Farm stays
Experience a quintessentially English holiday
M
any farms are now diversifying in order to provide quality accommodation within a true countryside setting. Perhaps you yearn for a rustic farm house and freshly-cooked breakfast, or dream of staying in a top-of-the-range barn conversion?
For an excellent choice of accommodation, from B&B to self-catering and camping, go to Farm Stay UK. You will only find the Farm Stay sign outside working farms, small holdings, rural enterprises and true country properties, where the Farm Stay host is directly involved in the countryside, knows the local area intimately, helping to make your stay truly memorable.
All accommodation featured by Farm Stay UK is officially graded.
Alkham Court, Kent
(5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation, Breakfast Award) Farm Stay UK Member
Sit next to a wood-burning fire and watch the sun set over the countryside from the beautiful Oak Room, perhaps whilst enjoying homemade soup and warm crusty bread. As well as enjoying stunning views over the Kent Downs, you’ll be perfectly placed to explore Kent’s countryside, coast and cities – the historic Canterbury is only 20 minutes away, and who can resist the exhilarating walks along the famous white cliffs? You’ll be able to explore Dover Castle, visit Wingham Wildlife Park or even dress up as a Roman at Lullingstone Roman Villa.
Gilpin Mill, Lake District National Park
(5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation)
Combine modern technology with an historic setting at Gilpin Mill, where a mill has stood since the 16th Century. Lovingly restored, you may be lucky enough to catch migrating fish travelling upstream just outside the front door before spending the morning out and about on bicycles arranged by your host. The beauty of the Lake District hardly needs advertising; attractions close by include Lake Windermere and the Beatrix Potter museum which is only a 10 minute drive. Why not take the ferry up to Ambleside and hire a rowing boat, visit the shops or see the famous bridge house?
Hunting Hall Farm, Northumberland
(4 and 5 Star Gold Self Catering) Farm Stay UK Member
A small and traditional family farm, Hunting Hall prides itself on its environmental credentials. Experience a green lifestyle where you’ll be able to walk the farm’s very own nature trail, or take a trip to the Farne Islands to gaze at the seals, puffins and nesting birds. You’ll be only 5 miles from the holy island of Lindisfarne and have a chance to walk along Bamburgh Beach in the moonlight, as well as paddle amongst the mud-sand in the causeway.
Meadowcroft Barn, Bolton
(5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation, Breakfast Award)
Next door to the village blacksmith, you’ll stay in traditional-style accommodation with all the modern luxuries and experience the privacy of a self-catering cottage with the bonus of an award-winning breakfast. Situated in the West Pennine Moors, the Weavers Way Trail passes just outside your door. Experience traditional pubs in the village or visit the tea room at nearby Turton Tower. For shopaholics, the Trafford Centre is only 16 miles away, or perhaps you’ll prefer to see a show at the Octagon theatre or visit the Animal World and Butterfly House.
Burnville Farm, Tavistock, Devon
(5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation, Breakfast Award) Farm Stay UK Member
Experience a tranquil country setting amongst the grounds of a Georgian house, with your choice of the antique-filled bed and breakfast or sympathetically converted self-catering cottages, sharing a tennis court and outdoor swimming pool. You’ll be spoilt for choice with nearby Dartmoor – perfect for hiking, biking, or visiting attractions such as Castle Drogo – and the market town of Tavistock. You may also explore the cathedral city of Exeter, the fishing villages of the south coast, Paignton Zoo, or even venture west to Cornwall: the choice will be yours.
Wheatacre Hall Barns, Norfolk
(4 and 5 Star Gold Self Catering) Farm Stay UK Member
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the animals on site on this working farm. Relax and unwind in one of 8 luxury barn conversions while children explore the play barn and games room, or take advantage of the on-site fitness centre. There are a variety of attractions on your doorstep, including peaceful fishing lakes, family fun at Fritton Lake Country Park and scenic river tours. For the more adventurous explorers, you can visit Beccles farmers’ market, a 100 acre safari park or even try go-karting, all within easy reach.
Cadson Manor, Callington, Cornwall
(4 and 5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation and Self Catering, Breakfast Award)
Country charm, amazing views and a 2 acre fishing lake are just some of the things that Cadson Manor has to offer. A stone’s throw from the iron-age hill fort of Cadson Bury, you will also find yourself within an easy distance of 5 golf courses, many National Trust properties, Heligan Gardens and the Eden project. You could explore the ‘murals trail’ of the local town Callington, or go sailing on Siblyback Lake, as well as travel further afield to Newquay and visit other attractions such as the living Victorian museum Morwellam Quay.
Harrop Fold Farm, Macclesfield, Derbyshire
(5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation)
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on cookery course or art course from residential tutors. Choose from the richly-appointed bed and breakfast or the self-catering 17th century barn conversion for your stay in Derbyshire, amongst surrounding countryside and onsite wildlife. Locally, take advantage of attractions such as the Silk Museum, the historic Capesthorne Hall and Hare Hill Park and Gardens, or travel slightly further afield to the adventures of Alton Towers Resort or the city-life of Manchester, both of which are within easy reach.
Eckington Manor, Cotswolds
(5 Star Gold Guest Accommodation, Breakfast)
With an award-winning working farm, cookery courses with first-class facilities, luxurious levels of comfort and an enviable location, Eckington Manor will provide you with a holiday to remember. You’ll have a hard time choosing between shopping or watching the racing in Cheltenham, walking in the nearby hills, seeing Worcester Cathedral, visiting the local market town of Pershore or taking a ride on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. You can even visit the Westons Cider Visitor Centre nearby and Shakespeare country also calls to you.
Elms Farm Cottages, Lincolnshire
(4 and 5 Star Gold Self Catering)
You’ll find modern and spacious facilities at Elms Farm with all your home comforts. The cottages are also suitable for the less mobile, with an M2 mobility rating and M1 visual and hearing rating for the less able. Close to the historic town of Boston, you’ll also be easily accessible to the resorts of Skegness and Mablethorpe as well as the Roman city of Lincoln. Nearby are several nature sanctuaries and reserves, including the RSPB Frampton Marsh, as well as multiple aviation attractions which reflect Lincolnshire’s alter ego as ‘bomber country’.