We do love a farm-stay at Holiday Tots, we are big animal lovers and if you and your family are also animal lovers then a farm-stay is for you.
North Hayne Farm is a Multi award-winning farm stay near South Molton in Devon and is just perfect for a family holiday. Lots to do for the grownups and little ones. There are eight self-catering cottages each with a private hot tub, perfect for a little adult time to relax.
Here is what it could be like for you when staying at North Hayne Farm, what can you possibly squeeze in, in just ONE day?! Take a little look…
8:00am – wakey wakey
Enjoy a lovely breakfast in your well-equipped cottage, fully charged for the day ahead!
9:00am – Animal fun
Head down to the barns! It’s time to get your hands dirty and help Farmer Roger take care of the animals. The eggs need collecting from the chickens and, if you’re brave enough, they may need feeding a worm or two! The goats, Bramble, Pepper, Flapjack and Porridge, will also be eager for breakfast as well as the pigs Wilbur and Truffle who look forward to a hello and of course, their mealtimes.
Guess what also happens this morning? A donkey ride! After helping with all the jobs on the farm, each mini farmers is rewarded with a donkey ride from the lovely resident Donkey, Costello.
10:30 – Outdoor fun
Kids full of excitement after meeting the animals? That’s okay they can burn off a little steam and have a play in the repair workshop where all the ride on toy cars and tractors need repairing or are due for MOTS. If there are no budding mechanics or drivers they can have a play on the outdoor swings and slides
11:30pm Cuppa and cake baking!
Busy morning for everyone, time for a coffee break/ cup of tea! Back to the cottage for a little recharge, just before lunch. The little ones aren’t quite ready to stop just yet? That is fine, you can keep them entertained with North Hayne Farm’s bake box, available to borrow from reception and bake some yummy after lunch treats.
12:30pm – Lunch time!
Luckily, you can get your shopping ordered and delivered from the local supermarket online services (Tesco, Sainsburys, Waitrose and ASDA) on the day of your arrival. If you prefer to support local businesses then an order from Local Farm Box will be delivered, unpacked and even put away for you prior to your arrival! You can organise your whole week shop, for lunches, dinners, snacks or even picnics for when you’re not planning to eat out.
The kitchens in each cottage are so well equipped that you and your family can enjoy your favourites, even if that only includes a jam sandwich with a side of carrots!
1:30pm – Play barn!
If the little ones are under 7, they can enjoy their very own play barn! You can expect playhouses, train and road sets, sit and ride on toys, books and jigsaws. The play barn is a favourite choice for little ones staying at the farm with its bright colours, toys and books. Plus, a settee for the grown-ups to have a chance to relax, while the kids have a play. There is also a games room for the older kids and adults and loads of buckets and spades, bats and balls to borrow!
2:30pm – Adventure time
If your family likes to explore the outdoors with some added fun, then this is the time to visit the office reception for some activity trails and adventure. The lovely farm owner Cheryl has put together some great activity trails, based on children’s books, and all are linked to the Early Years and National Curriculum. Explore the grounds and see what fun interesting things you may find.
One of the trails could be the Peter Rabbit Trail. Look out for Peter and his friends and complete the tasks set by each of them!
3:30pm – Cupcake break & solo Mum or Dad time
It is time to enjoy the yummy cakes that were made earlier in the day and set yourself up for the afternoon adventure to come. YUM YUM
While the kiddies are enjoying their cupcakes, maybe mum or dad can slip off for a little pampering?
Time to head to ‘The Treatment Room’ a special place to escape and relax. Enjoy facials to detox, hydrate or renew, plus so much more. Including treatments such as Indian head massages, deep tissue Swedish or calming gentle Aromatherapy massages. A pleasure to not be missed!
4:30pm – More animal feeding and cuddling? Go on then!
While one of the parents is being pampered, the rest of the family can head back to the farm to help give the animals their dinner… Dont forget to save your left over pasta for the chickens, its their favourite treat!!
This time as a reward for helping with the animal feeding, children can enjoy cuddles with super friendly rabbits and Guinea pigs and they’re sure to also have fun choosing their clean hands sticker after handwashing time.
(please note, throughout the week stay, guests will either enjoy a morning donkey ride or evening cuddles with the little animals on a rotational basis)
5:30pm – Dinner time
Don’t quite fancy cooking up a storm? That is quite understandable after the busy day you have all had!
Pop a yummy gourmet frozen ‘Jackchilli’ meal in the oven from local chef John Brazier who also supplies Mini Toddler meals. These can be pre ordered from the farmhouse freezer or freshly cooked and delivered to order!
6:30pm – Bath & bedtime
Time for the kiddies to have a quick bath and pop on their jimmy jams! They can then relax in front of the TV as it has Freeview , read one of the many story books borrowed from the play barn, or talk about the day they have just had!
Time for a cuddle and bedtime zzZZzz
Each cottage has stairgates, Mamas and Papas travel cots and highchairs. Step up stools, booster seat and bed guards, blackout blinds and even monitors are also available on request.
8pm – Wine and Hot Tub
Each cottage has a private patio and hot tub, time for adult only time!!
End the busy day by opening a bottle of fizz, wine or cuppa and step into the warm, relaxing hot tub, a well-deserved treat after a full-on tot happy day! Enjoy stargazing, experience the magnificent ‘international dark sky reserve’ of Exmoor.
If you would like to add to your perfect night stargazing, you can pre-order the ‘hot tub pack’ which includes two white robes, additional towels, disposable slippers, and a bottle of prosecco!
Out and about
North Hayne Farm has so much to offer onsite, it is hard to think about going anywhere else however, North Devon is such a beautiful place, it really is worth exploring…
Beaches
There are many beautiful beaches within easy reach of North Hayne Farm. Woolacombe, one of the most popular beaches in the area as it is a Blue flag seaside award resort. Golden sand, easy access, shops, and parking.
Many other beaches that are popular include Putsborough, Saunton Sands, Croyde and many more.
Exmoor National Park
Just over 5 miles away, you will find the Exmoor National Park with over 700 miles of foot paths. Stunning woodlands, coasts, and rivers, so worth packing a lunch and having a lovely walk and enjoying a picnic.
South Molton
Only 3 miles away is the historic town of South Molton. Lovely local shops, twice weekly Pannier Market, the fabulous Quince Honey Farm and South Molton Museum.
So, fancy a visit?
