with learning about the natural world.

The county also has open spaces for visitors a chance to experience flora and fauna in the wild.

Here are some ideas for places to visit this autumn.

MEERKATS are among the critters living at Little Owl Farm Park in Dunhampton.

The farm offers a fun day out for the family along with an educational experience including plenty of unusual animals as well as familiar farm faces.

There is also a short ramble past paddocks where visitors will be able to say hello to Reindeer and Rhea.

If the weather is wet there are also lots of indoor areas for people to meet the animals plus a soft play area and cafe serving meals and snacks.

SIMPLY Alpacas is near Flyford Flavell offers visitors the chance to get up close these gentle creatures and learn more about them either at the centre or on an organised alpaca trek.

FUN in the natural world does not get much bigger than All Things Wild near Evesham.

The centre offers a year-round family attraction with something for everyone.

Attractions include a beach area, outdoor play areas, pedal go karts and a Jungle Mayhem soft play area.

Younger visitors can spend time in the Wild Fun Barn with a smaller soft play and pedal tractors.

Activities feature Meet the Farm Animals, pond dipping and bug hunting while the more adventurous can go back in time at the Dinosaur Barn.

CHURCHFIELDS Farm in Droitwich makes artisan ice cream where visitors can see how it gets from the cow to the cone.

Their award-winning herd produces top quality dairy products including non-homogenised creamy milk and a range of top-quality ice cream.

Visitors can take a tour of the farm, take on the challenge of a maize maze or enjoy farm produce or home-made sandwiches in the barn cafe which features a play area for younger children.

Churchfields is open seven days per week.