Scotland
Whitmuir Organic Farm, a mixed organic family farm in the rolling uplands of the Scottish Borders.
Where: Lamancha, West Linton, near Edinburgh
What to expect: After a stroll through Whitmuir’s mystical Fairy Trail, pop into AtlanticOrganic, the farm’s cafe-restaurant for a fresh organic meal or visit the farm shop where you can pick up some of Whitmuir’s grass and outdoor reared meat. And every Friday morning over the holidays, 5 - 12 year-olds can learn to be a farmer for the morning and help feed the animals, pick fruit and veg, plant seeds and play.
Know before you go: Open every day from 10am to 5pm. Visitors are welcome to walk around and enjoy the views. Hosted visits are also available by advance booking, from £5. Farm Fridays £15 by advance booking. Dogs on leads welcome.
Cream O’Galloway, an innovative organic dairy farm crammed with adventure.
Where: Rainton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, Scotland
What to expect: Not just about ice cream and cheese tastings (though they do that too) Cream O’Galloway is home to a Visitor Centre with an adventure playground, an aerial netting adventure, crazy golf, and a cross-farm zip line - and that’s just a few of the activities on offer. But it’s not all about adventure: Cream O’Galloway is trialling some of the most innovative organic farming methods to improve cow and calf welfare and to make dairy farming more sustainable in the UK. You can find out more about their work on the Finlay’s Farm Tour.
Know before you go: Open daily from 10am. ‘Full o’ Fun’ ticket with unlimited access to all adventure activities is £13.50 for adults and children 6+. Book in advance for Finlay’s Farm Tour, ice cream and cheese tasting. Dogs are welcome to run free in the enclosed 7-acre woodland but not permitted in the adventure playground.
Somerset
Yeo Valley Family Farm & Organic Garden, an organic garden nestled in the Mendip hills at Yeo Valley’s HQ.
Where: Blagdon, Somerset
What to expect: You’re spoiled for choice at this six-and-a-half acre haven of ornamental and edible plants. Experience pollinator paradise in the wildflower meadow, where insects forage for nectar, walk down the avenue of maturing Tea Crab trees and visit the veggie patch - previously a tennis court which has now been converted to an ornamental kitchen garden. If you’re feeling peckish, The Garden Café serves tea, cake and light lunches.
Know before you go: Open Thursdays and Fridays 11am - 5pm all summer until 27 September. Admission is £5; under 16’s go free.
Wales
Aberhyddnant Organic Farm, a Welsh hill-trekking experience complete with fluffy tour guides.
Where: Crai, Brecon, Wales
What to expect: This is a hill walk with a difference - your guide is an organic sheep! Wander the hills of the spectacular Brecon Beacons with your own specially-trained Jacob sheep as your tour guide. The two-hour hill trek offers stunning views of Pen-Y-Fan and the Beacons, all in the company of your woolly trekking pal.
Know before you go: Book in advance. Sheep treks happen on various dates over the summer with prices from £25.
Warwickshire
Mary Arden’s Farm, an organic farm managed in the Tudor style at Shakespeare’s mum’s childhood home.
Where: Wilmcote, Warwickshire
What to expect: This working farm was built around 1514 and though it’s been through a few changes since, it’s still run in proper Tudor style - meaning it’s all organic. Visitors can watch costumed guides work the land and manage the rare breed animals, and can even get involved and give geese-herding a go. Learn about Tudor traditions at the dining table, catch one of the daily falconry displays and explore the butterfly bank or nature trails. You’re welcome to bring a picnic to the grounds, and the Farm Cafe also offers Tudor-inspired specials made from organic meat from the farm.
Know before you go: Tickets are £15 (adults), £10 (kids) and £40 (families) and boast unlimited entry for the season.
Below: Mary Arden's Farm, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
