When looking for a relaxing getaway with the kids, sometimes it can pay to stay within the UK. With home-grown food, cosy quilts, animal feeding sessions, and everything in between, Britain’s beautiful farm-stays offer the perfect rural retreat for the whole family.
Here’s our pick of the ten best British farm holidays (and thanks to Featherdown Farms for supplying the fantastic featured image.)
Smallicombe, Devon
Sign up for a rare-breed pig-keeping course at family-run bed and breakfast Smallicombe, within easy reach of Devon’s Jurassic Coast.
A converted stone barn houses self-catering cottages, whilst snug farmhouse rooms come with decadent breakfasts that feature home-grown ingredients.
Hollings Hill Farm, Herefordshire
From Featherdown Farms (known for their luxury safari-style farm-stays across the UK) comes the first “Retreats with Treats” experience.
Upon arrival at your luxury tent – complete with hot tub and outdoor shower – you’ll be greeted by goats, ponies, cows, and chickens, as well as cake (homemade, natch).
Galloway House Estate, Scotland
Set over 600 acres of dramatic Scottish coastline and countryside, Galloway House Estate is home to an organic dairy and cattle farm with access to the beach.
Take in striking sea panoramas from the modernised holiday cottages, while the kids frolic around the games room and trampoline.
Church Farm, Suffolk
This working fruit farms churns out raspberries, pears, and even Christmas trees, depending on the season.
The 18th-century flint farmhouse is also the welcoming home of Paul and Ruth Williamson, who put together a scrumptious afternoon tea and delicious family breakfasts with fresh-from-the-coop eggs.
Red Doors Farm, Devon
Check in at Red Doors for five-star boutique accommodation in a 500-year-old farmhouse. Although it’s no longer a working farm, plentiful play areas, a heated indoor pool, and a giant chessboard will keep the entire family entertained.
Cronkshaw Fold Farm, Lancashire
The sustainable sheep farm at Cronkshaw Fold has been going since the 1300s, and now offers family accommodation in a renovated self-catering cottage; guests are invited to join the farm’s daily activities.
For a complete escape, there’s a no-frills “Shepherd’s Shack”.
Nannerth Fawr Farm, Powys
There are only two cottages and one rooftop apartment on this 200-acre organic conservation farm. Here you’ll find homemade breakfasts, Welsh mountain ewes, and Tor Wen sheep.
A hidden treehouse provides the perfect spot for badger watching.
The Old Barn, Cornwall
For a low-key, self-catering farm lodge within reach of the Cornish coast, try the homely Old Barn on Lower Tresithick Farm, where kids can jump on local pony rides and even help herd the sheep.
Nettlecombe Farm, Isle of Wight
Roaming donkeys, yoga retreats, and springtime lamb feeding are just a few of the highlights at Nettlecombe, where converted stable blocks and milk parlours house self-catering properties alongside a restored stone farmhouse.
Lovesome Hill Farm, Yorkshire
Stroll past Suffolk Cross lambs and collect free-range eggs at this traditional 165-acre working farm, which recently won the Deliciously Yorkshire “Best Yorkshire Breakfast” award. En-suite rooms are on offer in the late-19th-century farmhouse.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
