Farmstays: Exciting & educational holidays in nature
As well as being fun for children with plenty of space to play and let off steam, these kind of “agritourism” holidays can be extremely educational for those of all ages. For many young visitors to working farms, this may be the first time they see where their food comes from. Children can get hands-on by milking cows, picking eggs and seeing how sheep are sheered – all whilst being outside of a classroom and experiencing first-hand. Farm holidays often offer many hands-on experiences for children and allow a fun and exciting new way of learning about agriculture and the role of a farmer. Farm holidays may be particularly rewarding in the spring, as this is usually when new animals are born, meaning you may be able to see, feed and sometimes hold newborn goats, lambs and calves. Staying in a farm-house or farmstead need not however, be neccessarily just for the little ones. Relaxing in nature is one of the best ways for you to rejuvenate and take a break from the fast-pace of everyday life. In addition, many farmhouses are self-catering, meaning you can use the local farm produce to cook and share meals together.
Relax and recuperate in your farmstead: at home or abroad
There are many farmstead locations across Europe and naturally not all of them involve feeding animals. If you are searching for warmer climates, rent a farm holiday home in Tuscany, Italy. Other than enjoying the Mediterranean climate and local produce including wine and olives, Tuscany offers incredible scenery and world-renowned cities, famous for their heritage and beauty. Alternatively, farm holidays in Germany are also a popular choice. Stay in a farm-house in Bavaria – one of the most culturally rich areas in the country. Here, relax in the beautiful Bavarian landscape, treat yourself to local German delicacies or get involved in the every day farm life. If you are travelling as a family, it is recommended to stay in an area where the farm allows hands-on experiences and a range of animals to see, stroke and even feed. If you have small children, it is recommended to rent a farmstead that not only consists of participation on the farm, but also has play areas for your little ones to explore. Although many children will find working-farms exciting, safety is the most important factor, so ensure that they are a family-friendly and child-orientated. Wherever you decide to spend your farm holiday, you will leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and with hopefully more knowledge of the agritourism industry. Apart from the relaxing nature of staying on a local farm, farm holidays also provide the opportunity to connect with locals, gain knowledge from their experiences and make friends. Many farms can be reached within a matter of hours, and you don't even have to leave the country – there are numerous farm holidays available in the UK, too. Enjoy!
