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Live like a local with a Devon Farm Stay

17th September 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Farm holidays are one of the best ways to enjoy Devon’s natural beauty. You’ll be staying right in the heart of a community and will really have the chance to live like a local during your break. Many of the region’s farm stays allow you access to acres of grounds, perfect for exploring and walking and you even get the chance to collect the eggs you can then eat for breakfast!

From self catering to bed and breakfast offerings, the county’s farm stays are some of the best in the UK. Check out some of our suggestions for amazing Devon farm stays below.

Like we said, there are several different accommodation options when choosing a farm stay. One option for those that like the idea of self-catering is Moorparks Holiday Cottages. With two, two bedroom cottages, which have been converted from one of the original farm buildings, set amongst 12 acres of fields offering fabulous views of the surrounding area, this is a real home from home. The cottages have a modern and homely feel and have their own private gardens with garden furniture, so you can truly live like a local. If that wasn’t enough, the farm is ideally placed for exploring the county, with Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks a 40 minute drive and easy access to the coast line and Devon’s top attractions. It is also home to rare breed sheep, alpacas, chickens and ducks – all of which you are welcome to join in feeding!

Located equidistance from the popular tourist spots of North Devon and South Devon, this is a good choice of accommodation for those that want to see it all. RHS Garden Rosemoor is less than 5 miles away and Dartington Crystal is just a short journey too.

Image: Torridge House Farm Cottages

In North Devon there is Torridge House Farm Cottages which are nestled in the rolling hills and wooded valleys of the countryside in Tarka country. It is a truly relaxing atmosphere, ideal for those that want a real rural escape. The farm is located in a truly beautiful part of Devon and with easy access to the countryside and the coast, there is always something to do here. The nearby beaches are perfect for watersports enthusiasts and with top attractions like the Big Sheep and activity centres like Skern Lodge in close proximity, there is really something for everyone here.

Another North Devon based option is Robin Hill Farm Cottages which boasts beautiful, unspoilt views of the Jennetts Valley – something that several of the locals can’t even see! Though a stay here puts you in the midst of the countryside, civilisation is just a short journey away, the town of Bideford is 3 miles by car and the award winning beach at Westward Ho! only 4. The cottages here are converted former barns and have a real rustic charm with exposed beams and original stone walls. They are all child friendly with stair gates and crockery suitable for children provided – it’s also perfect for a dog friendly stay, with 8 acres for your dogs to explore!
A stay here not only gives you the chance to live like a local in a cosy cottage on a farm, it also has a few added luxuries like the heated indoor pool.

On the outskirts of Barnstaple, one of Devon’s largest towns, is Bampfield Farm, which is an ideal base for those that want to visit top attractions like the Milky Way. This is a great choice for those that want an authentic farm experience as it is a working farm. Guests are welcome to collect freshly laid eggs to enjoy and homegrown beef and pork is available to buy from the farmhouse. If you don’t fancy cooking, there are plenty of fine dining options as well as casual eateries and take aways available in and around Barnstaple making this the perfect destination for the foodies among you.

Broad Close Farm has two self catering apartments which have their own enclosed garden and private courtyard overlooking the fields. The apartments are adjacent to the farmhouse, so there is always a friendly face on hand to offer advice and help with the best places to spend your day. Being based in Tiverton, the farm is in the heart of the county, making it easy for you to explore a wide area with numerous National Trust properties and two National Parks within easy reach. The farm is on the outskirts of a delightful village featuring one of the oldest thatched pubs in the county – perfect for spending evenings learning more about the local community.

Image: Deer's Leap Retreat

For those of you looking for a real home from home, take a look at Deer’s Leap Retreat. The farmhouse sleeps a maximum of 21 people making it ideal for big family vacations or special occasions, or the onsite Hartford Cottage sleeps 2. Whichever you choose, you’ll find all the cosy home comforts and modern conveniences you could want, you’ll also find beamed ceilings and cute fireplaces to curl up next to, so it is warm and cosy whatever time of year you visit.

The farm is within walking distance of open moorland full of amazing scenery and even wild deer – keep your eyes peeled for them when out and about!
There are even glamping options on site during the warmer months, so if you’ve ever fancied staying in a bell tent, keep this one on your radar.

If you know you want a farm stay, but you’re not sure what accommodation option will best suit you, Lower Campscott Farm would be a good fit. With a range of holiday homes lodges and cottages to choose from, this is perfect for large groups, couples and solo travellers. All guests are welcome to join in with the daily animal feeding, explore the farm and even take a trip on a tractor! On site is a games room and a farm shop, where you can pick up all the supplies you need for your stay.
There are some amazing views of the Lee Bay and the beaches of Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe are just a short journey away for those of you who love a bit of watersports or who want to spend the day breathing in the sea air and visiting these popular locations.

Know you want a farm stay but not sure where? Take a look at Devon Farm’s portfolio, they have holiday cottages all over Devon with everything from converted barns and cottages to shepherd’s huts and glamping pods! Speak to them team to create a real bespoke holiday that caters to you and your family and experience everything that the countryside has to offer. Every farm in their arsenal is different, so whatever you are looking for for your holiday, you’ll find it here.

Not only do they offer self-catering options, but Devon Farms also have a range of bed and breakfast farm stays. If you thought a morning meal from a traditional bed and breakfast was good, you’re in for a treat! B&Bs hosted by farms are in a whole other league! With breakfast sourced directly from the farm itself, it is the ultimate in fresh and flavourful breakfasts!

For those of you who want somewhere a bit more central, Upton Farm Bed and Breakfast is on the outskirts of Exeter, giving you all the culture and events of the city while also having a rural break. The farmhouse here is a 15^th century building set on a working organic dairy farm complete with a thatched roof and characteristic scenery. Guests stay within the farmhouse itself and can enjoy a tasty breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen – they can cater for individuals, couples and families and are ideally located for exploring the region. Family friendly attractions like the Bear Trail and Wildwood Escot are less than five miles from the farm, while couples and solo travellers can enjoy nearby spas and tea rooms – making it a truly relaxing stay.

Interested in finding out more? You can see other options for a Devon farm stay here.