Escape to Northumberland with a stay on a working farm or smallholding. From cosy cottages and stylish barn conversions to secluded lodges, our collection of farm stays in Northumberland offers a diverse choice of places to stay in some of England’s most unspoilt countryside and coast.
Northumberland covers a variety of landscapes from the high hills near the Scottish border to the lowlands towards the coast.
The open, rugged moorland of the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park are home to some of the largest farms in the country, reaching an average size of up to 1,000 hectares. They are mainly used for livestock, rearing hardy breeds of sheep such as Cheviots and Blackfaces that are well adapted to the cold with thick wooly coats that help protect them even in the depths of winter.
In spring, they are brought down to lower ground for lambing, and depending on your farm stay you may have the chance to see lambs being born or help out with feeding orphans.
The region also supports beef and dairy herds, with cattle grazing across both upland and lowland areas.
On more fertile ground such as the coastal plains, arable farming is more common growing crops like winter wheat, barley, oats, and oilseed rape.
Some farms also keep animals as pets such as ponies and donkeys, while a flock of hens is a common sight on many farms, no matter the type, which means freshly-laid eggs for breakfast.
Built on centuries of conflict, Northumberland has a fascinating cultural heritage with Hadrian’s Wall that stretches across the landscape, the remains of Roman forts and towns to discover, and more castles than any other county in England.
The Farne Islands and Lindisfarne were both important centres for early Christianity with some fascinating relics. Today they are home to a vast array of wildlife including breeding seabirds, wintering waterfowl and waders, resilient plants, and a significant population of grey seals.
After a day exploring there’s nothing better than returning to a farm stay with an open fire or wood burning stove to warm cold toes. Or choose a farm stay with a hot tub for an evening stargazing under Northumberland’s famous clear, dark skies.
Northumberland has some of the quietest beaches in the UK with wide stretches of sand, grassy dunes, and calm waters perfect for watersports. Many are dog friendly all year round, so if you want to bring along the whole family we have plenty of farm stays in Northumberland that welcome dogs. Just remember to always keep them on a lead when crossing farmland or near livestock.
If your holiday isn’t a holiday without being close the sea, choose one of our coastal farm stays in Northumberland. We have a range of properties all within ten miles of the coast, with many offering direct access to secluded beaches or the Northumberland Coast Path.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic weekend break, or a coastal escape with friends, a farm stay is a fantastic way to experience Northumberland in all its wild beauty, while having a chance to get a taste of rural life.
From characterful cottages to historic barn conversions, browse our collection of Northumberland farm stays and find somewhere for your next countryside escape.
