TRAVELRAGS

Hertfordshire

2 stories · 2 publicationsRSS

National GeographicAug 11, 2026

10 best English farm stays to escape the city

Once offering just a traditional bed and breakfast, the farm stay has evolved into one of the UK’s fastest-growing travel trends. Across the country, historic estates, regenerative farms and vineyards ...

19 things in this story
  • TewinburyHotelFamily-run estate with 700 acres of fields and woodland
  • Cowshed RestaurantRestaurant
  • Granary KitchenRestaurant
  • Stable BarRestaurant
  • Elsewhere
  • FowlescombeHotelDevon, United Kingdom450-acre estate with Michelin Guide-rated restaurant
  • The RefectoryCaféDevon, United KingdomFarm's Michelin Guide-rated restaurant run by chef Elly Wentworth
  • ThymeHotelGloucestershire, United KingdomCountry estate in the Cotswolds with Ox Barn restaurant
  • Ox BarnRestaurantGloucestershire, United KingdomRestaurant where menu items come from the grounds
  • Bertioli spaPlaceGloucestershire, United KingdomSpa treatments draw on botanicals from water meadows
  • The NewtAttractionSomerset, United KingdomWorking farmland estate with a 17th-century Georgian manor
  • RathfinnyRestaurantEast Sussex, United KingdomWorking wine estate on the South Downs with vineyard tours
  • Fritton LakeSightNorfolk, United KingdomTwo-mile expanse of wild water on Somerleyton estate
  • Somerleyton estateHotelNorfolk, United Kingdom5,000-acre estate with rewilded marshes and woodland
  • The ClubhouseHotelNorfolk, United KingdomFormer 16th-century inn with eight cottage-cosy rooms
  • LoumaHotelDorset, United Kingdom100 acres of regenerative farmland in west Dorset
  • Heckfield PlaceHotelHampshire, United Kingdom438 acres with a biodynamic farm and market garden
  • WildsmithPlaceHampshire, United KingdomToiletries inspired by Heckfield Place's estate
  • ThornfalconHotelSomerset, United Kingdom40-acre farm stay producing award-winning cider
  • Tudor Farmhouse HotelHotelGloucestershire, United Kingdom13th-century converted farmhouse in Clearwell village
Read the full piece at National Geographic →

The GuardianJul 18

20 brilliant UK family days out for summer

From 100,000 sunflowers in Gower and cosmic art in Galloway to a bat safari and messing about in boats, there’s enough here to keep you and the kids busy till September At the westernmost tip of the Gower peninsula, Rhossili Bay is a gloriously wide sweep of sand, backed by dunes and licked with waves perfect for bodyboarding and surfing. Wild ponies graze on the southern headland, while walker…

25 things in this story
  • Henry Moore Studio & GardensMuseumSculptor's former home and studios, with works displayed outdoors.
  • Elsewhere
  • Kynren: the Storied LandsFestivalBishop Auckland, United KingdomDaytime counterpart to Kynren, journey through time and legend.
  • Kew GardensGardenLondon, United KingdomDisplays 30 Henry Moore sculptures until January 2027.
  • Rhossili BayViewpointGower, United KingdomWide sweep of sand, perfect for bodyboarding and surfing.
  • Worm's HeadSightGower, United KingdomSerpent-like promontory, time tide to avoid getting cut off.
  • Moors Valley country parkParkDorset, United KingdomGiant ant nests, snake pits, hawks, spiders, play trail.
  • North Downs WayTrailSurrey Hills, United KingdomLinks vineyards for wine hikes and scenic walks.
  • Albury VineyardSightGuildford, United KingdomOffers a self-guided wildlife walk through the vines.
  • Denbies Wine EstateSightDorking, United KingdomBoard the vineyard train or explore walking loops.
  • Moray FirthSightInverness, United KingdomHome to about 200 bottlenose dolphins.
  • Scottish Dolphin CentreCaféSpey Bay, United KingdomFormer fishing station with dolphin exhibition and ice house tours.
  • Salts MillMuseumSaltaire, United KingdomFormer textile mill, now a cultural hub with Hockney art.
  • Quentin Blake Centre for IllustrationMuseumClerkenwell, United KingdomPermanent home for illustration art in an 18th-century waterworks.
  • Magdalen Hill Down nature reserveNature reserveWinchester, United KingdomChalk grassland, wildflower meadows, woodland for butterfly counting.
  • Caldey IslandSightPembrokeshire, United KingdomMonastic island with chocolate, perfume, lighthouse, and beaches.
  • Kynren – An Epic Tale of EnglandFestivalBishop Auckland, United KingdomOutdoor show with 1,000 cast members, history and legend.
  • Bat Safari Punting tourPlaceCambridge, United KingdomPunting tour along the River Cam to spot bats.
  • Sea Lanes Canary WharfSightLondon, United Kingdom50-metre six-lane pool designed for swimming lengths.
  • Royal Docks Summer SplashSightLondon, United KingdomFree paddling pool, deckchairs, and sandpits for younger children.
  • Dyfi Osprey ProjectSightMachynlleth, United KingdomObservatory tower near nest to watch osprey chicks.
  • Sherwood PinesTrailNottinghamshire, United KingdomWoods with mountain biking trails and a family loop.
  • St Monans tidal poolSightSt Monans, United KingdomTidal pool on the Fife coast, revamped by community projects.
  • Pittenweem tidal poolSightPittenweem, United KingdomTidal pool on the Fife coast, funds upkeep with mini golf.
  • Peace MuseumMuseumSaltaire, United Kingdom
  • Cliff LakesSightStaffordshire, United Kingdom
Read the full piece at The Guardian →
↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close