Plan a Royal Farm Stay break
24 January 2022
(Last updated: 5 May 2023 08:47)
This year Her Majesty The Queen becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service. A number of events and initiatives are taking place across the UK, culminating in a four-day UK bank holiday weekend in June. These include public events and community activities, and some of the Royal private estates are staging themed events so we can all join in the celebrations.
Why not plan a UK Farm Stay break near a Royal residence so you can pay a visit in this very special year, maybe attend one of the events, and soak up the regal atmosphere of these once-in-a-lifetime celebrations? We’ve rounded up a selection of Farm Stay properties near to Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, Holyrood House and Balmoral for you to choose from…
Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The Queen spends most of her private weekends at the Castle and it’s open to visitors all year round. There will be events and exhibitions at Windsor Castle each week in July to mark the Platinum Jubilee. A highlight is the opportunity to see the Coronation Dress and Robe of Estate worn by the Queen in her Coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953.
If you love horses you won’t want to miss the equestrian-themed Platinum Jubilee Celebration on May 12-15 that will showcase global equestrian performances, with hundreds of actors and artists, musicians, as well as international military displays.
Fancy staying in Royal Berkshire this year? Check out these Farm Stay properties…
Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages, Thatcham, Berkshire
Manor Farm is set in the picturesque village of Hampstead Norreys and has four luxuriously appointed self-catering cottages sleeping 2 to 4 people. These 17th century former barns and stables were renovated to a high standard and are ideal if you’d like to stay as a group of up to 16. The on-site community shop and café is super convenient, offering fresh food and provisions.
Brambly Thatch Cottage, Reading, Berks
Brambly Thatch is a 400-year-old ‘picture book’ thatched cottage on a farm in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to the attractive Thames Valley villages of Pangbourne and Goring. The cottage, which retains its traditional charm, sleeps five people (plus a baby) in a double, single and a twin bedroom.
Fords Farm, Wallingford, Oxon
Fords Farm is nestled in the beautiful, peaceful and historic village of Ewelme near Wallingford in Oxfordshire. There are two comfortable and tastefully furnished self-catering cottages to choose from. Both sleep 2 to 4 people and have garage parking.
Or why not book a stay in Fords Farm farmhouse, part of which dates back to the 15th Century and has many original features. There are two comfortable bed & breakfast rooms, each sleeping two people. The gardens are traditionally styled and features such as the yew hedge and crazy paving will make you think you’ve stepped back in time.
The Palace of Holyrood House stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and is used by The Queen when carrying out official engagements in Scotland. Open throughout the year, visitors can discover the Palace’s close associations with historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. As part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations visitors will be able to view outfits worn by the Queen on occasions to celebrate the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees.
Thinking about staying in Scotland and visiting Holyrood House this year? Check out these Farm Stay properties…
Airpods, Lauder, Scottish Borders
You’ll be able to enjoy glamping in style on this 633 acre organic farm at Oxton. Here, there are two quirky glamping pods with en-suite facilities and your very own hot tub. Each pod has a double bed, galley kitchen, digital TV, and all sorts of luxuries like mood lighting, a sound system, and a Nespresso coffee machine! Thick insulation and warm wooden floors ensure you’re always cosy. You’ll have access to a fridge and a microwave, and meals can be cooked in the BBQ Hut.
Alternatively, you could opt to stay in one of the farm’s five-star self-catering lodges sleeping between two and ten people – perfect for family get togethers.
Traditionally the Queen has spent Christmas at Sandringham and stayed through until February. Dog-friendly Royal Parkland and courtyard facilities are open to visitors all year around. The gardens reopen for February half-term and at weekends in March, while Sandringham house and St Mary Magdalene Church reopen on April 9.
On the June Bank Holiday weekend there’ll be a screening of ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’ – a live BBC Concert celebrating the most significant moments from The Queen’s seven-decade reign – on a big outdoor screen.
If you’d like to stay close to the Sandringham Estate and enjoy exploring the Royal Norfolk Coast this year, check out these Farm Stay properties…
Amville Barn at Church Farm, Grimston, Kings Lynn
Amville Barn is a converted former stable barn which is now a luxurious holiday cottage in a peaceful setting at Church Farm in the pretty Norfolk village of Grimston. With one double and a twin bedroom, it sleeps up to 4 people. There’s a fully equipped open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room, underfloor central heating, enclosed garden, patio furniture and ample parking.
Little Abbey Farm, Pentney, Kings Lynn
Ben and Diane are the welcoming hosts at Little Abbey Farm where each of the four guest rooms has been enhanced with personal touches. The spacious en-suite B&B accommodation for up to 10 people is located in a ground-floor annexe. Expect a delicious home cooked breakfast using farm produce and fresh local foods that you can enjoy while taking in views of the farm and the countryside beyond. There’s even an option for a two-course evening meal.
Cranmer Cottages, Fakenham
Cranmer Country Cottages is a cluster of converted barns with a luxury salt-dosed indoor pool and tennis courts, surrounded by private gardens and farmland views. Each of the one to three-bedroom cottages is stylishly decorated, with luxurious touches and wood burners for cosy evenings. The accommodation is all on one level, making it ideal for less mobile adults and young families. Several of the cottages ‘communicate’ with the property next door via a hallway or boot room, making them ideal for extended family groups to holiday together. The site also has a games room, meeting room, a toddlers’ play house, useful baby gear and pre-bookable services such as babysitting and meal delivery.
