Guide to Farm Stays with Wild Swimming

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the United Kingdom, farmstays offer a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying the serene beauty of the countryside. For those seeking a refreshing and invigorating experience, the combination of farmstays and wild swimming creates an unparalleled adventure.

In this guide, we unveil nine enchanting farmstay locations across the UK that not only provide a cosy rural retreat but also grant access to the exhilarating practice of wild swimming.

Beyond the idyllic scenery, their are many health benefits of wild swimming associated with this age-old activity, as it can have transformative effects on both the body and mind throughout the changing seasons. Discover these hidden gems, where the soothing embrace of farm life converges with the invigorating embrace of natural waters.

South Newlands Farm Cottages , York

Perfect for families and friends looking for that ideal location from which to explore Yorkshire and all it offers. Spacious and light and with 3 bedrooms, one en-suite wet room, family bathroom, lounge, dining kitchen complete your indoor facilities. Gas central heating, patio, and garden furniture. Easily accessible from the A1, M1 and M62 motorways ensuring you are never far from amazing attractions, stunning scenery, spectacular shopping, history, culture, outstanding outdoor activities whatever you’re looking for, you can be sure it isn’t too far from our doorstep. Historic York is only a 15-minute drive away but don’t drive into the city, take advantage of the park and ride service at York’s Designer Outlet (but leave enough time to visit the Outlet and bag that designer bargain!). The Market town of Selby with its beautiful Abbey, and Carlton Towers House and vineyard are on the doorstep. The North Yorkshire Moors and east coast resorts are all within 1 to 1-1/2 hrs drive. with the undiscovered Yorkshire Wolds much nearer.

Butterwell farm, Cornwall

The Ultimate Rural Retreat in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Nestled in the picturesque Camel Valley overlooking the River Camel, we are ideally located just twenty minutes from both North & South coasts. Four riverside holiday properties on a private 40-acre estate with direct access to the Camel Trail. An abundance of nature and wildlife. River, valley and vineyard views. All properties have private enclosed gardens and log burners. Enjoy woodland walks in our ancient woodland, explore our wetlands and ponds, and get up close to exceptional wildlife. After a day exploring cosy up in front of the log burner in our beautifully appointed properties, which receive consistent 5 star reviews.

Walking distance to pub, tea garden and Vineyard, and 10 miles from Padstow on the Camel Trail. Renowned salmon and sea trout game fishery. Whether it’s a family holiday, romantic getaway or a short-break with friends, Butterwell Farm has the perfect property for you.

Millmoor farm, Cheshire

Award winning self-catering cottages set in stunning rural location near Chester on a family working farm. Peace and quiet guaranteed. Short breaks available, pub meals and village shop nearby. Working beef and sheep farm with rare breeds of poultry, baby lambs, pigs, goats and donkeys.  Participants welcome. Also ride-on tractors for young children with swings and slides and a football pitch. Only 20 minutes drive to Chester. There  self-catering cottages are located in a little valley overlooking the picturesque Cheshire village of Malpas.

Enjoy stunning views across the countryside in Cheshire, Wales, Shropshire and Staffordshire, and a clear day invites miles and miles of fantastic, uncluttered scenery.Although the hustle and bustle of everyday life can seem a world away, they are only 20 minutes from the historic city of Chester and all that it offers in the way of sightseeing and shopping or a lively, energetic day out in the shape of the world famous Chester Zoo. Both Liverpool and Manchester lie just beyond that, less than an hour away.

Mosedale end farm, Lake district

Homemade cake and fresh milk & a Breakfast Hamper delivered to your room. Now isn’t that a relaxing thought? Come & stay on a real working farm. Watch the sheep in the field and feed their free-range hens. Mosedale is off the beaten track and in the shadows of Carrock Fell in the Northern Lake District, but only 4 miles from the A66. This is a lovely place to enjoy a hill walking break and relax for a few days but close to Keswick & Derwent lake. They have a suite with its own mini kitchen and balcony, king-size bed plus sofa & coffee table. All the ingredients for the perfect stay.

All 3 Bed & Breakfast rooms are shower en-suite, with good open views of the countryside. Homemade cake and fresh milk are served daily in your room. They have also decided to move away from the traditional, formal served Breakfast, for a more modern relaxed approach to Breakfast Hamper supplied in your ROOM. You can now go ahead and enjoy that well-deserved LIE IN and have Brunch to start your day or a cheeky breakfast in bed.

Arbor Holiday and Knightcote Farm Cottages, Warwickshire

Five award winning self-catering farm holiday cottages near to Warwick and Stratford in Shakespeare’s beautiful and Historic County of Warwickshire. The five cottages have been lovingly restored and adapted from 17th Century barns, an old milking parlour and a grain store to provide ‘Five Star’ luxury self-catering cottages for 2 to 16 people, whether you stay there for a couple of days or weeks.

They are positioned amongst 600 acres of beautiful Warwickshire farmland in the North of the Cotswolds, encompassing an impressive antique tractor collection, a delightful model railway exhibition, an orchard carp lake with fish feeding and farm trails where you can wander endlessly spotting badgers, deer, butterflies and birds whilst enjoying the outstanding views of the landscape and the Burton Dassett Hills beyond.

Hoe Grange Holidays, Derbyshire

A peaceful haven with four luxurious, award-winning log cabins set on a working farm with stunning views over the Peak District countryside. Family friendly, excellent accessible facilities. Dogs welcome. Enjoy a relaxing holiday in one of  their four award-winning cosy log cabins. Near to Ashbourne and Bakewell Hoe Grange is the ideal central location for couples, families and larger groups of friends to get together. With stunning views across the farm fields you can escape the everyday, breath in the fresh air and watch the wildlife. Our log cabins are fully equipped with everything you need and are the perfect base to explore all that the Peak District has to offer.

Hop Pickers Retreat, Worcester

17th century award winning characterful Barn and luxury log cabin, both with private hot tubs, superb games room, tennis court and outdoor heated pool (seasonal). Hop Pickers Rural Retreats is close to the River Time between The Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and The City of Worcester. Beautiful countryside surroundings offering tranquillity, wildlife, walking and local history. Fantastic facilities available, excellent walking from the doorstep including walkable pubs, close to many National Trust properties and a selection of quality pubs and restaurants.

Betley Court Farm Holiday Cottages 

Three delightful cottages in the heart of the country. Whether you like to stay active or simply want to just relax, these lovely cottages offer something to suit everyone. Three newly converted 4 star holiday cottages Carpenters, Woodside and The Pig Pen. All with en-suite shower rooms. Newly added is “Dingle View” – our shepherd’s hut. Ideal for couples and families looking to relax together for a romantic getaway or to celebrate a special occasion all year round. Trentham Monkey Forest is a great day out for families, and is situated just a short distance. The charming market town of Nantwich which has lots of historic buildings as well as plenty of bars, shops and cafés is 8 miles.

Gill brow cottage Newlands valley Keswick

Gill Brow Cottage is a picturesque base for exploring Keswick and accessing the Lake District. The cottage is attached to the 17th-century farmhouse, and features unspoiled views across the Newlands Valley. Gill Brow Cottage is an ideal base from which to explore Keswick and the Lake District, with all grades of walks available from your doorstep. The popular Catbells is only 2 miles from the door step to the summit a must for visitors.