10 Best places for a relaxing farm stay vacation

1/10
Holualoa Inn, Hawaii
Perched 1200ft up on Mt. Hualalai, the property is surrounded by lush greenery - of culinary herb gardens, Kona coffee trees, fragrant flower gardens and more. Sip on freshly brewed Kona coffee while relaxing in the gazebo, or swim in the pool and gaze at the lush, tropical surroundings. Holualoa Inn would be the perfect gateway to serenity.
76-5932 Mamalahoa Highway
Holualoa, Hawaii 96725
Photo: Holualoa Inn
2/10
Bluebell Croft, Scotland
Want an upscale farm stay experience? If you're ever going to visit Strontian, Scotland, pay a visit to Bluebell Croft, where you and your children can get your hands dirty with the fruit and vegetable patches and meet the resident farm animals. You can even enjoy the spectacular mountain view while soaking in the hot tub. It's a stay that's perfect for the entire family.
15 Anaheilt, Strontian, Highlands, PH36 4JA, Scotland
Photo: Bluebell Croft
3/10
Milia Mountain Retreat, Greece
The Milia Mountain Retreat is rich in history and very big on sustainability. Originally a 17th century mountain settlement in the area of Kissamos on Crete, it is now transformed into eco-friendly accomodation nestled amongst plantains, organic gardens and chestnut trees. There are also bread making classes and Cretan cheeses to enjoy during your stay.
Vlatos, Vathi 730 12, Greece
Photo: Milia Mountain Retreat
4/10
Bilpin Springs Lodge, Australia
Only a short 1.5 hours drive from Central Sydney, go fruit picking at the apple farm, visit the glow worm tunnels, or if you and your family are more adventurous, there's also mountain biking and river canoeing available. With loads to do here, the fun will never run dry for you and your family.
46 Bilpin Springs Road
Bilpin, New South Wales 2758
Australia
Photo: Bilpin Springs Lodge
5/10
Tobruk Farmstay, Australia
Spend your vacation at Tobruk Sheep Station Homestead, where you and your family can gain a deeper understanding of sheep rearing and how they are bred. Only an hour-long drive from Sydney, there are daily activity programs available throughout your stay, such as how to use a stockman's whip.
5050 Old Northern Road
Maroota, New South Wales 2756
Australia
Photo: Tobruk Farmstay
6/10
Varzea da Gonçala, Portugal
Explore Portugal's countryside with Varzea da Gonçala, where you and your family can have the opportunity to stay in one of their traditional Portuguese rammed-earth cottages. There are tree houses for the kids, amongst a huge range of other child-friendly activities, and you and your family can also visit the zoo or go mountain biking.
R. Gonçalo de Sousa, Várzea, Portugal
Photo: Varzea da Gonçala
7/10
Kawatea Farmstay, New Zealand
Take a walk by the coast and have a lunchtime picnic by the sea and watch seals, birds and even dolphins. At this beautiful historic French and British settlement, you'll be enthralled by the magnificence of the historic buildings and its delectable spread of fresh seafood from the bay.
Okains Bay Rd, Akaroa 7583, New Zealand
Photo: Kawatea Farmstay
8/10
Trevorrick Farm, England
For an authentic Cornish farm holiday, bring your children to Trevorrick Farm in Cornwall, England, where they can participate in animal feedings and meet rabbits and miniature Shetland ponies. There's even a beach for swimming and surfing nearby, a perfect getaway for two or for the family.
St Issey, PADSTOW, Cornwall, PL27 7QH
Photo: Trevorrick Farm
9/10
Uppergate Farm, England
Not only can your kids feed the animals here, they can also partake in the collection and grading of fresh eggs on the farm. With their gorgeous brick cottages dotting their property, tea houses and pubs to dine at, enjoy your vacation at this idyllic countryside.
Uppergate Farm, Hepworth, Holmfirth,
West Yorkshire, HD9 1TG
Photo: Uppergate Farm
10/10
Wayward Jersey, Australia
This stunning classic Australian town boasts of bakeries, cafes, antiquarian bookshop, galleries and cellar doors, plus a multitude of places to visit and explore. There is also a creek you can bring your children to play at, or choose to take a scenic drive around the area to feast your eyes upon the beautiful waterfalls and monuments.
183 Goodes Road
Arding, New South Wales 2358
Australia
Photo: Wayward Jersey

Maybe you’ve never really considered a farm stay vacation before. After all, the drive to the countryside is way too long, and farms just seem so isolated and so far from ‘civilisation’. Without shopping malls, cinemas, theme parks – how is this going to be a stress-free vacation for anyone?

Farm stays are actually a great opportunity to detract from the digital world and they make for a good period of bonding with your loved ones. The drive to the countryside does not have to be very long, and you’ll definitely gain much greater insight into the country you’re staying in from your hosts. Your city kids will learn how to appreciate the countryside and recognise where food comes from and how it is made. Wander around the hills and explore tranquil nature, there’s an activity for everyone at a farm stay.

Prepare your family’s June holidays in advance with our top 10 picks of the best farm stays in the world for you and your family. Head over to the gallery above to discover the perfect spots for a farm stay.

Winnie Tan

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