In the days of social media and technology-based fun, long gone are the times where children spend endless hours outside, building dens out of sticks, running in muddy puddles, and flying kites. Working farm holidays are the perfect opportunity to take a step back in time and indulge in all your favourite pastimes you had as a child and pass the fun onto your own little ones.
Our cottages set within working farms are surrounded by stunning views, emerald rolling hills, and pretty woodland trails. Staying in the countryside allows you to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, take a deep breath and smell the scent of wildflowers – you’re also rewarded with a wealth of exciting terrains and the prospect of many smiling faces.
Working farm cottages
Wildlife spotting
Much of Britain’s countryside is rich and thriving with diverse wildlife in a wide spectrum of colours, shapes, species, and sizes. When staying on a working farm you are bound to bump into the local farmyard inhabitants, whether that be cows, sheep, or even ducks; however, if you delve a little further you will be greeted with a whole array of beautiful birds, native ponies, owls, insects, and woodland creatures. Take along a pad of paper and some pens to encourage some creative depictions of any animals seen on your travels throughout the countryside.
Walking
Although there are plenty of new activities to be tried in the countryside, don’t underestimate the fun that can be had with a simple walk. The landscapes and atmosphere are likely to differ largely from what everyone is used to experiencing back at home, so pull on your wellies and coat and embrace the muddy puddles and winding lanes with a brisk stroll!
Conker fights
Hands up, who loves conkers? Embark on a conker hunt and let your inner child run wild. Take some bags and scour the deepest, darkest parts of the countryside to seek out a lane lined with conker trees, keep your eyes close to the ground to search for the biggest, best conkers you can find. Upon returning back to your cottage you can get creative, drill holes and thread string through them and have conker fights (soak them in vinegar first to make them extra strong!).
Fairy houses
As a child, there is nothing more magical than the belief that there are winged figures fluttering about us, too tiny for the eye to see. On a nice sunny day, head to an enclosed grassy space or field, settle down some blankets near a tree, hedge, or bush and let your little one’s imagination run wild. Help them gather up some twigs and leaves and allow them to create their very own fairy house.
Cycling
A family cycle is a great way to get active in the fresh outdoor air, and, whilst staying on a working farm what better time to get on your bike than when surrounded by beautiful landscapes, car-free lanes, and spectacular views.
Picnics
Something as simple as a picnic can be truly delightful when staying in the countryside. Pack a hamper full of delicious local picnic ingredients and head out to a sunny spot to enjoy a bit of alfresco dining.
Berry picking
There is nothing more rewarding than doing some foraging whilst on your countryside walk, finding berries growing wild in the hedges that you can then take back to your cottage and use in your cooking can be a fun activity for the whole family. Head out with a basket and collect fresh berries right from your doorstep.
Wild swimming
Many of our working-farm properties, especially those in the South West, are also nestled alongside the stunning coastline. Make the most of the clear blue waters and indulge in a day of wild swimming; don’t be put off by a winter climate either – don your wetsuit and head to a quiet cove, surfboards and body boards to hand and play around in the water until you are ready to head back to your cottage to enjoy a hot meal next to the open fire!
Geo-caching
There’s nothing like a bit of family competitiveness to get everyone’s adrenaline flowing! Geo-caching provides a fantastic excuse to go exploring the undergrowth and the shaded nooks and crannies searching for those well-hidden clues. The concept of geocaching is simple and easy to master; it’s a treasure hunt on a large scale. A mobile app providing you with clues and GPS coordinates will lead you to tiny little capsules hidden in trees, cracks in walls, pavements, fences, and anywhere else you can think of.
Stay at a self-catering cottage on a working farm
Staying on a working farm is an exciting way for families to enjoy a holiday. Young children especially love the opportunity to see farm animals up close and get to see a real farmyard in operation. See tractors, hay wains, pigs, cows, sheep, hens, and who knows what else on a family farm holiday. Our self-catering holiday homes on working farms are bound to inspire you. Visit our collection of pretty working-farm cottages to begin your own countryside journey today.
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