Farm stays in Great Britain
Experience rural life in Britain's countryside
Britain's Most-Loved Rural Regions
Family-Friendly Accommodations
City-Break Escapes
UK's Countryside Stays
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Great Britain: A Land Shaped by History, Myths, and Adventure
Great Britain offers much for visitors to explore, from stunning landscapes to lively cities. Its history has been shaped by various conquerors, including the Romans and Vikings, who visited its shores and left traces of their presence.
When travelling in Great Britain, visitors travel through time, experiencing everything from relics of the last ice age to futuristic landmarks.
The lowdown on Great Britain
Great Britain is an island in north-western Europe, separated from the European mainland by the North Sea and the English Channel.
The country comprises England, Wales, and Scotland, with Northern Ireland across the North Channel, together forming the United Kingdom (UK). Great Britain covers almost 229,848km2 and has a population of approximately 67 million, while the official language is English.
However, today Great Britain is culturally diverse and a large variety of languages are spoken here. From the northern highlands to the southern lowlands, Great Britain's countryside is largely made up of rolling farmland, dense forests and rugged wilderness.
British agriculture
The agriculture of Great Britain is one of the most developed in the world. Rough grazing accounts for around 30%, crop husbandry for 25%, and fodder crop for 40% of the utilized agricultural land.
Agri-products of Great Britain
Livestock husbandry is the most important branch of local agriculture, while for the cultivation of oilseeds and cereals, Great Britain ranks among the leading producers of these goods in Europe.
Wheat is the most dominant British agricultural product. Barley and oilseeds, have an equal share in the agricultural production of Great Britain.
Potatoes, sugar beet, peas, and beans account are also produced here.
Great Britain additionally ranks among the world's leading producers of wool.
Main British agricultural regions
Arable land occupies eastern portions of Great Britain, stretching roughly from Aberdeen in the north to the Isle of Wight in the south.
The key regions for livestock breeding are the western regions, including Wales and the western parts of Scotland and England.
The area in the middle is suitable both for crop production and animal husbandry. Horticulturalists fond of flower growing should visit Cornwall, the region located in the far south-west of Great Britain.
Great British specialities
The area of Cheddar in Somerset produces one of the world's most popular varieties of cheese. Cheddar is an artisan cheese made of cow's milk, with a distinctive tangy flavour.
Scotch whisky is another famous British speciality and is mainly produced in the Scottish Highlands.
Potatoes are also widely produced in Britain, with the most famous varieties including Maris Piper, King Edward and Marabel.
They commonly feature in the popular British dishes of pie and mash (meat and vegetables in a pastry casing served with mashed potato) and fish and chips (deep-fried battered fish and thick-cut chips).
From the northern highlands to the southern lowlands, Great Britain's countryside is largely made up of rolling farmland,
dense forests and rugged wilderness.
Attractions of Great Britain
Great Britain boasts fascinating ancient sites, striking landmarks, and vast areas of unspoilt nature.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey in London has been the traditional coronation site of British monarchs since 1066 and is still in use today.
After admiring the grand Gothic interior, visitors can pay their respects to Steven Hawking, Isaac Newton, and other illustrious public figures.
If you're not afraid of heights, then take a ride on the London Eye Ferris wheel to get amazing views over London and beyond.
Stonehenge & Warwick Castle
Stonehenge is an incredible Neolithic site that features a circle of megalithic stones - its original function remains a mystery, yet it offers a fascinating glimpse into the distant past.
Warwick Castle, meanwhile, is a formidable medieval fortress protected by a series of turrets.
Fun interactive events include letting guests test their archery skills and see birds of prey in action.
Fairytale castles & villages
Standing atop a hill overlooking Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle is home to the Scottish crown jewels.
Also in Scotland, Stirling Castle is a former residence of the Scottish monarchs, located on Castle Hill and flanked by steep cliffs.
In the south of England, Windsor Castle is a favourite royal residence of the English queen, featuring opulent State Apartments and one of the most beautiful medieval churches in England.
Further south in Kent, travellers can witness the gleaming white cliffs of Dover by foot or on a boat tour.
The Cotswolds, meanwhile, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, consisting of rolling hills and picturesque villages.
Off-the-beaten-path attractions
Along with Stonehenge, Silbury Hill casts light on the Neolithic era in Great Britain. It is the biggest artificial mound in Europe, built and enlarged by generations of Neolithic people.
Up in Scotland, you can take a nostalgic train ride from Fort William to Mallaig in Scotland - along the way, you'll traverses highlands, woods, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous Harry Potter site.
Hadrian's Wall in northern England marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. In its vicinity, you can hike, bike, play golf, and take part in adventure activities.
At the Thinktank in the city of Birmingham, visitors can enrich their knowledge of science, nature, and industry through fun experiments.
So if a rich tradition of storytelling animates you, prehistory makes you curious, and the Middle Ages awaken your inner knight, Great Britain is a dream destination for you.
Information and organised activities in Great Britain
FAQs
A farm stay in Great Britain offers visitors the opportunity to experience rural life on a working farm. You can expect accommodation ranging from cozy cottages to converted barns, often on active farms. Guests may have the chance to participate in farm activities, learn about British agriculture, and enjoy the countryside. Farm stays are available across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering a unique insight into Britain's agricultural heritage.
Great Britain offers various farm stay options, including:
- Traditional farmhouses
- Converted barns
- Shepherd's huts
- Glamping sites on farmland
- Self-catering cottages on farm estates
Each type provides a different level of comfort and authenticity in the farming experience.
Farm stays often offer activities such as:
- Feeding animals
- Collecting eggs
- Milking cows
- Helping with harvest (seasonally)
- Countryside walks
- Learning about sustainable farming practices
The specific activities available depend on the farm and the season of your visit.
While farm stays are available throughout Great Britain, some popular regions include:
- The Cotswolds in England
- Scottish Highlands
- Wales' Brecon Beacons
- Cornwall in South West England
- Yorkshire Dales
These areas offer a mix of beautiful landscapes and traditional farming practices.
Farm stays provide firsthand experience of British agriculture. You might:
- See wheat and barley cultivation in eastern England
- Observe livestock breeding in Wales and western Scotland
- Learn about cheese-making in Somerset (home of Cheddar)
- Experience potato farming and traditional dishes like pie and mash
Many farms also offer tastings of local produce and specialties.
Yes, farm stays are often excellent for families. They offer:
- Safe, open spaces for children to play
- Educational experiences about animals and farming
- Opportunities for hands-on activities
- A chance to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature
Always check with the specific farm for age-appropriate activities and accommodations.