Instead of jetting off to the sun for another beach holiday this year, why not get your wellies on and book in to a farmyard cottage in the great British outdoors, for a fun and ecologically-friendly holiday.
Renting a room in a farmhouse offers numerable benefits to families who want to finish their vacation with a clean – or should that be green - conscience. The kids – and perhaps mums and dads too – will finally get to see where their food really comes from, there’s a chance to get up close and personal with the animals, and of course you’ll be doing the environment a favour by swapping a fuel-guzzling flight to sunnier climes for a healthy jaunt in Britain’s beautiful countryside. All the locations featured below offer accommodation within the farmhouse itself or in a neighbouring cottage, and encourage hands-on activity with every aspect of the farmer’s daily work. And after all that home-grown produce and fresh air, you’ll be as healthy as the surrounding hills.
East Lochhead, Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire
This comfortable farmhouse is perfect for anyone looking for a truly eco experience. Owners Ross and Janet have won numerous plaudits for their work with green tourism and passion for Slow Food (an international movement which aims to protect the dining table from the homogenisation of modern fast food and life). Beef and lamb dinners are home grown, all veggies comes from the garden plot and breakfast ingredients are sources locally. No pesticides are used on the land, and there’s an ongoing drive to create eco-systems in which local wildlife can thrive. Guests are welcome to get involved with the day-to-day running, or can simply put their feet up alongside the log fire, enjoy amazing views of the hills, or join a passing cycle route. Rates start at £35 per person, per night for bed and breakfast. Self catering cottages vary in price according to season. More
Higher Lank Farm, St Breward, Bodmin, Cornwall
If your little ones are among the growing number who think milk comes from supermarkets, this 500-year-old farmhouse is the perfect antidote. From January to October only mums and dads with kiddies under five can stay here, making it the perfect family haven. Children can play in the roofed sandpit, feed the piglets and chicks, and collect eggs. Cream teas are served in the garden. Recycling is taken very seriously: the owners provide reusable nappies for babies, and special bins are provided for other waste. Three rooms, all with bath and shower are available from £70 per night. More
The Hall, Milden, Lavenham, Suffolk
This sprawling, 16th century hall is a rare treat for families. The owners are passionate conservationists who encourage holidaymakers to make the most of the surrounding countryside’s cycle and footpaths. Breakfast is as farm fresh as can be, with home-grown bacon, sausages, eggs and fruit compotes. Families can join in wildlife activities, scavenger hunts or boat trips. Heating is by woodburner, the wood is coppiced from the hedgerows, much of the waste is imaginatively recycled and local produce is promoted. Bed and breakfast is available from £60 per double room. Self catering cottages are also available; prices vary according to season. More
Sink Green Farm, Wye Valley, Hereford, Hertfordshire
This 16th century farmhouse lies in the heart of the peaceful Wye Valley, yet only three miles from the cathedral city of Hereford, making it the ideal choice for families who want to combine a countryside holiday with close proximity to civilisation! Traditional breakfast is served on the flagstoned floored dining room, with all produce supplied by locals. Enjoy panoramic views over the countryside, take a riverside stroll during which time you might spy herons and swans, or simply enjoy relaxing meals in local inns. Bed and breakfast is available from £23 per person, per night. More
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Images courtesy of The Hall at Milden.
