Ed
07 October 2016
Fancy a change this Christmas? Why not spend a festive holiday with family and friends at a farm cottage? Nothing beats escaping the rigours of daily life like a getaway to the British countryside. Those Christmas card images of rural landscapes with snowy farms, hills and cosy fireplaces could become a reality because we have cottages galore for you to enjoy in some of the UK’s most desirable locations.
Farm cottages are evocative of ‘doing’ Christmas the traditional way. The dynamics of Christmas on a farm are easy to imagine. Picture the scene, the snow is falling silently on the roof, the family are seen through a window exchanging presents sat around the fire. There’s a Christmas tree, laden with baubles, tinsel and lights. Toasts are made to yet another great Christmas, books are read, toys are given a thorough workout, then it’s time for a snowball fight as the more senior family members prepare dinner. Sounds like the most wonderful time of the year to us!
Ten reasons why you should go to the countryside this festive season:
Escape from the madness
A farm cottage break is a lovely escape from the rowdiness of the cities and towns. Why not treat yourself to a giant slice of ‘quiet’ with the ones you love?
Digital detox
Farm cottages are usually great for a digital detox. In many remote locations, you couldn’t even ‘stay in touch’ if you wanted to. So switch your phone off, forget about work, escape the TV, and even the time of day (no clocks!). Imagine the freedom gained by shaking off your techno-shackles.
A canine Christmas
Responsible dog owners are encouraged visitors. Both of you can enjoy quality time together discovering new sights, smells and sounds. Some rural properties even welcome more than one hound.
Tree Shopping
A farm can be especially Christmassy because of its surroundings, including parallels to ‘the Nativity Story’ from the Bible. Children will be able to identify with all the magic and spectacle that comes with the Christmas story too, so lay on the trappings, including shopping for a fabulous Christmas tree.
A taste of Christmas
Very often you’ll have access to local food produce via farm shops, village stores or the farm you’re lodged at. Having access to organic and locally sourced foods gives your self-catered Christmas a bit of a twist from the norm – so have a quick look in advance to see who is open for business near to your holiday base. Also your working farm may have harvested and stockpiled some organic vegetables for you to use too.
Meet the animals
Children will enjoy meeting the animals and it is ideal in many ways because it’s a place where you can all learn a little bit about day-to-day life in the country.
A winter wonderland
Countryside walks will run from the doorstep so that the whole family can enjoy a trek around the local area.
A family occasion
A farm cottage break brings the whole family together on neutral ground, so you can all relax and share the catering and light chores.
Wonderful memories
A stay in a farm cottage will guarantee good memories for years to come and a particularly good property could inspire an annual reunion.
Secret for Santa
Farm cottages traditionally have large chimneys for Father Christmas to fly down and deliver everybody’s presents, so make sure you hang the stockings firmly above the hearth and put the fire out before bedtime on Christmas Eve.
Take a look at our farm cottages to feel inspired this Christmas.
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.