Farm Glamping: (2021)

Near to Dartmoor in Devon, England, Puddleduck Valley has fun, very much family friendly, glamping and conventional style eco-friendly accommodation in a truly lovely part of the West Country. It’s a real kid’s favourite, with so much to explore around the farm and surrounding woodland and many fun activities. For adults of a certain age too it will bring back happy memories of childhood holidays in the countryside before the era of computers and smartphones. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are four accommodation choices: -Two large glamping yurts; the larger sleeps up to 6 and comes with its own private bathroom, while the smaller of the two can sleep up to four and has access to an external bathroom. Guests at both yurts have full access to the kitchen and lounge area of the main farmhouse. -Then there is The Stables, a converted stone barn holiday cottage which can sleep up to 5 and has a lounge and a fully equipped kitchen. -And finally The King Suite, a more conventional choice upstairs in the renovated 17th-century farmhouse. It can sleep up to four and also comes with its own lounge and fully equipped kitchen. There is also plenty of outside space for all to use with plenty of seating, play areas and barbecue facilities, and well behaved pets are allowed to stay too! THE FARM: The small farm has a herd of friendly goats as well as hens and rabbits, all of which are well used to guests and children will certainly enjoy meeting them. There is a pond at the farm and there is access to the many acres of lovely woodland next door owned by the National Trust. Many activities are organized at the farm and families are welcome to partake in as much or as little as they like. Things like egg collecting, fishing, pond dipping, woodland walks, wildlife spotting, face painting etc. etc. THE LOCATION: The location is perfect for exploring the wilds of Dartmoor less than a half hour to the south by car, and there are some lovely beaches about the same distance away to the north at Bude. The Hartland Cornwall & Devon Heritage Coast is closer still and has READ MORE

Le Clos du Grand Bois, Burgundy, offers quirky glamping accommodation on its extensive vineyard and cattle farm near the village of Lugny, also known as the little capital of the upper Macon area (the town of Macon itself, the real capital, is 20km away). The ‘rooms’ are in the form of wine bottle inspired cabins that can sleep up to four people, cosily, but surprisingly comfortably. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have five ‘barrels’ in total, all of them identical, beside the main farmhouse. As mentioned they can sleep up to four, on one double bed and two singles, and though the beds are very comfortable early risers may want to take any indulgent morning leg stretching routines to the little terrace outside. There are communal bathrooms and showers etc. at the farmhouse, all of them clean and modern plus there are communal spaces there too, a lounge area with a pool table and table football, and the dining room where you will be treated to a fine breakfast every morning in the company of the other guests. The atmosphere here is friendly and warm, mainly thanks to the hosts enthusiasm for their guests and for their wine making craft. Educational vineyard and cellar tours are offered along with wine tasting. The owners, the Lafarge family, are one of the oldest families in the area and have been producing Burgundy wines since the 17th century, so they know a great deal about wine, and about the history of wine in this, one of the world’s premier wine producing regions. Their wines you of course are welcome to sample, and to buy, at any time, and you can also arrange full home cooked meals to accompany them at the farmhouse alongside the other guests, just try and give the hosts at least a days notice if you’d like to join. The cooking is traditional Burgundy fare using quality local ingredients as much as possible. You can wander around the farm and vineyards yourself too and take in the peace and quiet, or head off into the nearby little village of Lughy or the ancient woodlands that surround. THE LOCATION: Lugny is but a small READ MORE

Burren Glamping has room for up to 6 in a creatively converted horse trailer on an organic farm near the Cliffs of Moher, Co.Clare, Ireland. Cleverly laid out, the glamping is surprisingly spacious and comfortable, and it gets heated nicely with the wood burning stove. Kids will especially enjoy the experience as well as the chance to roam the farm and interact the animals which include saddleback pigs, donkeys, beef cattle, hens and ducks. THE ACCOMMODATION: Converting a horse truck into living accommodation is not an easy or obvious thing to do but they have done it with style. There are two double beds plus a sofa that can be converted into two single beds at night time. It’s perfectly warm with the wood burning stove while also being fully insulated. There is a good bathroom too with an electric shower, and there is WiFi throughout. Outside the truck there is nice little balcony type seating area plus down the steps a patio area with even more seating. There is also a barbecue at the farmhouse which you are free to use. You don’t have much of a kitchen there, just a kettle, a sink and  toaster, but the friendly owners serve you up a terrific traditional breakfast in the morning using their own free range eggs and pork. THE FARM: At the farm there is a small herd of beef cattle, a pair of donkeys, Saddleback pigs, some hens and ducks, all free range of course and from where, as mentioned, you get most of your breakfast from. There is also a poly-tunnel at the farm where they grow various fruits and vegetables and the whole place is organic and eco-friendly, with the welfare of the animals being paramount. The truck is right in the middle of the farm near a quite well preserved Iron Age Fort (Tullagh Ringfort) and is beautifully peaceful and quiet at nighttime. If you’re coming from a city you will also surely marvel at the lack of light pollution and the opportunity to see the stars like never before. THE LOCATION: Just outside the village of Kilfenora in Ireland’s famous Burren Region the location READ MORE

Near the town of Meadview, in the wilds of northern Arizona, U.S.A., and just outside the Grand Canyon National Park, this is a great old style dude ranch that takes you right back to the 19th century, but with more modern comforts. It has a number of cosy cabins around the main ranch house, all comfortable and clean, and furnished in that classic, rustic western style; with wooden log walls and ceilings. They all have their own entrance too, and come with private bathroom, a study desk and fireplace. It also rents a couple of glamping tents with much the same facilities, except for the private bathrooms. Horseback riding is a big attraction here, with some great guided tours in the surrounding countryside where, if you like, you can also organize over night camping stays. You can organize horse drawn wagon rides too, buffalo safaris, night time cook outs around the camp fire and helicopter rides around the nearby Grand Canyon. In the main ranch house you’ll find plenty of excellent food cooked all day and served up in the dining room by an open fire, and there’s also the Diamond Bar with a good selection of wines and beers and live country music most evenings. The nearest airport is Grand Canyon West Airport, less than 20 miles away. Note: No WiFi! WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Superb! Be prepared – there is no wifi, no television and limited cell phone connection 😉 but there are also wonderful hours singing at the fire, amazing helicopter rides into the Grand Canyon and a marvellous night sky with millions of stars. One of the best stays of our holiday!…” “Fabulous. We loved this place – really cool campfire set up, great wagon tents & bathrooms, great company and staff were very helpful….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE GRAND CANYON DUDE RANCH: READ MORE

For those who’d like to add a little quirkiness to their Icelandic farm holiday or horse riding experience, in the shadow of Esjan Mountain near Reykjavik, some unique glamping style accommodation awaits you. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is in the form of converted city buses which are cosy and cute and can sleep up to four people on one double bed and one bunk bed. The space is tight there’s no denying but clever design allows for something of a seating area, including dining table, and a kitchenette. They are all rather nicely decorated and come with heating and WiFi. There are no private bathrooms on the buses but just outside is the ‘Bath Bus’ which you’ll clean, warm and well equipped. Outside too you’ll find picnic tables and a barbecue where you can socialize with your fellow guests. The farm is a working farm with sheep and Icelandic horses and horse riding trips can be arranged around the surrounding countryside. Esjan mountain, from where the farm gets its name, towers above and the surroundings have a beautifully wild feel to them. THE LOCATION: Though just across the bay from the city of Reykjavik the surroundings, like most of rural Iceland, have a wild, frontier like feel to them. It’s a great place for long hikes, especially around Esjan Mountain which though generally referred to as a single mountain is more a series of volcanic peaks with the tallest reaching over 900 meters (3,000 feet) and they generally have tremendous views over the sea and Reykjavik in the distance. The location is also less than twenty minutes from the Golden Circle many other of Iceland’s natural wonders; the awesome Þingvellir National Park for example, the Geyser, the Blue Lagoon and many hot springs and lava fields. Public transport is limited in this area so it’s recommended you come by car or taxi with the journey from Reykjavik taking no more than a half an hour. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place is AMAZING!!!! The landscape is stunning, the buses are so cool – you can tell that they put a lot of thought and effort into the renovations. They have READ MORE

Rock Farm Slane, Co. Meath, Ireland, has a lot going on: It’s an eco-friendly, organic agritourism farmstay & activity centre with luxury glamping tents, yurts and huts on a section of the Slane Castle estate that stretches for 1.5km along the banks of the River Boyne. The long track down to the farm takes in views of Slane Village and the Hill of Slane beyond as you wind through fields of barley, forestry, cows, chickens and horses to the Limehouse Ecolodge beyond which has been built out of straw from the barley around. The Farm Office has a small shop selling organic meat and eggs from the farm as well as a few specials from the Slane Food Circle and other great local producers, including ice cream, cheese and local vegetables. A short walk from there you’ll find the glamping in a lovely woodland glade with views across the river valley to Slane Castle beyond. You can choose between their great selection of different sized yurts and huts, which all give access to a large shared kitchen, and all of which have their own seating area. And outside there is a hot tub and barbecue facilities. There’s plenty to do around the farm too, especially for kids, with organised rafting and kayaking, bikes for hire, tree climbing and straw bale making. And they also have a wellness centre with various therapies such as reiki, aromatherapy massage, hot stone massage and reflexology. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Castle View, cute animals on the farm, cosy shepherds hut. Awesome hot tub, lit by candlelight and the moon and stars….” “Loved everything! Amazing sunrise from the window of our ‘bedroom’! Great staff explained everything. Very comfortable bed. Will come back with more time for sure….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT ROCK FARM:   READ MORE

Just outside the lovely village of Godshill, this is a very peaceful Isle of Wight farmstay with self catering accommodation on a lovely organic farm surrounded by lush green countryside. The Accommodation: They have lovely self catering cottages as well as a glamping style shepherds hut on the farm. You’ll find them all to be clean, comfortable and tastefully furnished. The cottages have two and three bedrooms, a lounge area with flat screen TV and WiFi, bathrooms and a private entrance. The Shepherds Hut is one double bedroom and though obviously a little tight on space it still has a small kitchenette and seating area, and a wood burning stove. It has hot water too and its own private compostable toilet, and you are welcome to use the shower and kitchen facilities at the farmhouse. Though the accommodation is self catering a nice breakfast can be arranged at the main farmhouse each morning for an extra charge. The Farm: The farm is particularly nice, with classic Isle of Wight meadow fields, an orchard grove and a range of animals including  horses, sheep, llamas and pigs. There is plenty of outdoor space to relax around the farm too and guests can explore as much as they like and get to meet some of the animals. You’ll find a millpond at the farm too which attracts a wide variety of wildfowl. The Location: The Isle Of Wight, and particularly this location, has much to offer the visitor. The farmstay is right outside the picturesque village of Godshill and within easy reach of many attractions, and a good base for many activities; country walks, cycling, coarse angling, horse riding and golf. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for example, is a nice, novel day out, especially for children, and just a mile away from the farmstay, while the Ventnor Botanic Garden is about five miles away. The chalk cliffs and downs of the lovely Tennyson Coast, and the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty too are less than 20 minutes drive. Golfers can use the nearby Ventnor golf course, and there is also a horse riding school in the local area, just ask READ MORE

Posh Huts has some very cute and unique glamping hut accommodation on a peaceful farm in Falstone, Northumberland, very close to both Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water. THE ACCOMMODATION: The wooden shepherd’s huts are a modern day version of some very traditional style accommodation. In olden days the shepherds of Northumberland would stay on the farm during lambing season, sometimes being away for days on end, hence the need for a comfortable, secure base that could be easily moved when needed. Falstone Farm has four modern versions of them made from wood and steel, and with more modern insulation. They are nicely decorated too and though obviously small they are surprisingly comfortable. They are fully heated, and have a kitchen, cute seating area and one double bedroom. If you don’t feel like cooking you can arrange meals to be cooked for you and for an order of freshly baked bread to be delivered to your hut each morning. For guests who value a sense of escape; there’s no TV and no WiFi! THE LOCATION: Falstone Farm is a wonderful base for exploring this very historic and beautiful region.  It is very near the famous Hadrian’s Wall, as well as a host of other Roman ruins too, such as Chesters, Birdoswald  and Vindolanda. Kielder Water, Europe’s largest man made lake is just up the road too along with its gorgeous forest park. More natural beauty can be found on the windswept moors of the Northumberland National Park which offers great mountain biking and hill walking, and the coast of Northumberland is equally inspiring, especially the ancient monastery at Lindisfare’s Holy Island, and the Farne Islands with their abundance of sea birds. There is much more to be seen and felt too, just ask at the farm for recommendations, they can arrange tours of the local area for you as well as bike hire. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Well organised arrival and departure and easy to find. The shower was a good size and the kitchen area was small but well-equipped. Although it went down to zero degrees during our stay we remained toasty warm (without even using the logs in the wood READ MORE

Kimaro Farm, near Colmery has luxury glamping safari tents, for up to six people, hidden away in some of Burgundy, France’s loveliest countryside. The tents are spacious and well equipped, and all come with a small kitchen, bathroom and heating. The farmland around is completely idyllic; with woodland, meadow fields and orchards where a great assortment of things are grown; pears, plums, cherries, grapes, figs, hazelnuts, blackberries, raspberries and more. Guests can collect fresh eggs from the hen house for breakfast every morning and spend their days wandering through the meadows and the forests or just lazing with a picnic by the lake. THE ACCOMMODATION: In the meadow fields with plenty of privacy are the wooden framed, colonial style, safari tents. They have one four poster double bed, one standard double bed, two bunk beds, seating, a kitchen and dining table, a bathroom, and heating in the form of a gas stove. There is also a romantic old style claw foot bathtub in the tent and outside there is a swinging couch on the private veranda which also has space for lounging and dining. As mentioned, the accommodation has a kitchen and so is self catering but if you want to really relax, the friendly owners can sometimes cook meals for you, and can also recommend some good local restaurants and cafes. In peak season, i.e. July & August, there is a minimum stay of seven nights (Saturday to Saturday) with a minimum stay of 2 nights the rest of the year. THE LOCATION: Just outside the little town of Colmery in the Nièvre department of Burgundy, Kimaro is as idyllically peaceful and rural a place as you can ever imagine. There is much farmland around here, and vineyards too of course, but also much woodland. Burgundy in general is one of the most highly wooded regions in the country with an estimated 30% of its area covered in trees. Thus it has a slightly wilder feel than most of France’s other agricultural regions, and is also very rich in native wildlife. There is a large forest just beside the farm in fact with hiking trails running through it and much READ MORE

Clos Masure is a B&B farm stay near Rouen, Normandy, France, that offers a unique glamping holiday experience. The accommodation is in the form of fairy tale like wooden cabins high up in the beech trees that children, or romantic couples, will be especially enchanted by. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have five thatched treehouses to sleep up to five people. All of them are sturdy and well designed with access via wooden staircases and walkways built high up around the trees. There are varying numbers of beds, plus indoor and outdoor seating/dining areas  from where you can catch glimpses of many animals and birds which tend to go unnoticed from ground level; squirrels, woodpeckers and night time owls for example. The accommodation is B&B and you’ll the friendly owners provide you with a top class fresh breakfast to start your day with. Other meals, both hot and cold can also be provided throughout the day with a bit of advanced notice. Safety might of course be a concern with young children and you’re naturally advised to keep an eye on them more so than in conventional accommodation even though you’ll find all areas carefully fenced and secured. The property is a farm stay and so has a fully working farm which guests are welcome to explore. They have a large herd of dairy cattle, a flock of hens and also produce a variety of crops; wheat, rapeseed, sugar beet, flax and corn. THE LOCATION: The farm stay is just 40km from the famously beautiful city of Rouen and in the heart of some peaceful green Normandy countryside. For those of you not familiar Rouen is Normandy’s capital and a popular place with tourists due in no small part to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, a magnificent sight in the center of the city and one which was once much appreciated by the iconic impressionist painter Claude Monet. Popular with tourists but not oppressively it is also a busy, vibrant city in its own right, with fine restaurants and cafes and makes for a good initial introduction to the architecture, culture and cuisine of the Normandy region. Rural Normandy though is also a major READ MORE

For something a little different, what about staying in a caravan on an ostrich farm? At Les Roulottes de la Ferme de l’Autruche Dromoise you can do just that! This unusual but very enjoyable farmstay is in Livron-sur-Drôme, 14 km from Valence in the South of the Rhone Alpes region, not far from Provence. Their very clean and comfortable caravans come with private bathroom, kitchenette, a seating area inside and out, a flat-screen TV and WiFi. The farm has a nice outdoor swimming pool and the surrounding area is great for exploring with cycling, horse riding and fishing all to be enjoyed nearby. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The place is beautiful, it’s really nice to wake up, open the door and see the ostriches….” “The caravan is really cute! And the place, as the animals, really well cared for….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT FERME DE L’AUTRUCHE DROMOISE: READ MORE

For a farm stay with a difference, Yapham Holds Farm has some cute glamping huts on its small farm in the lovely green countryside of East Yorkshire, England, about 10 miles from York City, and about an hour by car from Scarborough. The cabins are small but perfectly formed and surprisingly comfortable. They all have a sofa-bed, a TV and DVD player, a little veranda outside as well as their own picnic table, and you can rent a grill from the farm if you need. All the huts are heated too and have access to the shared bathroom and toilets on site. Note: Dogs are welcome for a small extra charge, but with a maximum of two per guest. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Amazing: Loved every second.. first time I’ve been clamping and already planning my next trip here, lovely owner.. quite.. close to amenities, best sleep I had in ages….” “Fabulous. Friendly & informative hosts. Very clean & well kept grounds & shower/WC. Pods were great, with a few little luxuries such as TV/DVD, heater & lighting so an upgrade from traditional camping. Very peaceful & quiet….” >>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT YAPHAM HOLDS FARM:     READ MORE

Mount Bundy Station offers a friendly, enjoyable farm stay experience by the banks of the Adelaide River, near Darwin, in Australia‘s far north. It is on the route between Darwin and the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, and so sees quite a few visitors both for farm tours and for over night stays on its huge working cattle farm station. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a whole range of accommodation options for up to eight people per unit, a mixture of rooms, self-catering cottages and glamping tents. And all come with access to a large shared kitchen. The friendly staff at the tour desk can help you with a day tour around the farm, on horse back if you like, or a days fishing. And if you don’t feel like cooking in the morning you can buy a good breakfast pack at reception. Note: There is no WiFi! THE LOCATION: The farm is a good base for exploring the popular Adelaide River area and the Litchfield National Park. The park is about 20 miles away and you can organize day trips direct from the farm by 4WD. Highlights include hiking around the creeks, bathing in the Florence and Wangi Falls and swimming in its many rock holes. Another nice trip is to take a 4WD tour around the thermal pools of Butterfly Gorge, where you can take a swim and watch out for its abundance of wildlife, especially birdlife. And there are many more places to see in this wonderful natural environment. Horse riding trips can also be organized closer to home; you can visit the nearby Robin Falls along Dorat Rd for example and explore some lovely peaceful countryside along the way.  The farm owners are always on hand with good recommendations and can organize it all for you. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Great location and atmosphere! The bar and pizzas are fantastic! Lots of animals around and close enough to Litchfield National Park. We loved it!…” “Wonderful Family Weekend Away! We loved the atmosphere, the staff, the pizzas, the bar and the pool! we had a great family weekend away and will definitely return!…” >> CLICK HERE TO READ READ MORE

Criffel Station offers a fabulous farmstay experience in Wanaka, Otago, South Island New Zealand, where you can choose to stay in self catering cottages or glamping teepees on their huge, 2000 hectacre, farm with herds of red deer, alpacas and sheep. This part of Otago is wildly beautiful, serene and peaceful and the views from the farm are stunning, including views over the famous Lake Wanaka itself. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two self catering traditional cottages and a range of glamping tents to choose from. The cottages have three bedrooms, one double and two twin, and can sleep up to six people. They are modern and comfortable inside, with a good sized lounge area and a well equipped kitchen, but still retain a nice old fashioned charm. One (the Shearer’s Cottage) has a private porch outside, and with each cottage you’ll find plenty of space to be enjoyed in the gardens and the large farm. The glamping tents are teepee style and can fit up to six people. They are spacious, airy and comfortable and have seats inside as well as outside, where you’ll also find a barbecue area with picnic tables and hammocks. THE FARM: The farm is an interesting place; it’s a deer farm which has a large herd of European red deer, a fairly unusual sight in New Zealand. From their herd they produce quality venison, and they also keeps bees, alpacas and sheep. It’s also extremely large and is a wonderful place to explore. The owners are enthusiastic about farming and about the natural environment and they can organize informative farm tours for you where you’ll also get a chance to feed the animals, take photos etc.. There is also an on site farm shop from where you can buy some of their own food products to take home. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is just outside Wanaka, around six miles from the town centre in fact, and the farm has great views over Lake Wanaka itself. For those in the know, Wanaka is quite special, and sees a lot of tourists and outdoor adventure types. It is beside the South Island Alps and the Mount Aspiring National READ MORE

Near to St. Etienne and among the high plains of Haute-Loire, Auvergne France, this unusual farmstay has very cute self-catering accommodation for up to four people in wooden caravans, surrounded by vegetable gardens and a small working farm. THE ACCOMMODATION: The caravans are more comfortable than you might imagine and they come with a kitchen, a dining area and each has their own private bathroom and shower. You can also order meals from the farmhouse; The owners are excellent cooks and and have a range of local specialities that you can try, and if you want to cook some yourself they can even offer free cooking lessons! THE FARM: The small farm has a number of dairy cows and ducks and grows potatoes and a number of other vegetables. There is also a playground on the farm and games for kids to play. And they will also entertain themselves by meeting some of the animals. THE LOCATION: Chomelix is in the Haute-Loire, Auvergne department (now amalgamated to form Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes), high on the Massif Central, traditionally thought of as France’s most isolated and poor region. Much of the area is around 1,000 meters above sea level and it can get snowbound frequently in winter. Still though it can be a truly gorgeous place for nature lovers; with wild and mysterious stretches full of dark forests and rocky hills. Chomelix itself is a slight step away from much of the barrenness of the Massif Central, and is a nice, unassuming little village, surrounded by farmland and forested hills, and has a gentle, relaxed pace of life. It sits at the edge of the Livradois-Forez National Park though and so you’ll find plenty of hiking in wild scenery, and it’s also not far from the spectacular Volcans d’Auvergne Park. The village itself wouldn’t be much visited by tourists but others in the area are: The main regional town Le Puy-en-Velay is a spectacular sight with its theatrical conical hills, and about 30 km away from the farmstay. Allegre, nearer still at about 10 km away is a pretty town with much history and has a nice position on the slopes of the Baury Volcano. READ MORE

Le Clos du Quesnay is a truly lovely farm B&B in a restored 19th-century farmhouse near Rouen, Normandy, France, and within driving distance of both Le Harve and Calais. They have a range of accommodation in the main farmhouse as well as some glamping style gypsy caravans in the extensive gardens. You’ll find the owners helpful and friendly and they are great cooks too. THE ACCOMMODATION: There is a choice of five rooms; doubles, and suites for up to four people (one double bed & two singles), plus 4 lovely gypsy caravans in the grounds outside. All the rooms are very comfortable and come with all modern conveniences; private bathroom, flat screen TV and WiFi. The gypsy caravans can fit up to three people with one double bed and one sofa bed in the lounge area. They have a nice bathroom and a small dining area inside, plus a porch and patio area outside with seating. At the main farmhouse there is a common lounge with board games, TV and fireplace plus there is a separate dining area. The accommodation is B&B but they also serve up meals throughout the day. Their multi course evening dinners are really fantastic for example and are a great way to meet other guests while enjoying some good wholesome Norman food. The gardens are really lovely, it is a former farm and there is a full 10 acres to be enjoyed, all of it beautifully landscaped with lawns, flower beds and orchard trees. There is also a large children’s playground, barbecue facilities and an area to play the traditional French game of pétanque. THE LOCATION: Le Clos du Quesnay is around 40km east of of the city of Rouen, and Monet’s favourite cathedral, less than an hour’s drive from Dieppe on the Normandy coast, and about 100km from Paris. The area is known as the Pays de Bray and it is classic Normandy countryside; green fields and pretty small towns, including the famous spa town of Forges-les-Eaux. There are a couple of very beautiful chateaux nearby too at Vascoeuil and Martainville and plenty of opportunities for cycling, horse riding and hiking, especially around the nearby Forêt READ MORE

The homely Agriturismo Fattoria La Prugnola has a great variety of accommodation, including glamping style yurts and a tree house, on an organic, eco-friendly olive farm in the gentle hills of Montescudaio, near Pisa in Tuscany’s upper Maremma/northern Maremma region. The location is idyllic; it is very much surrounded by nature and in its isolated setting you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside all the way down to the famous Etruscan Coast and the sea beyond. THE ACCOMMODATION: There really is a great choice at this agriturismo with cottages, apartments, yurts and a tree house available for up to eight people per unit. So much so that to describe them all individually would take some time but suffice to say that they are all charming in their own way. You’ll find them well equipped, comfortable, clean and cosy, and all have all a nice rustic, Tuscan farmhouse feel to them, with much antique furniture, wood beamed ceilings and soothing pastel shades. Their 5 yurts are not by any means traditional Tuscan of course but they are beautifully put together, spacious and homely. And they are also nicely furnished, blending well some of those same rustic farmhouse touches with the more colourful and exotic ‘walls and ceilings’ of the Central Asian origin yurt. Four of them can sleep up to four people, using one double bed and one double sofa bed, while the largest of them can sleep up to five people with the help of an extra sofa bed. They all too have their own external, private bathrooms. The cosy, romantic tree house is a special property too, and very much sought after, be aware that minimum stay restrictions apply over the summer; in June to September the minimum stay is three nights while in July and August it is one week, from Saturday to Saturday. The treehouse is made entirely of wood and built around a large oak tree. It is small with just a double bed, a bedside table and wardrobe but it also has a very nice outdoor terrace with table and chairs, which offers some unique views of the woods and if you’re lucky READ MORE

Near Emsworth, Hampshire, and close to the cities of Chichester and Portsmouth, this friendly, welcoming farm stay has luxury glamping huts on its 16 acre farm that keeps a number of horses and free range hens. THE ACCOMMODATION: The glamping tents are in the form of yurts, or what some may possibly describe as teepee style. They come with a king size bed and plenty of space both inside and out where you’ll find a nice private decking area with seating and a gas powered barbecue. Inside the yurt there is also a seating/dining area, a mini ‘pop up’ kitchen, wood burning stove, en-suite bathroom and WiFi. The accommodation is self catering but the friendly owners can provide you with breakfast and dinner hampers as required. Note: Only children over the age of 5 are allowed. THE LOCATION: The farm is in the south east of Hampshire, near the town  of Emsworth, a lively market town and a popular venue for sailing, with plenty of cafes, pubs, shops and restaurants.  Wildlife spotters and bird watchers might enjoy a day out at nearby Brook Meadow, a wildlife conservation area with 5 acres of grassland and two small rivers surrounded by woods. The city of Chichester in West Sussex with its 12th century cathedral is just over ten miles away, and around the same distance is the city of Portsmouth. London is about an hour away depending on the traffic and there are also numerous trains running from London and Portsmouth to Emsworth station. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Fab stay! Debbie was so welcoming and accommodating (even running us down some ketchup for our bbq!). The Yurts are lovely inside and get so cosy and warm with the wood burner going 🙂 The setting is picturesque and very peaceful…..” “A private ensuite bathroom with hot running water was a luxury you don’t usually have when camping and toiletries were also supplied which was a pleasant surprise. A huge comfy bed and the indoor and outdoor wood burners ensured we were kept warm after the sun went down….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE OLD DAIRY FARM: READ MORE

This very popular farm stay is on the Isle of Wight, England, only five miles from the main town of Sandown, and can offer a range of lovely self catering stone cottages and glamping style yurts in beautifully peaceful rural surroundings. The farm itself is quite famous for its production of garlic products, especially, garlic beer! The Accommodation: All their cosy cottages are fully equipped in every way, with a nice kitchen, lounge with TV and WiFi, and varying numbers of bedrooms. The glamping yurts can accommodate up to four people and it too has its own cooking facilities, both inside and out, as well as a seating area and a hammock. There is a farmhouse restaurant at the property too where you can order top quality meals for breakfast and lunch. Outside you’ll find a large garden with barbecue facilities and a full tennis court, surrounded on all sides by green meadows and small patches of woodland. The Farm: Their lovely farm has a number of animals including a herd of highland cattle, hens, guinea fowl and even peacocks. But, what really makes Mersley Farm stand out is garlic. They make a great range of garlic products at the farm, including even a unique garlic beer, which has became very famous in these parts in recent years. They have their own farm shop selling these as well as other good fresh produce, from the farm itself and from other sources on the Isle of Wight. The Location: The area around the farm is idyllic, richly rural farming country; it’s wonderful to explore by bike or on foot and you can find a whole series of footpaths around the farm that will take you deeper still into the countryside. There are plenty of activities to be enjoyed in the local area too including fishing, sailing, windsurfing and horse riding; just ask at the farm, they’ll have plenty of advice and recommendations. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Exceptional: Really well equipped property, everything you could think. The patio area adjoining the property was great too. The animals on the grounds are a great touch too. Delicious local or garlic farm reared produce on READ MORE

Less than 20 minutes walk from Kérou Beach near Lorient, Brittany, France, this glamping farm stay offers cute accommodation in caravans and yurts among green fields with plenty of space for picnics and barbecues. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have three quite impressive large yurts with heating that can sleep up to four people each. They’re all nicely furnished, and decorated with a somewhat exotic pan asian style. You’ll have one double and two single beds, a small seating area there and full access to the shared bathroom, shower room and full kitchen and dining room at the main farmhouse. There is also the very cute wooden gypsy caravan at the farm. It is also heated and comes with one double and one single bed, a study desk and small seating area, and an en-suite bathroom with shower. And again just like the yurts guests here have full access to the sociable shared kitchen and dining room. There are also barbecue facilities, and outdoor furniture, at the farm that everyone is of course welcome to use. They can serve you a nice continental breakfast too for a small extra charge and they can arrange picnic hampers and packed lunches for those of you who want to get out and about. And, to help you out even more they also arrange bike rental including electric bike rental. THE LOCATION: The farm is about half an hour’s drive from Lorient in southern Brittany, and is in the middle of some lush, verdant countryside. About 13 km north you’ll come to the lovely town of Quimperlé, a tourist favourite in southern Brittany, with a lovely old town and plenty of medieval history. The nearest beach, as mentioned before, is at Kérou, a 15-20 minute walk down through some lovely country lanes. Kérou, like a lot of the beaches on Brittany’s south coast, is more favoured by surfers than swimmers with some pretty big waves rolling in from the Atlantic. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “The Yurts were excellent, very clean and tidy with plenty of room for three mature gentlemen. The owners were a real delight, thank you for having us. I’ll be back with my wife….” READ MORE

La Roulotte de Manon is a very cute, family friendly, glamping farm stay near Rouen in the heart of rural Normandy, France. THE ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation is a gorgeously old fashioned gypsy caravan sitting at the edge of the farm pond. It can fit up to five people, with a double bed at the back and two sofa beds in the lounge area. It is small of course but very cosy. It has a bathroom, and a useful kitchenette including a microwave. It’s fully heated too, has a small TV, a nice little porch area and barbecue facilities outside. THE FARM: The farm has horses, ponies, hens and goats, and guests are very welcome to tour the farm and meet the animals. They grow various vegetables too and have a large garden area with a children’s playground and plenty of seating around. There is also the pond just outside the caravan which hosts a number of ducks and wildfowl. THE LOCATION: The farmstay is just a half an hour’s drive from the lovely cathedral city of Rouen, one of Normandy’s highlights and a popular stop off on the journey from Paris to the coast. The countryside around is green and fertile and the area has very strong farming traditions. There are some national parks in this part of Normandy too; the woodlands of Forêt Domaniele d’Eawy for example are only about 10km away from the farmstay. A little over a half an hour to the north is the city of Dieppe and the Normandy coastline. There are many fine sights along this part of the coast, the dramatic cliff scenery over Le Treport for example, the impressive 16th-century castle at Eu and many more. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Lots of outdoor space, even in poor weather stuff for kids to do. Very peaceful. Friendly host….” “The Roulotte was very cosy and perfect for a family stay….” >> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT LA ROULOTTE DE MANON:   READ MORE

Das Franzl is a top quality Farm Stay B&B near Lake Wolfgang and Salzburg, with some quirky on site glamping accommodation too. Their little farm has some adorable alpacas and ponies which will be a big hit with children. You’ll find the breakfast here excellent too. THE ACCOMMODATION: They have a range of regular B&B rooms in their very lovely, classic Austrian farmhouse. All of the rooms are stylish and chic with some quirky little interior design features. You’ll find them extremely clean, and super comfortable, and they come with a flat screen TV, DVD player and private bathroom. There is also a cosy self catering apartment which can sleep up to five; two doubles and a single and in the gardens an igloo style glamping tent. The tent has plenty of space, with a double bed, a work desk, seating, a flat screen TV and air-con. Outside too there is a nice wooden deck area with some deck chairs. The farm animals are a nice attraction here, they have some friendly alpacas and miniature ponies that guests are welcome to pet, feed, bring for walks etc. THE LOCATION: The farm stay lies 800 meters from the famous Lake Wolfgang, one of Salzburg’s biggest attractions, with the town of St. Wolfgang being around 3.5 kilometers away (There is a bus stop just down the road from the farm) Water sports are of course popular here as is hiking and cycling (they rent bikes at the farm), and there are great trails right outside the farm that lead up around the hills and offer some magical views. The city of Salzburg can be reached in less than a half an hour by car. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Cutest hotel ever! Even our cat didn’t want to leave. Breakfast was great, the room was gorgeous and very clean. Also nice to see the alpacas roam around….” “My daughter and I loved the glamping dome! It was such a great place to stay, especially being able to lie in bed and look at the stars and all the quirky details that make Das Franzl unique (alpacas, coloured lights, decor). It was ideal being READ MORE

Wacky Stays is just outside Kaikoura on New Zealand’s South Island and has a range of cute glamping accommodation on a working farm which guests are very welcome to explore and get to know some of the animals. You can choose from a colonial wagon, a yurt, a house truck/caravan, a tipi tent, a train carriage and a conventional, less ‘wacky’, two-bedroom farmer’s cottage. THE ACCOMMODATION: The Wagon: It can can sleep up to four, with two single beds and one double which can also be converted into two singles. It also has a small kitchen with a fridge, a microwave, toaster, kettle, etc. There is a small lounge area with a comfortable sofa, a widescreen TV and Blu-Ray/DVD player, air conditioning/ heater and the canvas roof is insulated with sheep’s wool. The Yurt: The 7 meter yurt is the real thing, imported all the way from Mongolia. It sits on a raised and insulated wooden floor and the walls, if that is the right word, are insulated with thick camel hair, which makes it wonderfully cool in summer, and warm in winter. It can sleep four, with one king size bed and two single beds, and separate to the unit, its own private bathroom and shower. The House Truck: The hand-crafted house truck  has a double bed (above the drivers cab),  a compact, well equipped kitchen, a lounge area with flat-screen TV & DVD player and traditional pot bellied stove (and electric heating too), and a toilet & separate shower. The Teepee: The large, 7-metre wide, teepee has, like the yurt, one king size bed and two singles and it too sits on a raised and insulated wooden floor. The walls are made from poly-cotton, waterproof, canvas with a semi insulated second layer. It has a separate bathroom with a shower and toilet. The Carriage: The carriage is a fully restored 1889 train carriage with two bedrooms; one with a double bed and the other with two bunk beds. There is a cute, compact bathroom there too with an antique toilet, sink and shower. The lounge area and kitchen are open plan and come with a TV and DVD player. The Farmer’s Cottage: READ MORE

Climbing out of bed in a luxury glamping tent to the nearby chatter of friendly llamas sounds like a uniquely lovely way to start the day, and even more so when it is in the heart of one of France’s most charming rural regions, the infamous Loire Valley; the Garden of France.  The family friendly & pet friendly Loire Valley Llama Farm Stay, between Le Mans and Tours, offers visitors two Lotus Belle tents on their 17 acre farm with llamas and hens.  All of which are happily free range, and friendly to visitors; this place is not some large commercial farming venture, it is a blissfully peaceful, little rural idyll, with a mixture of pastureland, woodland, (as well as a lake and a stream), and somewhere where the welfare of the farm animals (and the farm guests of course!) comes first. Note: The llama farm is a small intimate affair, with just two tents available to rent, so booking ahead is advised! THE ACCOMMODATION: They have two clean and comfortable rooms at the farmhouse; a double and a twin (one double and one single) and outside in the gardens there are two spacious, nicely furnished, tents offer ‘back to nature’ escapism without the need to sacrifice comfort. The tents have room for up to 4 or 5 sharing, and are made up as either a double bed with a pull out day bed converting to another double, or a King size bed with two single beds. All of them are proper, framed, beds with Egyptian cotton bedding and you’ll find them reliably comfortable every night. You’ll have an insulated PVC layer on the tent windows for the winter as well as a mesh layer on the windows and doors to keep you cool and keep the mosquitoes at bay in the summer.  Plus, from late September, wood log burners are installed in the tents keeping them perfectly warm and cosy. Within 50m you’ll find the renovated barn where the shared bathroom facilities are, and include 2 separate toilets and a shower room. Outside of the tents there is a private seating area plus also, a little farther away, a large communal dining area next to READ MORE

The Donnybrook Eco-Retreat is an off-grid property that provides luxury, safari style, glamping tents in 100 acres of gorgeously peaceful, lush Hunter Valley countryside. THE ACCOMMODATION: There are three tents in total, all of which are doubles with queen size bed. One, the Billabong tent is self-contained with its own kitchenette, and sits by itself by a dam while the other two, the Valley View & Hill View, sit near each other on a small hillside. The latter two tents are linked by raised decks and separated by a lovely cedar clad yurt which has a well equipped kitchen and dining area for the use of guests in both tents. If looking for splendid isolation some might find them a little too close to each other and so will be happier with the Billabong tent, but they do allow for some degree of socializing with other guests if you so wish. Check out your options on the booking page here. The accommodation is self catering but a farm fresh breakfast pack is included in the rate and, as the name suggests, features some organic products straight from their own farm. You’ll find the surrounds remarkably peaceful, especially if you’re coming from Sydney. Feel free to wander around the 100 acres of bush and grassland with its farm animals; sheep, ducks, miniature goats and hens, and a huge amount of local wildlife. You can take a swim in the indoor swimming pool (seasonal), borrow a bike from the retreat, go kayaking or fishing too, and of course there is lots to see in the surrounds; the iconic Hunter Valley. Note: There is no Wifi at the retreat. PRICES: Check out all the details – prices, reviews & more photos on the booking page here. THE LOCATION: Donnybrook Eco is close to the Hunter River and within a half an hour’s drive of some of the most well known towns in the area; Maitland, Paterson and Morpeth for eg., as well as lots of its most famous wineries and restaurants. The journey by car from Sydney should take less than two hours. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “Such a lovely spot with a great view, READ MORE

Papa Yurt at the Terraces is a peaceful glamping farm stay which sits on a hill on Waiheke Island, just off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand, and commands gorgeous views of Putiki bay below. THE ACCOMMODATION: It has a range of luxury yurts to stay in, all of them spacious and clean, with a roof that can be opened up to see the stars, or left closed depending on the weather, a private bathroom with a rainforest shower, a small lounge area, WiFi, a coffee maker, and a private terrace at the front which has reclining chairs/sun loungers and a picnic table. THE FARM: In all the property has 9 acres of land on which there are over 600 olive trees, a fruit orchard and a vegetable garden. They also have a yoga yurt on the grounds where both private and communal sessions can be arranged. THE LOCATION: Waiheke Island, a little more than a half hour ferry trip from Auckland, is well known for its beauty and peaceful charm. The farmstay sits on a hill overlooking the lovely Putiki Bay and the whole area is equally scenic. You’ll find it great for hiking, cycling and of course swimming; with the nearest beach, Palm beach, only about 10 minutes walk away. And, if that sounds a bit too relaxing for you there is always the EcoZip adventure park in Onetangi, about 10 minutes away by car. Waiheke is also well known for its vineyards and you can find plenty of wine tourism here. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is also an interesting diversion, a protected area for marine life it covers around 1.2 million hectares of Waiheke including over 50 smaller islands. Many of the islands are off limits without a permit due to the presence of endangered species but you can arrange boat trips for  visits to many of the others. WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY: “This place is a dream holiday spot. So relaxing and comfy and in such a beautiful and peaceful spot. The yurt was gorgeous and had everything you need and more. Thank you so much!…” “The yurt was immaculate and super comfortable, it had everything READ MORE

The Shepherd’s Hut at Crake Trees Manor is a very cute, romantic farm stay experience in the Cumbrian Dales, England, where guests are accommodated in one of the old shepherd’s huts that were once common on sheep farms in the area. The countryside is gorgeously peaceful and the views from the farm are wonderful. THE ACCOMMODATION: The Shepherd’s Hut is a modern take on the old wooden shepherds huts of the 19th century. During the lambing season, the shepherds of Cumbria would stay in the hills for weeks at a time and so needed a comfortable, self sufficient base. This modern hut at Crake Tree is made from wood and galvanized steel and is well insulated against the elements. It’s obviously small, but perfectly formed, with an oak floor and comfortable oak framed double bed, a small storage and seating area where you’ll find a kettle, mini fridge, cosy wood stove and traditional lantern, and a small cute veranda outside. There is a separate heated shower room and toilet nearby too, and a nice breakfast pack can be ordered from the farmhouse direct to your hut in the morning. The pack includes a breakfast bap, yoghurt, fruit, honey, and croissants with crab apple jelly plus a flask of good, fresh coffee. Dietary restrictions can also be taken care of, with just a little advanced notice. Guests at the hut are welcome to use the facilities at the main farmhouse too, which has a nice lounge with TV and an extensive library. Note: No children allowed, and no pets! THE FARM: The farm is a working sheep farm, high in the dales, 800 feet above sea level in fact, and with beautiful views over to the Pennines and the Eden Valley. There is a pond on the farm too, just outside the hut and wildlife abounds; pheasants, rabbits, foxes and hares to name but a few as well as many different types of birds. THE LOCATION: Though certainly a tranquil piece of rural bliss the farm is just 15-minute’s drive from the M6 at junctions 38 and 39, and less than 15 minutes from Appleby and the A66. It sits just inside the READ MORE