What's included
Our Farms are only found on small-scale farms where the farmer and their family are passionate about preserving the long-term sustainable future of our countryside.
As our guest you'll find everything necessary for a carefree stay on your chosen Feather Down Farm. There is nothing you need to bring from home as you'll have all this at your disposal:
- Farm Larder
- Chicken Coop
- Wood-Fired Oven
- Paddock
- ...in fact, even the kitchen sink!
The Farm Larder
All our Farms have a Farm Larder, where the farmer and his family stock a range of products for your stay. It may not be as extensive as your local supermarket, but because it's usually from the farm itself, or its neighbours, a great many less food miles are gobbled up to stock it. And by shopping here, you really are helping local, rural economies.
The biggest difference about the Farm Larder, however, is one that can be something of a culture chock for the children: the way it's operated on an 'honesty' basis. Being unmanned, you take what you need, sign for it and then tally up at the end of your stay, settling the total with the farmer with cash or a cheque. "So why doesn't stuff get stolen?" young ones may ask. The answer is, in the small, tight-knit communities found around our farms, trust is a key ingredient and there's no reason why that feeling can't be shared with you, too.
Wood-fired oven
The farmer’s piled a huge heap of wood next to the oven. You imagine he’ll put it in a few twigs at a time (in case the whole oven goes up in smoke) but you watch as whole armfuls of branches disappear inside. Next, he lights the wood – and just one hour later the oven’s piping hot. After the farmer’s raked the glowing embers into a metal wheelbarrow... not something you see everyday...than the food goes in. And no, you can’t sneak open the oven door, not even for a quick peek. Finally you can eat, eat and it’s the best meal you’ve ever tasted!
The Paddock
Not far from where the Feather Down Farm tents are, a special spot is reserved for children and their parents!
The number and types of animals differ from farm to farm, depending on the local ecology. For example on some farms the smaller animals are inside a pen, to protect them from foxes and birds of prey
Get close up
In the paddock you can get to know the animals on the farm. What can be more fun than hugging a small calf. And then just standing next to the animal and being able to stroke it, without a fence or a ditch in between. A bit scary maybe, as it can make quite sudden movements, but it is wonderful to be able to be so close to nature.
Down at the farm
Harvesting, making cheese, milking, taking care of the cattle and young animals. There's lots to learn and discover on a Feather Down Farm.
Some farmers grow vegetables, others rear cattle or even horses. Home-made marmelade, butter, cheese and eggs can be found in the Farm Larder. No farm is the same.
Our Feather Down Farms can only be found on small-scale farms where the farmer and their family are passionate about preserving the long-term sustainable future of our countryside.
Bike hire
The beautiful surroundings of our farms lend themselves to memorable family cycle trips. You can hire bikes for all ages, as well as child seats, from most farms at time of booking. Please be sure to bring your own helmets.
Weekend prices are £17 (adult) / £10 (child), midweek £25.50 / £15, and for a week they cost £51/ £30. Child seats are £3 per day.
Take a farm tour
We think the Farm Tour is a real highlight of a Feather Down Farm holiday. Informal but informative, on it our farmers provide an insight into a way of life that keeps centuries-old traditions alive, in which the work is hard, but the rewards are real. Children love meeting the animals, and they’re given a real sense of where the meals you all share – whether from the Farm Larder or the supermarket – actually come from.
You'll also get to know the animals during the tour. A bit scary maybe, as they can make quite sudden movements, but it is wonderful to be able to be so close to nature.