Enjoy a refreshing break by the sea with Farm Stay
09 August 2021
(Last updated: 10 Aug 2021 13:39)
The UK has a spectacular coastline with some of the best beaches in the world and Farm Stay boasts a large number of holiday properties within easy reach of many of them.
Staying in a Farm Stay B&B or a self-catering cottage will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds – comfortable countryside accommodation together with the sense of relaxation and rejuvenation that only a sea breeze can offer.
Think sheltered coves, long golden sandy beaches, fishing ports, historic harbours and picturesque villages that hug the coastline, not forgetting the family-friendly seaside resorts we all love. Often, not far from one another along the same coastline, there can be a variety of activities on offer – from child-friendly beaches offering fine sand perfect for days building sandcastles and catching frisbies, to secret spots with rock pools to explore.
If it’s an activity-based holiday you’re after, you’ll be able to enjoy all sorts of fun activities from bodyboarding and surfing in Devon and Cornwall, to adrenalin-fuelled activities like coasteering in Pembrokeshire or Anglesey in Wales.
For those looking for a more relaxing break, the coastline offers the opportunity to become immersed in picturesque scenery observing migrating birds and spotting seals or even dophins out at sea. You could head out on a boat trip to visit off islands and see the coastline and its wild inhabitants from a different perspective. And if you’ve only ever fished on a lake or a river, why not have a go at sea fishing?
There’s something of interest to suit every member of the family on a Farm Stay holiday by the coast – and that includes your faithful friend. Dogs love beaches as much as we do — there’s something about the sea air and open expanse that always gets tails wagging. And of course, they’ll enjoy accompanying you on those long bracing walks along cliff paths.
So here’s a selection of holiday locations to get you thinking about booking your next Farm Stay break by the sea…
West Woolley Farm, Cornwall
Active families love staying in the six well-appointed cottages at West Woolley Farm near Bude in North Cornwall. The farm itself is set in spectacular countryside just two miles from the coast so if its beaches you’re after, you really will feel spoiled for choice. There are vast expanses of sand with rolling surf beloved by surfers as well as sheltered coves with rock pools perfect for paddling or crabbing. The owners will be able to point you in the right direction for surf schools, the best fish & chip shop with a sea view, as well as quiet seaside spots for a relaxing afternoon.
Dale Farm, Yorkshire
Close to the vast sandy beaches at Filey Bay on the stunning Yorkshire coast, Dale Farm is an 18th century Yorkshire Wolds farmstead. Book a holiday here and your family will be able to enjoy walking and playing on spacious beaches, cycling quiet lanes or simply soaking up the rural bliss on the farm. The seaside town of Scarborough is a short drive away, as is Flamborough, with its magnificent white cliffs.
There’s an eclectic collection of places to stay here, from a light-filled family-friendly cottage to snug glamping-style accommodation with cosy log burners and quirky touches everywhere. If you love having somewhere unusual to stay, then check out Dale Farm’s tree house and their converted grain store!
Hare Farm, Rye, Sussex
Book a stay on this attractive Kent sheep farm and you’ll be just 15 minutes’ drive from the coast, including the quiet beaches of Winchelsea and Pett Level, ideal for walks at any time of the year and especially popular for birdwatchers. Not far away is a flat, sandy beach at Camber beloved by kite surfers. The seaside towns of Battle and Hastings and numerous family-friendly attractions are also within reach.
Ideal for large groups and families is the five-bedroomed Oasthouse. Originally built to store and dry hops, the Oast house, with its three round kilns, has been converted into a unique holiday home which sleeps up to ten people. By contrast, the Shepherd’s Hut offers a cosy retreat for couples with all of the comforts and conveniences of home.
Jex Farm B&B, Norfolk
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome for a comfortable stay in one of three spacious rooms – The Dairy, The Parlour or The Creamery – at Jex Farm, which is located within easy reach of the beautiful North Norfolk Coast and the Norfolk Broads. A delicious breakfast cooked to order from fresh locally sourced ingredients will set you up for a day exploring the local coastline. Children will love the sandy beach and sand dunes at Wells-next-the-Sea, and there are lots of local attractions to keep them entertained. Jex Farm is particularly suited to nature lovers, with numerous coastal nature reserves within reach, including the National Trust’s Blakeney Point, Holkham Nature Reserve, Cley Marshes and Holme Bird Observatory.
Rosemore Country Cottages, Pembrokeshire
Just two miles from St Bride’s Bay near Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Rosemoor Country Cottages and 25-acre Nature Reserve offer the perfect base for a relaxing farm-based holiday for those who love the sea. Pembrokeshire has lots of sandy beaches and the closest, just over two miles away by car (quicker on foot!) are the beaches at Little Haven and Broad Haven which are ideal for swimming.
If its water sports you’re after, you’ve come to the right place as there’s sailing and surfing available locally, as well as coasteering and scuba diving!
Guests find Rosemoor’s dog friendly holiday cottages are ideal for an enjoyable break beside the sea, with the Pembrokeshire Coast path and lots of other walks on the doorstep. There are nine spacious, well-appointed holiday cottages that are suitable for couples, and families, including groups of up to ten people.