South UK / London area with kids in June -- farmstay?

January 16, 2017 10:37 AM

Hi all -- Looking for recommendations as we put together a trip for 10-12 days, starting and departing London. Our party is 2 adults and 2 kids (3.5 years and 1.5 years). We've had great success with farmstays in the past. Train rides are also fun. Any thoughts on places to visit or farmstays? We'll want to do a few days in London but also get out -- seaside or country or both in the time we have. Ideally we'll travel by rail (trains are fun!) but we could drive. Looking for less-touristy, more funky or strange kind of stuff. Walking treks, or renting bikes, etc. Thanks!
posted by jlittlew to Travel & Transportation around London, England (4 answers total)

We spent 10 days in London June 2016 and had a fabulous time!! Part of our trip included a train ride to Spaulding to see a high school friend and we stayed at the St Nicholas House (we booked on Booking.com). It was the BEST experience. It's a 200 yr old manor house and active horse farm....run by a wonderful family....we loved every second. The minute we walked in the door, we were welcomed, our suite was large and clean and very comfortable, they gave my 9 year old son some fun jobs to help out....(feeding the fish in the Koi pond, taking care of the new puppy), my 16 year old was asked to take out the garbage and clean up from her massive LUSH store shopping spree, which I loved.... we felt like part of the family instantly. We were also there over the Brexit vote which made for some great conversation and learning on our part over the dinner table. I want to go again just to stay there and spend more time with this wonderful group of folks!!! Have a great time!!!
posted by pearlybob at 11:00 AM on January 16, 2017 [1 favorite]

One of the coolest experiences I've had with my kids in England was fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, in Lyme Regis to be precise. We went by car but it seems to be 3h30min from London by South West Trains. In Lyme Regis we simply took a leisurely stroll on the beach and found plenty of fossils (ammonites the size of your palm!). Just do a little reading beforehand, to be sure to do it responsibly. Topped it off with a picnic lunch and some really fantastic local ice cream. A++
posted by sively at 11:21 AM on January 16, 2017 [1 favorite]

If you're in to horses, I used to take riding lessons at stables on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, and the couple who own the stables converted the farmhouse into a B&B that's very nice. If you ride, they do hacks through the country lanes and out onto Dartmoor. If you don't, it's very quiet and pretty there and I love being around horses. Dartmoor is also great for just walking. MeMail me if you'd like specifics.
posted by olinerd at 12:13 PM on January 16, 2017 [1 favorite]

The UK is huge on glamping these days and there are some lovely spots near/in farms. Here is an idea of the variety!
posted by caoimhe at 12:27 PM on January 16, 2017 [1 favorite]