Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TOP 10 farm stays
Escape the hectic city and recharge your batteries in the countryside with these breaks...
1 HUNTSTILE ORGANIC FARM, SOMERSET B&B from £135 a night for four
Meet Marigold, one of the Dairy Shorthorn cattle, on this working farm in Goathurst near
Bridgewater. And kids will have fun helping to feed the friendly goats, chickens and Gloucester Old Spot pigs as they learn about life on this organic farm. B&B is offered in nine delightful rooms, or go glamping with a choice of canvas tipi, ornate gypsy caravan or a rustic shepherd’s hut trailer along with cosy little log cabins. Their award-winning breakfasts are served up in the 15th century farmhouse. THE DEAL: B&B in the Studio log cabin (sleeping four) starts at £135 a night or B&B for four in the Dove Loft room starts at £200 a night. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
2 TYDDYN CHAMBERS, RUTHIN, DENBIGHSHIRE
One night from £38pp
sheep farm in North Wales is hosted by Huw and Ella who are both keen musicians. There are just three rooms, one double, one family and one twin each tastefully furnished with amazing views of the Clwydian Mountain range.Picturesque Snowdonia village Betws y Coed and Llandudno are nearby. And its just a 10-minute drive to historic Ruthin and Wales’s oldest timbered town house, 15th century Nantclwyd y Dre.
THE DEAL: B&B starts at £38pp per night and from £90 per night in the family room.
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3 BEACON HILL FARM, NORTHUMBERLAND Seven nights from £595 for six
Set between the magnificent coastline, the Northumberland National Park and the Cheviot Hills, this 350-acre farm has plenty of lambs to see up close, horses to pat and eggs to collect. And there’s more fun for the kids with an indoor heated pool and games room with table football, pool, table tennis and air hockey plus a covered adventure playground. There’s the adventure of cooking outdoors over the campfire pits. And for some bracing sea air head to Druridge Bay and its seven miles of empty golden sands.
THE DEAL: A seven-night self-catering stay in Beech Cottage (sleeping up to
six) costs from £595 arriving on April 28 through Premier Cottages. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
4 KNOWLE FARM, SOUTH DEVON
Seven nights from £695 for four
Set in 44 acres of countryside this family-friendly farm near Totnes is on the doorstep of Dartmoor National Park and just 30 minutes from sandy beaches. Along with the sheep, donkeys, hens and rabbits, there are some more unusual residents including cute Kune Kune Pigs, Dartmoor Pony Pete, and Peanut the peacock. And with an inviting indoor pool, fun soft play area and tennis court with wonderful views, the family will love life on the farm.
THE DEAL: Stay in one of the six award-winning cottages which each come with a wood-burning stove and Freesat TV. A week’s selfcatering from April 28 in two-bedroom Cow-mumble (sleeping four) starts at £695. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
5 MUDGEON COTTAGE, CORNWALL
Seven nights from £688 for eight
This working farm is in the hamlet of Mudgeon, on the Lizard Peninsula, close to the Helford River. See cows being milked from a viewing
gallery and an extensive play area with slides, swings, bridge and tree house, plus a games room, means there’s lots to amuse kids. A charming nearby nature trail takes you to Helford River’s Tremayne Quay and Helford Village and Frenchman’s Creek. THE DEAL: Skyes Cottages has seven nights’self-catering in Mudgeon Cottage (sleeps eight in four bedrooms) from £688 (saving up to £51) for April 21 arrival (ref 945132). mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
6 THE
DANDELION HIDEAWAY, LEICESTERSHIRE Four nights from £675 for six
Breathe in the clean country air on this working farm in Osbaston. You can get hands on milking the goats, the dairy herd, collect eggs from the hens, and groom the Shetland ponies, or relax and enjoy the unhurried breakfasts and cosy dinners. For a luxurious glamping break try one of the six canvas cottages, oozing charm that’s far from shabby with nostalgic touches such as comfy leather sofa, Aga-style range, kitchen farmhouse dresser, butler’s sink complete with brass taps and even a whistling kettle.
THE DEAL: Each of the cottages sleeps up to six with four nights’ self-catering from April 28 starting at £675.
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7 CWMCRWTH FARM, CARMARTHENSHIRE, WALES
Three nights from £295 for four
Farmer Rob will welcome a helping hand on his farm, five miles from boutique town Llandeilo. From feeding the lambs and pigs to collecting eggs from the hens to giving Eddie the
miniature Shetland pony a bit of a brush-up, there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied. And the kids can let off steam in the play area. The Brecon Beacons, sands of Cefn Sidan and Brechfa Forest are nearby. THE DEAL: Three-night selfcatering break in The Hayloft based on a family of four sharing starts at £295. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
8 TENBURY COTTAGE, LUDLOW, SHROPSHIRE Three nights from £502 for four
Deep in Shropshire this stylish cottage is an ideal base for an idyllic rural break, with open plan living area, a wood-burning stove and smart country kitchen. Guests can wander around the 12 acres of farm, patting the sheep and feeding the ducks. Famous foodie market town Ludlow is a 15-minute drive away and Croft Castle and the National Trust’s Berrington Hall are both an easy trip. THE DEAL: A three-night selfcatering stay in Tenbury Cottage, sleeping four in two bedrooms, starts at £502 or seven nights from £701 through Sugar and Loaf. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
9 ABOCURRAGH FARMHOUSE, ENNISKILLEN, CO FERMANAGH
B&B from £40pp per night
This family-run working dairy farm is set on 120 acres in scenic Enniskillen. Milking is an important part of farm life and you are welcome to give a helping hand. Calving starts early in the year but there are always late arrivals for guests to get stuck in with feeding sessions. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and sweeping views of the Fermanagh countryside. Take time out to explore Enniskillen Castle and Lough Erne. THE DEAL: B&B in a double room starts at £80 per night. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10 Tucked in the foothills of the Monadhliath Mountains, Gask House Farm is home to three luxury barn conversions (sleeping two to four) along with a handsome herd of highland cattle and cuddly Cheviot lambs. The farm prides itself on its fine home cooking – you can order dishes to heat up in your cottage. Each of the cottages has wood burners and a large open-plan living area. Inverness is seven miles away and Loch Ness is just a 30-minute drive away.
THE DEAL: Two nights’ selfcatering for two in Tordarroch Cottage starts at £275 arriving on April 29. Or a week selfcatering from May 20 in Corrimony Cottage (sleeping four) starts at £850 through Farm Stay.
mirror.co.uk/traveltop10