As we step out onto Drovers Rest Farm, we spy a quad bike zooming towards us out of the darkness. It's Kesri and Paul, our warm and welcoming hosts, coming to greet us. They juggle the running of this all-encompassing, all-organic, free-range farm, which is home to animals, crops, stylish boutique accommodation, and a field-to-table kitchen to boot. It's a proper family affair, with the owners’ kids mucking in too, and their passion shines through in everything they do.
On our first morning, we were invited to tour the farm and meet the animals with Paul. Pygmy goats, sheep, pigs, alpacas and Falabella horses are just some of the residents you might see. Encompassing 40 acres of fields, woodland, meadows and orchards, the farm has plenty of space for playing outdoors, and when the sun shines, exploring is encouraged. Look forward to bonfire gatherings, summer pony rides, rural craft workshops, and feast nights with home-grown food cooked on open fires - including Sunday roasts. When it rains, hang out in the games barn, complete with table tennis and a basketball net, or pop into Hay-on-Wye, the famous town of books, only 10 minutes away by car.
After just two nights we left feeling fully refreshed and relaxed. We’re itching to return in the summer, to try glamping in the safari tents or the pop-up bell tents and sleeping beneath the stars. For simple, back-to-nature, free-range fun for all, this farm is a total winner.
Highs
- Warm, sociable and laid-back hosts who encourage guests to meet and relax
- Regular feast nights in peak season, with homegrown and locally sourced ingredients cooked on open fires
- High-spec safari tents (for 2-4) and cottages (for 2-5) that are all dog-friendly
- Ideal for friends and family gatherings, with heaps of activities on-site for all ages
- Admirable green credentials: the farm is completely organic, with no artificial pesticides used, and the owners aim to rewild 50% of their land
Lows
- You'll need to book ahead for peak season as it's very popular with families
- Peak season rates in cottages reflect the style and spec of the accommodation
- This is a working farm so be prepared for roaming animals, farm vehicles, and mud!
- No baths, but excellent power showers
Best time to go
The farm looks perfect in spring and summer, with wildflowers in bloom and lambs being born, but autumn and winter have their own merits too – think foraging and cosy nights huddled by the wood-burning stoves. Note that the bell tents are only available July and August.
Our top tips
The farm is ideal for multi-generational family stays. If grandparents aren't so keen on glamping, get them to book a cottage so they can still join in on the fun – The Cart-house is the closest cottage to the safari tent field.
- Organic farm
- 3 cottages, 6 safari and 10 bell tents
- Self-catering; onsite restaurant & cocktail bar open busy times
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Towels & linen provided
- Caretaker
Rooms
In the main farm area is The Cart-house, located next door to the owners’ farmhouse, and The Shepherds Shack. Kids can easily roam free from either of these lovely cottages. Just beyond the farmyard is Drovers Cottage, the furthest from the heart of things but also our favourite. Two cottages have one double and one twin bedroom; the third, The Shepherds Shack, has two doubles. They feature underfloor heating, contemporary furniture and well-equipped kitchens, as well as gardens with tables and chairs.
We visited in December and our stay in The Cart-house was a festive joy. A wreath, mistletoe and a twinkling tree, plus the underfloor heating, made us feel cosy and festive despite the chilly weather.
In the glamping meadow, you’ll find the Safari Tents. They are comfy and cosy, each with a double and twin bedroom (and electric blankets) and a wood-burning stove to cook on and warm the tent. Each tent has a deck with outdoor furniture. Bathrooms are all private in a separate block, located a short walk away.
In summer (1 July-31 Aug) there is a pop-up bell tent village in a wildflower meadow with shepherd’s hut toilets and showers, and a communal kitchen. Each tent has a double and twin beds and comes with a fire bowl/barbecue. Kesri and Paul don't rest on their laurels, so plans are afoot to develop wood cabins too – watch this space!
Features include:
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
Both tents and cottages are well set-up for self-catering, and you can cook and barbecue as much as you wish. Essentials like tea, coffee, sugar and cleaning supplies are provided.
During peak seasons there are sociable feast nights up to five times a week – think Mexican, pizza nights and Sunday roasts. The courtyard between two barns has been transformed into a contemporary al fresco bar made from a shipping container, and there’s a barbecue space for cooking and dining in. It’s the perfect spot for kicking back with a cocktail, meeting with fellow guests, and relaxing.
For those staying in the pop-up bell tents in the summer, there's a communal kitchen with plates, cups, bowls, glasses, cafetieres, cutlery, kettles and toasters and a stove.
In colder months, one of the barns is open for indoor dining, with big communal tables that encourage a convivial atmosphere. Dogs are welcome here, and kids can eat and run off to play, with parents secure in the knowledge that the youngsters are safe and having fun. Meals are set according to what's in season; there's usually a meat option and a veggie option, plus sides (at least three are vegetarian). There is no kids' menu as such, but we found Kesri and Paul were very accommodating to our kids' dietary requirements.
Features include:
- Bar
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Dinner by arrangement
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Restaurant
- Toaster
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Farm tours are a must – book in advance to hear more about the rare breeds and the philosophy of Kesri and Paul’s projects and self-sufficient plans
- 9am is feeding time, so meet in the farmyard and help out
- Ask about the regular campfire gatherings that take place out and about on the farm
- Kids can do nature hunts – just ask for more info
- If foraging is your thing, Kesri knows just the man - book in and learn all about the food growing wild around the farm
- There are several play areas for kids
- Explore the countryside by bicycle; once booked these will be dropped off and picked up from the farm
- Visit Hay-On-Wye for its market and iconic bookshops
- In the surrounding area, try kayaking and other watersports on the River Wye, or go hiking in the Brecon Beacons National Park or the Black Mountains
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Farm tours
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Wildlife
Kids
The farm is simply perfect for families, particularly for those with active, outdoorsy older kids. There’s plenty of space for games (football, basketball, table tennis) and exploring, and animal-mad kids will love mucking in with feeding time every morning. There are two dogs to play with, and the convivial nature of the farm means that youngsters might make friends with other kids staying on-site.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
All accommodation is family-friendly, each with two bedrooms and a sofa bed for a 3rd child if required. Drovers Cottage is the largest and has the most space but is further away from the main area; The Cart-house has the largest garden, which leads onto the glamping field; The Shepherds Shack has the smallest outside space of all the cottages. Opt for a Safari Tent if you want to unplug and have a more immersive farm experience.
Kids Activities on site:
- Playground
- Farm walks to feed the animals
- Nature hunts
- Educational farm tours
- Games room
- Kids books / toys
Families Should Know:
It is a working farm so kids do need to be aware of farm vehicles and uneven ground. The owners have two well-behaved dogs and a pet pig who roams around. There's an unfenced shallow pond on the property.
Distances:
- Airport: 1hr45-55m (Cardiff/Bristol)
- Hospital: 40 minutes
- Shops: 11 minutes (Hay-on-Wye)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Drovers Rest Farm is located 7km from Hay-on-Wye. Access is via a narrow lane, so it's easiest to navigate for the first time during daylight. The locale is beautiful and easy to get to from Bristol and Cardiff.
By Air
Cardiff International Airport (117km) is the closest. You could also fly into Bristol Airport (129km).
By Car
Drovers Rest Farm is 3-4 hours from London and 1.5 hours from Cardiff. See our car rental recommendations.
By Rail
The nearest station, Hereford, is a 40-minute drive away. The journey time from London Paddington is approximately 2.5 hrs, with a change at Newport.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Cardiff Airport 117.0 km CWL
- Bristol Airport 129.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 113.0 km
- Shops 4.8 km
- Restaurant 4.8 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape