British farmers have been feeling the squeeze, but many are finding new ways to do business. Opening their doors to holiday-makers is one of them.
It gives children the chance to collect eggs, milk goats, feed lambs and look after ponies. So, if you and your family crave country air and fresh produce, then a farm stay should hit the spot.
Here, we round up some of the best:
Farms offer the opportunity for children to get close and personal with resident animals
Woodbridge, Suffolk
The animals at Easton Farm Park live to play, and scheduled activities include hugging bunnies, holding chicks, collecting eggs and meeting the farm’s Suffolk Punch horses.
Set on the edge of a pretty village, this Victorian model farm was once home to a dairy herd, but is now an educational park.
Accommodation is in one of two self-catering cottages or a small caravan site. The petting farm is open to the public during the summer, but stay at any other time of year and you will have the animals all to yourself.
Don’t miss: The Suffolk Fun Festival, July 30-31, has circus acts, music workshops, canoe trips and more.
Details: From £520 for two nights self-catering (six adults and four children), eastonfarmpark.co.uk, 01728 746 475.
At Easton Farm Park in Suffolk, possible activities include hugging bunnies and holding chicks
Chard, Somerset
Dimpsey Shepherd’s Hut is a stylish oak building with sheep’s wool insulation in the orchard of a farm on the Blackdown Hills.
Owner Emma designed the interior using only UK-made furnishings. It has a full-size shower, stone sink and wood burner. Curious cows and sheep patrol the perimeter, but avert their eyes politely when you enter and exit the wood-fired hot tub.
Don’t miss: The gorgeous Dexter calves born in July.
Details: From £250 for two nights self-catering (two adults). A bed can be added for two children for free, dimpsey.co.uk, 01460 477770.
Buckden, Yorkshire
Set on 400 acres of peaty hills and owned by a charming couple whose credentials include farming and art, the converted hay barn on working eco-farm Nethergill has a window halfway up the stairs that looks in on the chickens.
The farmhouse was once occupied by a cousin of Charles Darwin, who would no doubt have approved of Fiona and Chris’s efforts to encourage the repopulation of red squirrels in their woodland.
Guests are welcome to use bird hides, feed cattle and collect free-range eggs for breakfast.
Don’t miss: Painting or photographing the area, with expert tuition.
Details: From £300 for seven nights self-catering in a two-bedroom cottage, nethergill.co.uk, 01756 761 126.
Tractor pull: The UK is dotted with farms offering family days out
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Perfect for young families, the self-catering Clydey Cottages are presided over by farmer Malcolm, and feature soft-play areas, kids’ club, pool and, of course, a host of hungry animals to feed.
Children will be kept out of your hair all day, while you relax at the on-site spa.
No wonder this was voted best place to stay in Wales at the National Tourism Awards.
Don’t miss: Baby massage sessions show how to knead their muscles until they fall asleep.
Details: From £700 for seven nights self-catering in a one- bedroom cottage (shorter breaks available in term time), clydey cottages.co.uk, 01239 698 619.
North Cornwall
The Olde House is a large, working farm close to the beach run by third-generation family farmers. There’s lots to do: falconry, archery, tractor rides. An indoor pet corner means even rain can’t spoil the fun.
Don’t miss: The extra lambing season in November/December thanks to mild Cornish weather.
Details: From £400 for seven nights self-catering in a one-bedroom cottage, theoldehouse.co.uk, 01208 813 219.
The Olde House in north Cornwall is a large, working farm close to the beach
Buxton, Derbyshire
Set in the Peak District National Park, Wheeldon Trees Farm offers wonderful views of the valley.
The seven stone cottages are self-catering with a communal freezer stocked with home-made dishes. You can help with animal feeding and there is baby/toddler equipment to borrow if you don’t want to lug your own.
Don’t Miss: The breakfast baskets where everything bar the coffee is local.
Details: From £235 for two nights self-catering in a one-bedroom cottage, wheeldontreesfarm.co.uk, 01298 83219.
Set in Peak District National Park, Wheeldon Trees Farm offers wonderful views of the valley
Cotleigh, Devon
Little Snodwell Farm’s thatched hillside farmhouse is built in the Devon Longhouse style and dates from 1750. Matyn and Caren, the friendly hosts, allow budding farmers to feed the animals, collect eggs and even milk the friendly goats.
Stay in an annexe and you will be the only guests. The beaches of Lyme Regis are close by.
Don’t miss: The tearooms next door were awarded the title of Best In The Country by The Lady magazine.
Details: From £160 for two nights self-catering (one bedroom), littlesnodwellfarm.co.uk, 01404 831 184.
Osbaston, Leics
Glamping at its finest, The Dandelion Hideaway on Osbaston House Farm offers running water, flushing loos and double beds in its six ‘canvas cottages’ set in mature woodlands.
The property has been in farmer John’s family for 100 years, and is home to his prized dairy goats and his wife’s Shetland ponies.
Each tent has its own egg collecting basket and a little Alice in Wonderland door leads from the old cow shed into a secret den.
Don’t miss: Badger-watching from a cosy hide.
Details: From £550 for three days self-catering in a canvas cottage (sleeps six), the dandelionhideaway.co.uk, 01455 292 888
A visit to the farm not only offers the chance to breathe in clean countryside air, but also gives the chance for children to do some practical learning
West Lothian
Select one of three stone cottage or a modern lodge with magnificent views on Crosswoodhill Farm, an isolated working farm near West Calder that boasts 100 cows and 1,000 sheep.
Host Geraldine prides herself on going the extra mile for her guests, hunting down favourite foods or flowers and lending out wellies. Expect to feel thoroughly spoiled in an unspoiled Scottish location.
Don’t miss: Steading Cottage which has a window looking directly into a tractor barn.
Details: From £340 for seven nights self-catering (sleeps six), crosswoodhill.co.uk, 01501 785 205.
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