Forest of Bowland Farm, Lancashire Waddle with ducks or watch cows being milked as part of a hands-on holiday in the countryside, says Sarah Marshall

An Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the western edge of the Pennines, the Forest of Bowland has been described as the Switzerland of England.

Owned by the Gorst family, who have lived here for 70 years, this former goat farm has canvas lodges with indoor and outdoor showers and a wood stove. For extra indulgence, hot tubs can also be booked.

It’s a fully functioning property, supplying supermarkets nationally with free-range eggs, and has herds of cattle and sheep on site.

An outdoor play area with a zip wire is popular with children, while the

River Wyre and nearby beaches are recommended for summer dips.

The historic city of Lancaster is within easy reach, along with the promenades of Morecambe.

■■How: Feather Down offers four nights in a lodge sleeping up to six from £455. featherdown.co.uk

For centuries farms have played an important role in British culture, and scenes of cultivated fields stacked with hay bales sum up our image of the countryside.

Spending time on a working farm is an easy way to reconnect with a simple way of living, and there’s an earthy sense of satisfaction gained from watching cows being milked in the early morning or helping farmers collect clutches of chicken eggs. But more than anything, being surrounded by animals and lush landscapes is a joy for children, making a holiday down on the farm one of the best options for a family staycation once lockdown restrictions lift.

From cool campsites to converted barns, these are a few of the top choices for a bucolic break.