Experience an unforgettable summer break - last dates available Discover your Feather Down summer
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Feather Down
Options & pricesChloe and Gavin Vance along with their eight children started with Feather Down in the summer of 2021 and what a start it has been! It is not the first Feather Down farm we’ve had in Scotland but it is the most southerly, being in Whithorn just a couple of miles from the Solway Firth. Within just a couple of months, their Feather Down experience has been written up in the Guardian and the Scotsman as a go-to family holiday in Scotland. Their third-generation farm can lay claim to having one of the oldest continuous dairy herds in the UK, their 120 head of Holstein Friesians producing milk that goes into the ‘Seriously Strong Cheddar’ you see on the supermarket shelves.
Even at the height of the summer, you’ll find gorgeous spots just a short drive from the farm that will have you wondering where the crowds are. The fishing village of The Isle of Whithorn would be rammed if it were in Cornwall, the seaside town of Garlieston and beaches like Rigg Bay too. There are many out-of-season attractions too. The Wigtown Book Festival in September could go toe-to-toe with its equivalent in Hay and the Galloway House Gardens are worth a visit at any time. All in all, a stay at Balnab Farms makes the ideal family holiday in Scotland.
The farm is a veritable menagerie with dairy calves, pygmy goats and Shetland ponies to name but a few within view of your canvas hideaway. You and your children could experience helping feeding and grooming the animals or take a tractor ride around the farm, unforgettable moments to share together (select dates and additional cost). Also at the centre of the encampment is a play area with climbing, water play and straw bales giving all the space and imagination that children need on holiday. Tractor rides and Shetland pony rides (what other breed would you have for a family holiday in Scotland?) are all extras available to book at regular times, so everyone will be worn out by the time night falls and you all retire to your comfy Feather Down beds.
Dog-friendly
Honesty shop
Pizza oven
Private shower
Outdoor playground
Farm tour
What animals will you find on this farm?
Sheep
Goats
Calves
Lambs
Ducks
Ponies
Pigs
Cows
Dogs
Including wood for the wood-burning stove (1 pack per day)
Including welcome package with bed-linen, towels, candles, matches, washing-up liquid and other basic items
Private showers
9.5
Meet your hosts
Balnab Farm is a 3rd generation family-run dairy farm, a short drive from some stunning coastal views and plenty of play space for kids. A warm welcome awaits you from Gavin, Chloe, Joseph, Finlay, Ruby, Anna, Charlotte, Rosie, Eilidh, and Morven.
We are excited to welcome you to our corner of paradise and teach you all about our family-run dairy farm.
If John Lewis sold holidays, they'd look like this
Beaches
With sea-views from the top of Balnab farm, you'll only a short distance from the waves! Rigg Bay is ideal for a family beach trip, sheltered from the prevailing wind and beautifully still and warm on a sunny day.
Isle of Whithorn
With a historic link to St Ninians first Christian Church in Scotland, Isle of Whithorn still holds the remains of Saint Ninian's Chapel. As one of the most southerly villages and seaports in Scotland, you'll find local fish and chips, tasty food at The Steampacket Inn and options for sea or river fishing too.
Garlieston
Garlieston started as a fishing village but nowadays you'll find lobster boats and cute quay-side café. Just a few miles from Balnab farm, be sure to visit Galloway House and Gardens with gorgeous blooms and flora to enjoy.
Wigtown
A book-lovers haven! As Scotland's National Book Town, Wigtown hosts it's famous book festival each September which is not to be missed. It's perfect for exploring quaint, independent book shops or as a base to walk through the Machars peninsula, you may even spot an Osprey or two!
Rated Balnab Farm with a 10,0
What a weekend!! From the moment we were met by the lovely, smiley Chloe to when we left everything was great! Kids (14,13 and 9) LOVED it. Dog was beside herself with joy (who knew dogs and goat can actually play together??!). And husband and I are now looking at when we can go back. The Vance family are just amazing- it takes some super human strength to run dairy farm, campsite, shop, have 8 Children, all while keeping a smile on their faces. Nothing is too much trouble - when something malfunctioned in the tent it was fixed within minutes. We fed calves and goats, played on our own play park complete with hay bales and tractor, played football, drank “home” produced milkshakes, hung out with the horses, cows, goats and pigs that are literally outside your tent, BBQed and visited the gorgeous surroundings. Oh. And the sun shone! Basically- book this now. You will love it!