8 of the best working farm properties

Rural, Working Farm, Educational

Posted by Ed Roberts on 21st November 2022

Working farm holidays

Staying on a working farm is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with farmyard life, as well as offering you the best chance to connect with the essence of the countryside. Whilst staying in one of our working farm cottages, not only can you indulge in the delightful ruralness and tranquillity of the beautiful surroundings, but many of our working farm cottages also provide children with the opportunity to get up and close with farmyard animals. 

From helping the farmer to collect the daily eggs to taking a horse-riding lesson, there is no better time than now to experience the charm of a working farm holiday in one of these stunning family-friendly properties. More inspiration can be found from our library of handy blogs about working farms in England on subjects like family-friendly fun, a guide to farm markets, and a half-term feature on farm cottages for all the family. And why not add a trip to a UK farm park to your itinerary?

Cottages on working farms


Holiday cottages on working farms across the UK

Meadowsweet, North Devon | Sleeps: 10 guests + 2 dogs

Meadowsweet, North Devon | Sleeps: 10 guests + 2 dogs

Discover the beauty of Exmoor

Meadowsweet is one of nine charming properties set in 18 acres of open countryside on the edge of rugged Exmoor. This stunning property offers ultimate luxury with on-site facilities including a hot tub, a sauna, an indoor heated swimming pool, an outdoor play area and a games room. The interior décor is beautiful with exposed beams, skylights and a vaulted ceiling – perfect for mum to enjoy a glass of wine, whilst dad is busy prepping the BBQ and the children are happily playing on the sunken trampoline, or spending time with the resident donkeys and pony. 

Both the North Devon coastline and plenty of fantastic attractions are within easy reach, making this charming property the perfect destination for a family break.

North Devon farm cottages


Bluebird Bus, South Devon | Sleeps: 2 guests + 1 dog

Bluebird Bus, South Devon | Sleeps: 2 guests + 1 dog

Inspiring converted Canadian school bus on a vineyard

Enjoy a unique stay on this refurbished bus, that has been reimagined as a quaint holiday home. Bluebird Bus is tucked away on a vineyard just outside Seaton in South Devon, you can enjoy wine tours of the vineyard, and even sample and buy a few glasses and bottles. The location, in the middle of a field, is lovely with wide-ranging views of the rolling South Devon countryside.

A former Canadian school bus, this idyllic holiday property offers guests a unique holiday experience in the wilds of South Devon. Of an evening, sit in the garden and fire up the BBQ and light the fire pit with ease. Of a day you can venture out to local attractions and beauty spots that include the nearby market town of Axminster, Axe Valley Wildlife Park, The Donkey Sanctuary, Lyme Regis Museum, and Marine Aquarium, Seaton Tramway and some National Trust properties. The area hosts restaurants such as River Cottage, Hix Oyster and Fish House, The Pig at Combe and Robin Wylde just to name a few.

South Devon farm cottages


Heron Cottage at Bradley Burn Farm, North of England | Sleeps: 2 guests + 2 dogs

Heron Cottage at Bradley Burn Farm, North of England | Sleeps: 2 guests + 2 dogs

Uncover the gorgeous Durham Dales

This beautiful period property, Heron Cottage at Bradley Burn Farm, is located in a peaceful tranquil setting amongst 100 acres of farmland. Complete with a farm shop and café you really are provided with the definitive countryside experience. Located in the stunning Durham Dales, North Yorkshire, just outside the picturesque village of Wolsingham, and only 12 miles from the wonderful historic city of Durham, the local area provides a wealth of attractions to explore when not indulging in the charm of the complex. 

Guests are welcome to explore the farmland, see all the farm animals, play in the paddock and sandpit, make use of the table football, table tennis and air hockey, walk the farm nature trail along riverside paths, past ancient monuments and a medieval moat.

North of England farm cottages


Moorhouse Farm, Somerset | Sleeps: 6 guests 

Country charm in the West Country

Moorhouse Farm is set within 150 acres of peaceful farmland. This charming Somerset farm is set inside a nature conservation area with moors on one side and fields around the others providing stunning panoramic views from every angle. Visitors to this family-friendly property are invited to wander around the farm, play in the Wendy house, wooden play fort, climbing frame, and swings; help feed the chickens; collect the eggs; meet the four friendly farm dogs, resident cat, and a pig called Pepper or see the animals in pets' corner; and during spring, children can also help with the lambs. 

The fun isn’t just saved for the children, however, as there is also a selection of bikes to hire on-site as well as a BBQ to enjoy in the summer months for all the family.

Somerset farm cottages


The Chestnut Tree

The Chestnut Tree, Fowey | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs

A corner of Cornish farm heaven

Tucked away down a farm lane, this former dairy and hayloft has been converted into a light and airy bolthole that’s perfect for getting away from it all. Surrounded by 250 acres of farmland on this working dairy farm, The Chestnut Tree is brilliant for those who want to immerse themselves in country living in South Cornwall yet without forgoing the finer things in life. Explore the farm by arrangement and learn all about the various daily activities that keep the farm running, before tucking into a delicious cream tea on the private patio.

Further afield, must-visit Cornwall attractions such as the Eden Project, Charlestown and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are all within easy reach of this charming cottage. Spend the day exploring before returning for a relaxing evening stargazing from the hot tub.

Cornwall farm cottages


  Old Holcombe Orchard, Somerset | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs

Old Holcombe Orchard, Somerset | Sleeps: 4 guests + 2 dogs

The perfect Quantock Hills hideaway

Situated in a group of properties on a 6-acre smallholding, this lovingly converted barn, Old Holcombe Orchard, sleeps four for a tranquil countryside break. Exmoor National Park, the Brendon Hills, and the Quantock Hills are within driving distance, offering plenty of wonderful walks, hikes, bike rides and glorious views. The delights of the nearby coast are also within easy reach, with lovely seaside towns such as Blue Anchor, Minehead, and Watchet a short drive away. 

Inside, there's a wood burner for cosy nights in, while outside you can relax on the enclosed patio with a selection of outdoor games. You are also welcome to explore the land around the smallholding, home to the owners’ chickens and, sometimes, cows and sheep.

South West farm cottages


Stable Cottage, Brecon Beacons, Wales | Sleeps: 2 guests

Stable Cottage, Brecon Beacons, Wales | Sleeps: 2 guests

Charming converted 16th-century stable

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, or are keen for some outdoor adventures, Stable Cottage in the Brecon Beacons is the place for you. Lovingly converted and bursting with rural charm, this property sits on a working farm. Standout features include the open-plan lounge/kitchen/diner, a private patio, and a Jacuzzi bath, perfect for relaxing in after a long day of mountain biking or walking. 

Feel free to bring your own kit, as the estate contains a secure storage spot for equipment such as bikes and canoes. You’re also in a prime area for a spot of fishing on the River Usk and visiting Brecon Beacons National Park’s highest mountain, Pen y Fan. If you fancy a more relaxing day, you can explore the village of Sennybridge or the market town of Brecon.  

Wales farm cottages


Outfield, Scotland | Sleeps: 6 guests + 2 dogs

Outfield, Scotland | Sleeps: 6 guests + 2 dogs

Scottish bliss with 40 acres of woodlands, countryside and a gym

Outfield in Perth, Scotland is a superb choice for a working farm holiday. Your stay will be enhanced by an on-site gym, a Swedish wood-burning sauna, a games room, and access to a tennis court. Guests are welcomed to explore the 40 acres of woodland and countryside through the established tracks with viewing platforms or meet the characterful pet sheep. Inside there are gorgeous, spacious rooms to unwind in at the end of the day, as well as a state-of-the-art kitchen where you can dazzle your fellow guests with excellent meals made with local Scottish produce. 

Meet the pet sheep on your walks around the estate via a network of trails, before heading out to local visitor attractions that include the cities of Perth and Dundee, the fascinating V&A Museum, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, Scone Palace, and Glamis Castle. Also, enjoy a day out at Perth Races. Fishermen can enjoy the nearby River Tay, renowned for trout and salmon fishing. Golfers are spoilt for choice too with courses at Carnoustie, St Andrews, and Gleneagles.

Scotland farm cottages


Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage on a working farm

Browse through our whole collection of working farm properties. We have impressive properties all across England, Scotland, and Wales for you to discover. Many of the properties we offer are family-friendly and welcome dogs too. We think a stay on a working farm with your family is a superb choice that you and your children will love. 

Browse working farm cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.