If you’re picturing a standard hotel stay… it might be time to rethink your plans. Devon is at its absolute best right now, and swapping four walls and a buffet queue for fresh air and farm life makes all the difference.
Here’s why a farm stay wins every time:
Mornings That Actually Feel Like a Break
Forget alarm clocks and corridor noise. In the Devon countryside, mornings start with birdsong, fresh air, and maybe the distant sound of animals waking up.
Step outside with a coffee and you’re instantly in it, rolling fields, sea air, and that quiet you didn’t realise you needed. Near the coast, you even get that soft coastal breeze mixed with countryside calm.
It’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a place to properly switch off.
Front-Row Seats to Spring
This time of year is peak ‘everything is adorable’ season on a farm. Think lambs bouncing around fields, calves finding their feet, and wildlife everywhere you look.
You don’t need to plan an activity, it’s happening all around you. Compared to a hotel lobby or pool, it’s not even close.
And if you’ve got kids with you? This is the kind of trip they’ll talk about for years.
Food With a Story (and Serious Flavour)
This is where countryside stays really shine.
Instead of generic menus, you’re often just steps away from incredible local produce, sometimes raised right where you’re staying. Whether it’s fresh eggs, seasonal veg, or properly reared meat, everything tastes better when you know where it came from.
Many locations stays offer on-site shops or easy access to local goodies, so you can cook, barbecue, or just tuck into something genuinely special.
Space, Freedom & Zero Crowds
Hotels right now can already start to feel busy, especially around the Bank Holidays and Half Term.
On a farm, you’ve got space. Real space.
Room for the kids to run, places to wander, quiet corners to sit with a book, and no fighting over sun loungers. Want to head out? You’re perfectly placed for countryside rambles or coastal adventures along the South West Coast Path.
It’s Devon without the crowds, and that’s a big win.
It Feels Personal (Because It Is)
Countryside stays are usually family-run, which means a completely different experience from a hotel chain.
You’re not just another room number, you’re a guest. You might get tips on the best local walk, where to find a hidden beach, or what’s just come into season nearby.
There’s a warmth to it that you just don’t get from a check-in desk.
So… Hotel or Farm?
If you want convenience, a hotel will do the job.
But if you want fresh air, great food, space to breathe, and a proper connection to Devon in its best month…
A countryside stay wins. Every time.
May doesn’t hang around for long, so if you’re thinking about it, this is your sign to book something a little different.
Modern spacious rooms with luxury bathrooms. All with direct access to our court yard, we have plenty of space for outdoor dining. All set in a secluded valley a short drive from the coast.
Self catering cottages in the heart of South Devon with lots of animals and excellent child friendly facilities including indoor pool, toddler soft play, walk-in rabbit area & tennis court.
Five spacious real log cabins, beautiful views across Exmoor, fully equipped kitchen, central heating with log burner, safe enclosed garden. Working dairy farm with sheep, pigs and poultry.
Relax in our heated swimming pool and slip into the tranquillity of rural life. Spacious comfortable cottage with indoor and outdoor play areas. Quiet but accessible location for Exeter and the M5.
Idyllic setting in the Exmoor foothills. Traditional 300 acre family farm. Cottages furnished and equipped to a high standard, offering rural charm, cosy woodburners (free logs), enclosed gardens.
A working farm bordered by the River Tale which captures the magic of the countryside - sheep, cattle, free range chickens and working sheep dogs. An idyllic setting with excellent facilities.
A cream tea greets your arrival at Forda Farm B&B. BREAKFAST is INCLUDED in nightly price. Close to the Devon and Cornwall border, you are in the perfect place to explore both counties.
17th C converted Barn 2 ensuite bedrooms, & a traditional thatched 2 bedroom cottage sleeps 5 in heart of the beautiful Mid Devon countryside. Lots of walks, pubs, relax & unwind on this family farm
Escape and enjoy the pleasures of the countryside. Delightful cottages nestled on a farm. Friendly animals, ride the pony. Watch the cows milked. Sandy beaches Woolacombe & Croyde. Walk to local pub.
Escape to our pet-free North Devon cottage. Beach walks, cozy wood burner, games room, and countryside charm. Perfect for families or couples.
Peace, comfort and a warm welcome where we offer the little extras that attract guests back time and time again. 2 miles from Sidmouth seafront. Lovely coastal walks and views from the farm.
Self catering comfortable accommodation in peaceful rural setting. 3 spacious barn conversions with unique charm. High standard & well equipped. On farm, large Oak trees. AONB. 15 mins Jurassic Coast.
Close to Jurassic coast on a working farm. Orchard Meadow - an individual converted barn with a large open living space, 3 bedrooms (1 ground floor) 3 bathrooms and enclosed dog friendly garden.
Delightful cottages on working Dairy farm, explore the area for fantastic coastline, wonderful moorland, visitor attractions, local foods and many family events. Children love the calf feeding.
Four comfortable fully equipped cottages. Peaceful setting in beautiful South Hams valley on historic 80-acre working sheep farm. Ideal location for a relaxing holiday
Set in the East Devon hills close to the Jurrasic Coast, we welcome guests to our working dairy farm. Our cottages have spacious living areas, Geothermal underfloor heating, woodburners.
Smallicombe Farm is set in an idyllic location of 70 acres of pasture and ancient woodland and offers excellent self-catering holiday cottage accommodation on a real working farm in Devon
Stunning Manor & charming Country Cottages, on the edge of Dartmoor. Sleeps 2- 24 ideal for families of all ages/sizes. Play area/barn, wifi, woodfires, animal feeding, acres of space, farmshop+ pub.