June marks the start of the summer social season with a range of music festivals, sporting events, and cultural experiences offering something for everything.
If you’re looking for a place to stay or want to build your holiday around attending one of these events, a farm stay could be a great choice. Situated in beautiful rural locations, they give guests the chance to explore the glorious British countryside with its charming villages, wonderful walks, and diverse wildlife.
The Isle of Wight Festival was originally a counterculture event but since its revival in 2002, has become renowned for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming act. It’s also one of the most family-friendly festivals of the season with a dedicated KidZone offering creative workshops, arts and crafts projects, magic shows, and a muddy play area, while beyond the main stage there are fairground rides and plenty of walkabout entertainment.
If you don’t fancy camping or only want to visit the festival for a day, Shiloh Cottage is located just a 10-minute drive away. Situated on a small farm, it has comfortable reverse-level accommodation designed to take advantage of the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside where the heritage Havenstreet Steam Train can be seen passing through.
The cottage is also within easy reach of Ryde with miles of golden, sandy beaches, and a fantastic range of shops, bars, restaurants, and attractions.
Shiloh Cottage sleeps 5 guests in 3 bedrooms. Book your stay.
Attracting many of the world’s finest thoroughbreds to compete for millions of pounds of prize money, Royal Ascot is a highlight of the summer social season with five days of world-class racing, pageantry, dining, millinery, and fashion. There are four enclosures to choose from, each with its own individual character and all designed to put you at the heart of the action, as well as a range of tailored hospitality experiences.
Hawthorn Farmhouse in Beaconsfield is perfect for a group of friends or extended family who want to ensure their accommodation matches the style of Royal Ascot. Set in 2,400 acres of farmland and woodland on a country estate, the 16th century boutique property includes a wood burning stove, a luxurious hot tub, and a barbecue so you can continue the party well into the night. Private catering can also be arranged as well as transport, and with a network of footpaths across the estate, it’s ideal for walking off your hangover the next morning.
Hawthorn Farmhouse sleeps 12 guests in 6 bedrooms. Book your stay.
Known as the greatest flat race in the world, the Epsom Derby is one of the five classic English horse races, and the ultimate test of three-year-old thoroughbreds. The festival opens the day before with Ladies Day with high fashion, social festivities, and elite racing, while hospitality offers expertly curated menus showcasing seasonal produce in award-winning restaurants and intimate private boxes.
Stay nearby at The Haybarn, a stunning property situated quite aptly on a working equestrian farm in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The converted barn offers contemporary accommodation with well thought out interiors and wonderful views overlooking the paddocks and surrounding countryside.
With stables available, guests are welcome to bring their own horse with them, and expert dressage tuition with international dressage riders can be booked directly with the owners, along with one-to-one yoga sessions and private dining.
The Haybarn sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. Book your stay.
If you want to experience the summer solstice, there’s no better place than Stonehenge, the iconic Neolithic monument built in around 2,500 BC. Thousands gather for overnight access to the monument, culminating in the sun rising behind the Heel Stone and shining into the stone circle’s heart at about 4.50 am. Spiritual and pagan rituals combine with contemporary celebrations to create a friendly festive atmosphere.
Situated just 6 miles away, Hoopers Farmhouse, is a charming, 600-year-old thatched cottage with a wealth of original features, a wood burning stove, and cosy, rustic interiors. Set on a working farm in a pretty village with a great pub, it’s surrounded by an abundance of wildlife with wonderful views over Salisbury Plain.
Nearby are a wealth of walking and cycling trails and the New Forest National Park and the dramatic Jurassic Coastline are both within easy reach.
Hoopers Farmhouse sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms. Book your stay.
The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s premier annual agricultural and rural life event, showcasing the best of farming, food, and country life. Highlights include livestock competitions, modern farming machinery exhibitions, showjumping, sheep shearing demonstrations, axe throwing, the best of Scottish food and drink, and live music to keep you entertained all day long.
Set on a working farm with prize-wining sheep, Petronella is a luxurious barn conversion surrounded by lush green fields and walking trails that meander through the farm. Contemporary interiors designed with light and space in mind provide an ideal base for family or friends to enjoy a relaxing countryside escape.
The barn is situated just a 15-minute drive from the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh, and also offers easy access to Glasgow and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Petronella sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedroom. Book your stay.
