Jessica McMonagle
11 March 2026
A farm stay is a fantastic way to experience the UK's beautiful countryside, especially when you add the comfort of glamping. There's something special about waking up to the sound of sheep in the next field or watching the morning mist roll across farmland from your hot tub. Set on real working farms, our collection of glamping farm stays combine the best of both worlds: the first hand experience of a working farm - all from the comfort of a shepherd's hut, safari tent or glamping pod.
Whether you're visiting with a group of friends, planning a couple's retreat, or looking for a family glamping experience, there's nothing better than meeting friendly animals and enjoying wide-open countryside on a working farm holiday.
In this guide, we'll explain what a working farm is, what to expect when you book a farm stay, and share some of our favourite glamping farm holidays across the UK to inspire your next escape.
What is a working farm?
A working farm actively produces food: rearing livestock or yielding crop. Unlike hobby farms, smallholdings or visitor attractions, they operate as a going business concern, with daily tasks centred on animal care, land management, and food production.
On a working farm, you may see sheep, cows, or chickens being tended to, fields being planted or harvested, and seasonal activities like lambing or calving. Many of our collection are multi-generational family businesses, balancing livestock and crop care with welcoming guests for an authentic rural experience.
Can you stay on a working farm?
Yes, you can! Many farms across the UK now offer on-site accommodation, so you can enjoy a countryside holiday while the farm goes about its daily work.
Enjoy a glamping break during spring or Easter; both are superb times of year to stay on a farm. Marvel at the flocks of newborn lambs and enjoy the first signs of summer creeping in. While the farm remains a real operational business, guest areas are typically separate from working zones, ensuring safety and comfort. Working farm holidays can offer guests a view of rural life, with the joy of staying somewhere with animals on site.
Benefits of a glamping farm stay
A glamping farm stay offers more than just a cosy place to sleep:
- Fresh air and wide-open countryside: Nothing beats getting outside surrounded by picturesque scenery
- Real farm experiences: Meet animals, spot lambs or calves, and watch seasonal farm activities in action
- Family glamping adventures: Outdoor play, exploring trails, and discovering where food comes from
- Comfortable accommodation: Safari tents, pods, or shepherds' huts with modern amenities while staying immersed in rural life
- Seasonal highlights: Spring lambing, summer harvests, and cosy winter breaks all bring something special
- You're helping to support a farm: Choosing a glamping farm stay helps the farm thrive. As Llion Pughe, owner of Slate Cabin explains:
“There aren't many farms that can fully support their owners financially, solely from farming activities. Most of us therefore look for a second and third source of income to be able to live and work on the family farm. With three children, we are no different and the additional income from the cabins makes a crucial contribution to our livelihood.”
Our top glamping farm stays
From cosy shepherds' huts to safari tents, our glamping farm stays across the UK combine comfort with countryside adventure.
Safari tents on farmland in Ottery St Mary, Devon
Set in a peaceful 7-acre meadow on a working farm, these safari tents are perfect for a getaway with family and friends. Spot sheep grazing across the rolling farmland or explore the adjacent 3-acre oak and bluebell woodland where children can dam streams, make dens, or play hide-and-seek. There is a mixture of solar-powered and rechargeable lighting options.
Daisy Safari, Poppy Safari and Primrose Safari each sleep four, while Blackberry Safari sleeps six and The Sweet Pea Tent accommodates two guests. Each tent features a private hot tub, campfire, and BBQ for relaxed evenings together.
Highlights
- Five safari tents sleeping 4–6, plus a sleeps-two yurt on site
- Leafy 7-acre meadow with private oak and bluebell woodland
- Enjoy hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens, BBQs and fire pits
Glamping farm stays in Clyde Valley, Scotland
This working farm in Southern Scotland is simply idyllic – set amongst woodland, a large pond, and open farmland. The farm is home to a dog agility training school, making it the perfect prospect for four-legged friends, and guests can join the owners on a guided farm tour to meet sheep, goats and alpacas too. With plenty of space to explore, relax, and enjoy the outdoors, it's an ideal base for couples or small families looking to escape the everyday.
There are a selection of properties sleeping 2–4 guests, such as The Dog House, The Sheep Pen and The Pig Sty, each with their own private hot tub, underfloor heating, and access to a shared BBQ hut. Dogs are very welcome, with enclosed outdoor spaces for them to roam safely, while nearby forested walks, cycling routes, and market towns offer even more opportunities for adventure or relaxation.
Highlights
- Meet sheep, goats and alpacas on a guided farm tour
- Bring up to four dogs per property, and on-site dog agility training school
- Extra touches include hot tubs, underfloor heating and a BBQ hut available for hire
Reviewed by Kirsteen | 3 August 2025
Probably one of the best holidays we have ever had. The farmland, cabin, location and views were all absolutely stunning. We stayed in The Pig Sty and it was perfect. The farmers' eggs were out of this world, and the milk was divine. The hot tub was an extra treat – amazing! We simply cannot rate this property or the owners any higher.
Quirky farm stay glamping in Bude, Cornwall
This quirky site features 17 cosy pods, each sleeping two, ideal for friends or couples looking to escape. Set on peaceful farmland just outside Bude, the woodclad pods blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Guests can choose from pods like Seapink, Seagrass and Sunfish, and enjoy shared facilities such as a BBQ hut and shell crafting studio. You'll find the South West Coast Path within easy reach, and plenty of picnic spots offer endless outdoor adventures. After a day exploring, unwind with al fresco dining or stargazing under Cornwall's clear skies.
Highlights
- A collection of 17 cosy pods, ideal for booking multiple stays together while keeping your own space
- Private wet room with heated shower and WC, underfloor heating, equipped kitchens, and solar and LED lighting
- Outdoor amenities such as fire pits, BBQs, a children's play area, and a shell studio for creative sessions
For those wanting to explore further, we also have a wide choice of glamping in Cornwall, from farm stays to unique coastal escapes.
Safari tents on a working farm in Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales
We have a great choice of glamping in Wales, many of them on farms. Situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, this working farm offers a truly immersive countryside escape. Guests can join the owner on conservation-led farm tours, pick apples from the community orchard, and even wild swim or row a boat on the farm pond. With shared fields for children to roam and clear, starry skies overhead, it's a place to slow down and reconnect with nature.
The three safari tents, Buzzard Lodge, Dove Lodge and Goshawk Lodge, each sleep six and feature wood-fired hot tubs for relaxing after a day exploring. Blending rustic charm with thoughtful comforts, they offer the perfect base for families or friends looking to unwind in rural Wales.
Highlights
- A nature-filled farm offering wildlife tours led by the owner
- Pick apples from the community orchard, wild swim or row a boat on the farm pond
- Each property offers a wood-fired hot tub, perfect for relaxing after exploring the Brecon Beacons
Shepherds' huts on a farm in Patterdale, Lake District
Set on a family-run working farm cared for since 1954, these shepherd's huts offer a peaceful escape in a picturesque Lake District valley. Surrounded by sheep, lambs, and rolling fells, guests can explore scenic footpaths straight from the huts, paddleboard or take boat trips on Ullswater, enjoy horse riding, or even go on an alpaca walk. It's an ideal retreat for couples wanting adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
The five shepherd's huts, including Hares Nook, Herdwick Hideaway and Swaledale Hut, each sleep two and come with private hot tubs, outdoor seating, and BBQ/fire pit facilities. Inside, cosy living spaces, open-plan kitchens, and modern shower rooms make it easy to unwind after a day exploring the stunning Lakeland scenery.
Highlights
- Cared for by the same family since 1954, see sheep, lambs, and the surrounding rolling fells
- Enjoy paddleboarding, horse riding, alpaca walks, and scenic footpaths right from your door
- Private hot tubs, BBQ/fire pit, and comfortable interiors
Planning your working farm holiday
A little planning goes a long way when booking a working farm stay. Here's what to consider:
- Book in advance: Spaces fill quickly during school holidays and Easter
- Choose your season: Spring for lambing, summer for outdoor adventures, autumn for harvest, winter for cosy retreats
- Plan experiences: Farm tours, walks, water sports, or pure relaxation
- Check practical details: Dog policies, accessibility, parking, proximity to villages, vets, petrol stations, supermarkets
- Pack for the outdoors: Wellies, waterproofs, and warm layers
Frequently asked questions
What can you do on a working farm holiday?
Depending on the farm, you could meet sheep, goats and alpacas, take guided farm tours, explore woodland trails, enjoy wild swimming or water sports, and discover scenic walking routes right from your doorstep. Many farm stays are also close to charming villages, pubs and local attractions, giving you plenty to see and do beyond the farm fields.
Are farm stays suitable for children?
Yes, many working farm holidays are ideal for children. Kids love meeting animals, learning about farm life, and having space to explore outdoors. It's a great way to introduce little ones to nature and to discover where food comes from. Always check individual property details for safety features, accessibility and age suitability, particularly on busy working farms. As these are active working farms, you may occasionally hear early morning activity during busy seasons, all part of the authentic rural experience.
Can you experience farm work on a glamping holiday?
Some working farm glamping stays offer opportunities to take part in farm tours, feeding sessions or seasonal activities such as lambing. While guests aren't expected to carry out daily farm duties, many owners are happy to share their knowledge and offer a glimpse into real farm life. Experiences vary by property, so it's worth checking what's included when booking.
Are working farm holidays dog friendly?
Many working farm holidays are dog friendly, but it's important to check individual property details before booking. As these are active farms with livestock, there may be specific rules about keeping dogs on leads and supervising them at all times.
What is lambing season and can you visit during it?
Lambing season typically takes place in spring, often between March and May, and is when sheep give birth to their lambs. Guests may have the chance to see newborn lambs and learn more about the farming process. Experiences vary by farm, so it's best to check in advance whether lambing activities or farm tours are available during your visit.
Farm glamping holidays
Working farm glamping holidays combine authentic rural life with the comforts today's travellers expect. Carefully selected across Scotland, Wales and England, our farm stays let you experience real countryside living, with that added touch of luxury such as hot tubs, cosy interiors or thoughtful amenities.
Written by Jessica McMonagle
Regional Marketing Manager
A proud Northumbrian who enjoys inspiring UK holidays, from countryside escapes to family glamping breaks.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.