Well, our answer would be yes, of course it is a great idea! The summer rush is over, all the older kiddies are back to school so rates are slightly less and beaches, attractions and days out are quieter. Families with pre-schoolers, may as well take advantage of holidaying out of seasons before their little ones are restricted to school holidays.
We have been really lucky this summer to have witnessed a very hot summer (maybe too hot, no we are not going to complain about this!), so we expect the nicer weather in September, perfect for beach days, country walks or visiting seaside towns for an ice cream and a wander.
So, if you are planning a last minute road trip, it is well worth considering some of the places below… there are a number of farm-stays that offer so much for everyone, you wouldn’t even have to venture out if you didn’t want to or beautiful cottages with loads to do on-site with stunning walks…
Cornwall
Tredethick Farm, near Lostwithiel
This farm-stay will still need its help with farmer duties as the summer comes to an end, including animal feeding, pig herding and picking up apples from their orchard of vintage Cornish varieties. There are even wind-round apple peelers in every cottages for tots to try. That is not all… indoor swimming pool, soft play, play barn, ride on toys, games room and a Woodland Playscape to explore. To make life a easier for parents with tots, there is a farm shop stocked with local produce and ready COOK frozen meals, oh and not forgetting a secret garden hot tub for a little relaxation.
Glynn Barton, near Bodmin
We are heading to another farm-stay also with little farmer duties, help feeding the animals daily and collecting eggs from the chickens for your yummy breakfast in the mornings. This is another farm-stay that has it all, with an indoor swimming pool, soft play, ride on toys, indoor play barn and outdoor play areas. There are all weather tennis courts for those who like to get competitive and yes we have another farm shop, selling local produce and tasty ready meals for guests to heat up and cook in their cottages. Glynn Barton also have two amazing glamping tents which are all kitted out for an epic camping in style experience!
Devon
Gitcombe, Dartmouth
A stunning estate with a gorgeous manor house, a holiday home architecturally designed by an award winning architect and 4 & 5 star cottages scattered throughout. Within the grounds there are 14 acres to explore including an indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming pool that should still be warm enough to have a blast in September too! Indoor soft play for under 5’s, outdoor playground adventure park. Fantastic walks right on their doorstep, close to beaches and only a 30 minute drive to Dartmoor National Park.
Farm-stay in Devon with just two cottages on the farm, making this farm stay experience personal and even exclusive if you have a large enough family to fit into both cottages, there is even an adjoining door! Both cottages together sleep up to 10. Little ones can help father Chris with all the farm yard duties including feeding the animals twice a day and making sure they feel loved with lots of cuddles. 10 acres to explore including a wilderness area. Outdoor swimming pool and an adventure play area!
Libbear Barton, Beaworthy
A really beautiful estate with 40 acres amongst picturesque hills and countryside. It only has four family-friendly cottages and all have such fab names, Toad Hall, Mole End, Badger’s House and Otters Den. One of the cottages even has a fairy-tale children’s dormitory with four single beds, it is very cute. There are 5 acres of wild woods to explore, plus a playground overlooking the lake. There is an indoor heated swimming pool with floats and inflatables, soft play and playroom for the little ones. Only a 30 minute drive to some beautiful beaches and a 45 minute drive to Dartmoor.
North Hayne Farm, Near South Molton
Award-winning farm-stay in Exmoor with lots to do! Each cottage has their own private garden and hot tub. Daily animal feeding, help groom the goats, collect the chicken eggs and enjoy a donkey ride. There are even rabbits and Guinea pigs to pet and cuddle. North Hayne Farm is also suitable for children with special needs, including autism as inclusivity is a key part of a family holiday here. Other activities include den building and a play barn for under 7’s.
Isle Of Wight
Nettlecombe Farm, near Ventnor
Why not head to an island for a little September trip? Nettlecombe Farm is perfect for a little family holiday in the Isle Of Wight. It is another farm-stay surrounded by stunning countryside and lovely walks right on the doorstep. Animal feeding tours most mornings, where guests can meet all the furry residents and there are many! including Comet and Dancer the reindeers, luckily just chilling so you can tell the kiddies they have not been called in for Father Christmas, just yet! There is a toddlers play area and garden areas for the little ones to run around in. Free Fishing lake, if anyone fancies taking that up and even Yoga classes if you can tag team time out with the partner, in the morning. Only 3 miles to the seaside town of Ventnor.
Wales
House on a beach in Wales, Cartrefle
The name says it all really, a fab house in a perfect location for a family holiday in Wales being only a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Tresaith Beach. Stunning views and sometimes even sightings of dolphins right from the garden! The house has 7 bedrooms and can sleep 14, making it an ideal property for more family or friends to join in! There are some great costal paths right on the doorstep and the riverside market town of Cardigan is only a 12 minute drive away.
Croft Farm & Celtic Cottages, near Cardigan
The last farm-stay of the bunch, is an award winning one, on the Pembrokeshire coast. Get close and personal with all the animals here, cuddles with the rabbits and Guinea pigs and help feed the friendly farm animals. There are six acres to roam freely including an adventure playground and communal gardens. There is an indoor swimming pool, indoor play area with soft play and ride on toys. Each cottage has its own private terrace or garden, some with hot tubs! Beautiful walks and just over 3 miles from the nearest coastline. Croft Farm will also be running their Croft Crafty Kids sessions where little ones can enjoy finger painting rainbows, making farm animals faces and so much more.
There you have it, some fantastic properties worth considering for a last minute road trip this September. If you fancy going slightly further afield, there are a few in France worth taking a look at too…
France
Pagel, Lot
Goldilocks at Pagel, a hideaway log cabin within shared grounds with only six other properties. It is semi hidden within the trees and has a spacious deck overlooking the swimming pool area. It is a magical place for the tots with bears everywhere. Small catering on site with wood fired pizza, plus COOK frozen meals available and a honesty bar serving draught beer and ice creams. Outdoor play area with fort and pirate ship, plus small farm with goats and chickens.
Acabanes, Dordogne
Private holiday home in the Dordogne, ideal for families with tots, looking to holiday this September with its six bedrooms! There is a private heated swimming pool and enclosed gardens making it safe for little ones to run around. There are in house dining options that the owner can arrange for guests that don’t fancy cooking one evening or want to celebrate a birthday or an occasion. It is located only 4 miles from Chateau Vigiers, one of the best golf resorts in the South West of France, so if you have some golf lovers within the family, then maybe this is the spot for you.
Las Cabanes, Lot
Another spacious large holiday home in France, great for those families looking to holiday together, it has a total of 7 bedrooms and included in those 7 bedrooms is a studio cottage, extra space for grandparents that like to have their own space away from the madness too! Smaller groups can stay at a reduced cost using only 4 bedrooms. There is a private enclosed garden and a heated swimming pool. The lovely outdoor dining area is covered with vines and offers beautiful views of the swimming pool and countryside beyond, there is also a summer kitchen and lounge area here too.
If you are still a bit lost on what to do this September or where to go, head over to Holiday Tots and check out our ‘inspirations’ for some ideas.
