When you think of family days out that are outside the box, there isn’t much available. Everyone goes to theme parks, wine tastings and food tastings, museums and zoos. What they don’t think of (and we did!) is giving their family gifts of a day out on the farm.
Wait. Did you say a farm? Sure. What better day out for the family than petting the baby animals, helping to feed them, gathering fresh eggs for breakfast, hitting the beach, walking the hills and riverside trails? Stay for a few days and discover the effect of a farm holiday on the mind and body. These are our top three picks.
Crowtrees Farm
Crowtrees Farm raises sheep as well as the family cats. At the right time of year, there will be lambs to pet and feed. The hens also provide fresh eggs for delicious breakfasts. The 200-year-old farmhouse sits on the Staffordshire Moorlands with a captivating view of the Churnet Valley. The barn on the property has been remodelled to offer patrons modern comfortable quarters. Also available is a chalet opening onto the garden.
If quiet and country beauty doesn’t suit you, then entertainment is available in Alton Towers and Festival Park. Nearby are pottery shops in which visitors can make their own pottery. Feeling more mobile? The Churnet Valley Steam Railway chugs from Froghall to Cheddleton.
Shaw Farm Static Caravan
Nestled in the hills next to the Peak District National Park are six static caravans on a working farm. Each caravan is completely surrounded by extensive gardens for privacy. Visitors are invited to introduce themselves to the chickens, cattle and the horse who loves carrots, Lottie. Caravan one is a two bedroom with fully equipped kitchen and bath. The peace and quiet of lazing around your own garden, gazing at the foothills of Wales over incredibly beautiful fields are part of Shaw Farm’s charm and will have a wonderful effect on your health and beauty.
Five to fifteen-minute walks will take visitors to the local pubs, along stunning walks. The Peak District offers rock climbing, cycling and plenty to see. Manchester is nearby, with any kind of entertainment you could want.
Nutstile Farm
Want to check out the wild Yorkshire landscape? The Dales await you at a 1500s farmhouse, rebuilt in 1988. Help your hosts with the cattle and sheep, or just walk to your heart’s content. The history of the house is amazing. It used to be a coal region, and then bricks were made there. The bricks, in which is carved “Barker Ingleton” can still be found in buildings to this day. You have a choice of rooms with either double or double and twin. En-suite facilities or a private bathroom is available.
Waterfall walks, White Scar and Ingleborough Caves, the Settle-Carlisle Railway and the Lake District are only a few of the attractions nearby. A beach at Morecambe is also nearby as well as the Widdale Red Squirrel Preserve. The reviews are amazing.
