For Kathrin, Jon and their children, Matilda and Benni, a Feather Down holiday is more than a countryside escape. It is a much-loved family tradition, filled with farm animals, new friendships, slow mornings and evenings spent together around the fire.
The Cambridge-based family first discovered Feather Down Farms in 2008, when Jon and Kathrin enjoyed their first few stays as a couple. Since then, their family has grown, and they are now on their 17th farm holiday together, with plans already forming for the next.
We spoke with Kathrin to hear what keeps bringing them back, the traditions their children have grown to love and why life always feels a little slower once they arrive on the farm.
Can you tell us a little about your family and when you first discovered Feather Down Farms?
We are a family of four living in Cambridge: Jon, Kathrin, Matilda, 11, and Benni, nine — plus Rupert the cat.
Jon and I first discovered Feather Down Farms in 2008 and enjoyed a few trips just the two of us. We are now on our 17th Feather Down farm holiday and are already looking forward to booking the next one.
What made you choose a Feather Down stay for the first time?
I’m originally from Germany, and Jon was keen to show me some other parts of the UK.
We both love the outdoors, and the Feather Down farm locations looked beautiful, peaceful and perfect for switching off from our busy lives.
What encouraged you to return?
It’s the combination of beautiful locations, warm and generous farmer hosts and consistently excellent accommodation.
Every farm feels different, but there is also a lovely familiarity to arriving at a Feather Down canvas hideaway. We know we’ll have a welcoming place to stay, plenty of countryside to explore and a chance to spend proper time together.
What do you enjoy most about a Feather Down stay compared with other family holidays?
Our children love the freedom of being in the open countryside, interacting with the farmers and animals, and they always make new friends. Jon and I have time to read and talk around the fire in the evenings, and no one misses the screens.
It feels like a holiday everyone can enjoy in their own way, while still spending lots of time together as a family.
How does your family’s routine change once you arrive at the farm?
We have more time for each other. We play games, read books and spend much more time outside. There is less rushing around and fewer distractions. Life simply slows down.
Are there any traditions your children now associate with a Feather Down stay?
Definitely. Toasting marshmallows over the open fire is always a favourite, along with Mum’s homemade granola and bacon and eggs for breakfast.
Pizza night is another tradition we all look forward to, as well as feeding the farm animals. They are simple things, but they have become such a memorable part of our family holidays.
What do your children gain from spending time on the farm and being closer to nature?
They love the freedom of playing outside until late in the evening, often with other children they have met on the farm.
They also learn so much about animals and what it means to live and work on a real farm. They have had opportunities to feed orphaned calves and lambs and hear directly from the farmers about their day-to-day lives.
It gives them a kind of independence and connection to nature that can be difficult to find at home.
What do you enjoy most as parents?
We love sitting outside the tent with cups of fresh coffee in the morning, looking out over the beautiful countryside. It gives us the chance to slow down, talk and spend quality time together without the usual distractions of everyday life.
Some of our favourite moments are the quiet ones, when everyone is relaxed and there is nowhere else we need to be.
Do you have a favourite Feather Down memory or location?
We have loved all of our stays and have returned to some farms many times, so it is difficult to choose just one.
What stands out most is the warmth and generosity of the farmers. Some go above and beyond by offering homemade meals or inviting the children to become involved in farm life.
All the locations have been wonderful, with plenty to do both on the farm and in the surrounding area
What would you say to a family considering their first Feather Down holiday?
Go for it — you won’t regret it!
***Photo of Kathrin and family***
We want to say a big thank you to Kathrin for taking the time to share her family memories and thoughts with us, and we look forward to welcoming you for many more stays in the future!
