Field Guide To Cornwall

Why visit Cornwall?

Cornwall is one of Britain’s most popular destinations for a farm stay, and it’s easy to see why. Over 300 miles of coastline, two National Landscapes, ancient moorland, subtropical gardens, and a food culture built on centuries of fishing and farming make it an exceptional base for a rural holiday from Land’s End to the Tamar Valley.

For a taste of wild Cornwall, head to the rugged landscapes of Bodmin Moor, renowned for its prehistoric ritual sites, ancient stone circles and settlements, dramatic granite tors, including Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point, and iconic landmarks such as Jamaica Inn, immortalised in Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name. The moor is also rich in wildlife, home to rare butterflies, unique mosses, ground-nesting birds and birds of prey, alongside free-roaming sheep, cattle, and ponies. We have several farms in our collection that offer stables and livery, if you want to explore the moor on horseback.

Cornwall is famed for having some of the best beaches in the country and a coastal farm stay puts you within easy reach. Surfers flock to Fistral Beach at Newquay, where Atlantic swells can reach impressive heights, while Carbis Bay offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand and calm, clear waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. All along the Cornish coast you’ll find hidden coves perfect for a more secluded escape, such as Porthgwarra, a filming location for Poldark, and Portheras, where seals can be seen spotted bobbing in the waves. Nature lovers will be drawn to the unique geology of the Lizard Peninsula, a haven for rare plants and flowers, with a stunning coastline of sandy bays, dramatic rock formations, and sea caves.

With no shortage of attractions for memorable days out, a family holiday on a working farm in Cornwall is a fantastic choice. Highlights include The Eden Project, a global garden where two vast covered biomes transport visitors to Mediterranean landscapes and tropical rainforests; Paradise Park in Hayle, with a variety of exotic birds and daily penguin feeding; and the collection of works by modern British artists at Tate St Ives that also hosts a varied programme of events for children.

After a day exploring, little ones will delight in returning to the farm to greet the animals, and with many farms providing games rooms, barbecues, hot tubs, families will find plenty to enjoy in the evenings. Or take advantage of the county’s temperate climate and choose a Cornish farm stay with a swimming pool.

Cornwall is a great destination for dog owners with hundreds of miles of footpaths, bridleways, and green lanes, as well as dog-friendly pubs and restaurants. Many of our collection of Cornish farm stays welcome dogs with enclosed gardens and acres of fields to explore.

Food lovers will be spoilt for choice, with everything from relaxed harbourside seafood restaurants in Falmouth to Michelin-starred dining in Padstow. And no visit would be complete without a freshly-baked Cornish pasty or a traditional cream tea – jam first, of course!

Whether you’re after a converted stone barn on top of the cliffs, a secluded shepherd’s hut for an off-grid glamping experience, or a period farmhouse with space for the whole family, a farm stay in Cornwall is the perfect destination for your next break at any time of year.