Agro tourism - a growing trend in the UK
Interest in UK farmstay holidays has more than doubled in the past year according to the world's leading online ethical holiday company, responsibletravel.com. The 106% increase in enquiries for the company's UK farmstay accommodation collection - many of which are certified as organic - reflects a growing trend as more and more UK farmers are turning to travel and tourism - 'agro tourism' - as a means of subsidizing incomes.
The news is announced during the Soil Association's Organic Fortnight (6-21 September) and is welcomed by co-founder of the company, Justin Francis:
"Agro tourism is already very popular in many countries in Europe but I don't think it has received the recognition it deserves yet in the UK. Across all industries, whether it be food or tourism, consumers want to have a more local and authentic experience. A farmstay holiday is a great chance to really experience life on a farm. They also offer the visitor a great opportunity to stay in beautiful surroundings, often in historic buildings and the chance to sample delicious local produce."
Lizzie Myers, owner of Huntstile Organic Farm in Somerset (a member of responsibletravel.com), said:
"We're an organic farm, producing organic oats for Jordan's breakfast cereal and organic milk thistle for Neal's Yard, among others. We've definitely noticed an increase in visitors this year. In particular, we're seeing more young families with children who come to see where their food comes from and learn about growing food. They help us dig potatoes and collect eggs - the children love it! The income from the B&B helps us to continue our renovations on our fifteenth century farmhouse."
Farmstay holidays
Autumn is a great time of year to visit a UK farmstay. It's also the traditional time to head out into the countryside and go foraging for blackberries, chestnuts, sloes, mushrooms and the like. Check out five of responsibletravel.com's best UK farmstay escapes below.
Peak District self catering cottages - from £250 - £690 per cottage, per week. This traditional farmhouse on an organic dairy farm in the beautiful Peak District National Park offers the chance to wake up to stunning views and the scent of fresh organic bread. The breakfast is lovingly prepared by your welcoming hosts, with homemade organic yoghurt and special local porridge, alongside food sourced from local and organic suppliers. Local honey is available too, and you can 'Meet the Bees' with honey man Mark.
Herefordshire farmstay accommodation - from £40 per person, per night B&B. This award-winning self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation is based on a working farm in Herefordshire. The welcome tea tray typically comes with home-made baking and fruit from the orchards, a range of teas and suggestions of local places to eat out. Depending on farm commitments, Jon, the owner, enjoys taking guests around the orchards, talking about the ancient names of the fields, the crops that are grown and his life as a third generation farmer.
Lake District organic bed & breakfast - from £58 per double room per night including organic breakfast. This grade 2 listed property and farm in Cartmel has been certified by The Soil Association and operates an organic fruit and veg box scheme throughout Cumbria and North Lancashire. Owners Paul and Julia actively encourage visitors to get involved in farm life during their stay.
North Cornwall luxury accommodation - from £45 - £65 per person, per night including organic breakfasts. Situated near Bude this is the UK's first certified organic B&B in a beautifully restored Victorian house and converted coach house. Sample delicious home cooked food in the restaurant prepared with fresh organic produce from the gardens. Enjoy the chic and elegant ensuite bedrooms with roll top baths, crisp white linen and antique beds.
Organic farmstay accommodation in Somerset - from £50 per room per night B&B. This is a fascinating 15th century farmhouse offering comfortable B&B rooms, well equipped self-catering accommodation, and a very peaceful camping and tipi field. Activities on the farm and nearby can include walking, cycling, fishing, falconry (1:1 private tuition can be arranged), Wwoofing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), and a Farm School.
For more information, log on to Responsibletravel.com/farmstays.
