For those who want their dog to feel just as much a part of the holiday as the rest of the family, a farm stay is an excellent choice, giving you countryside walks from the doorstep, plenty of new things to sniff, and, in many cases, an enclosed garden or paddock to stretch their legs. But staying on a farm is a little different from staying in an ordinary holiday cottage, and that’s part of the fun.
Our collection includes farm stays to suit all sorts of dogs and their owners. Choose a spacious farmhouse with a secure garden and room for a large dog bed, or a cosy cottage where you can both curl up beside the fire after a long walk. An open-plan barn conversion can be a good choice for dogs who like to stay close to the family, while properties with boot rooms, outside taps, or dog showers are handy after a muddy walk.
Some farm stays also provide thoughtful extras such as dog bowls, blankets, treats, and toys, while others have kennels, agility courses, or doggy day care on site.
Many of our dog friendly farm stays are on working farms with animals, which means your dog may share the landscape with sheep, cows, pigs, horses, ponies, or alpacas. Of course, that’s a big part of the appeal of staying on a farm, but it does mean taking a few sensible precautions.
Dogs should always be kept on a lead around livestock, and you’ll need to follow any instructions from your host about areas that are out of bounds, both inside and out. If your dog is nervous near farm animals or likely to chase them, an arable, crop, or horticultural farm may be a better choice, but even then, don’t assume there won’t be animals around, as chickens, ducks, and geese can all be part of everyday life on a farm.
It’s also worth checking whether cats or dogs live on the farm if your dog doesn’t get on well with other furry companions.
One of the great things about staying in the countryside is that you’re less likely to spend your holiday working out what you can and can’t do with the dog. Walks start right from the farm, with miles of public footpaths, bridleways, woodland trails, and open countryside to explore without having to get in the car.
Rural pubs, cafés, farm shops, and attractions in the countryside are often more accustomed to welcoming dogs, so you can spend more of your holiday together rather than leaving the dog behind at your accommodation.
A coastal farm stay can be particularly good for dogs who love the seaside. While many popular beaches have seasonal restrictions, quieter rural beaches often allow dogs throughout the year, giving them plenty of space to chase a ball or go for a swim. Always check the local rules before you set off however, as restrictions vary from beach to beach.
And after a day of adventures, there’s nothing better than heading back to your farm stay, drying off muddy paws and boots, and settling down together for the evening in the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Once you’ve made the most important decision and chosen the kind of farm stay that suits your dog, you can start thinking about the things humans might like.
Farm stays come with all sorts of extras, from games rooms and tennis courts to hot tubs, swimming pools, and even saunas, so there’s plenty to enjoy once you’re back at your holiday cottage.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy retreat for two (or three), or a spacious property where the whole family or a group of friends can get together, our collection of dog friendly farm stays makes it easy to find somewhere everyone can enjoy their holiday. And if you’re travelling with more than just the dog, our farm stays with stables are a great choice for bringing a horse along too.
