06 May 2021
Farm Stay, the market leader in farm holidays and rural stays throughout the UK is reporting a 45% surge in bookings since 2018*, the greatest increase in its 38-year history.
Originally founded as the UK's first not-for-profit farmer-owned consortium aimed at promoting the country's agri-tourism industry, the organisation has now grown to offer over 420 farm stays and rural boltholes, from working farm holidays to self-catering, B&B's to glamping across England, Northern Island, Scotland and Wales.
Farm Stay has also just launched a new website, www.farmstay.co.uk to help make it even easier for UK holidaymakers to plan their rural break whilst allowing its members capitalise on what is widely expected to be the busiest ever year for holidays at home.
As well as reporting a soaring increase in those wanting to escape to the country for their 'staycation,' Farm Stay, which has its headquarters at the National Agricultural Centre, Warwickshire, has found that:
- Farm Stays and countryside escapes are most popular amongst the 25 - 34 years age bracket, millennial couples, groups as well as young families.
- Glamping has soared in popularity, with almost as many people searching for it as B & B accommodation, up over 3,000 searches from 58,891 in 2018-19 to 62,023 in 2020-21. However, this may be due to Covid restrictions on B&B accommodation over the past year.
- There has been a 58% increase in those looking for 'large group' i.e., sleeping 12 and above accommodation.
- Indoor pools and hot tubs are a new 'must have', with searches up 45% and 35% respectively in the last three years.
Farm Stay has also identified which locations are the most popular amongst its visitors. In order of preference, they are:
- Yorkshire
- Cornwall
- Norfolk
- Devon
- Suffolk
- Derbyshire
- Wales
- Wiltshire
- Kent
- Scotland
Feedback from both its members and customers has also suggested that, post-pandemic, more holidaymakers are seeking a more responsible, sustainable holiday; a trend which is likely to continue in the future according to its Chairperson.
Kay Barriball, Farm Stay Chairperson says, “For 38 years, Farm Stay has provided its guests with the most authentic, grassroots rural holiday experience available throughout the UK.
“Whilst our clientele and members have always been dedicated to sustainability, we see this as a trend which will become even more pronounced post-pandemic, both in terms of what our members offer, and what guests look for in a holiday.
“By booking through our website, our guests not only make a personal connection with the host but know that all profits go directly to the very people they will be staying with,” ends Kay.
For more information or to book, visit www.farmstay.co.uk , call 02476 696909 or e-mail info@farmstay.co.uk
Notes to Editors
*Farm Stay has decided to use a three-year bookings window than report on year-on-year figures which have been skewed (i.e., give a misleading trend picture) due to the pandemic.
The current most popular searches are:
1 Indoor pool 6 Hot tubs
2 Glamping with Hot Tub 7 Feed the animals
3 Working farm 8 Cottages with swimming pool in Cornwall
4 Self-catering sleeping 12+ 9 Horse riding
5 Self-catering 10 Take your horse on holiday
About Farm Stay
Farm Stay is one of a handful of the original listing sites created in the 1980s. It is an ethical not-for-profit farmer-owned consortium dedicated to market holidays on working farms and countryside accommodation, helping members increase occupancy rates and boost their revenue streams. Farmers benefit from commission-free listings while holidaymakers book direct, enabling a better deal for the farms and a great deal for guests.
Accommodation was, as the name suggests, originally farm-based, either self-catering or bed and breakfasts. Old-fashioned campsites were also included. Today, Farm Stay has over 420 accommodation listings, from traditional cottage to converted barns or lakeside wooden retreats to secluded shepherd's huts, bell tents and glamping pods
As well as a go-to information site for beautiful rural properties, Farm Stay provides a wealth of information about each county and the new website provides suggested places to stay for visitor attractions, national parks and places of special interest.
Farm Stay farms are located in some of the most attractive rural spots in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Each one ideal for a quiet countryside break with all the benefits of fresh air, invigorating views, and opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities, whether on the farm itself, or close by. Families love the opportunity to learn about farming life and, in some cases, interact with livestock.
Farm Stay UK is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act. When it was founded in 1983, it was known as The Farm Holiday Bureau and consisted of 23 local groups. Leadership and support were provided by agricultural advisory body ADAS which was financed by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (now DEFRA), the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the National Tourist Boards including the British Travel Association and the Farmers Weekly publication.
Farm Stay charges its owners an annual subscription starting from £299 for one property, bed and breakfast room, or glamping site — there is no hidden commission to Farm Stay members and guests are encouraged to book online direct with the owner. Membership fees are ploughed back into promoting members, agritourism and agricultural education, which is at the heart of everything the organisation does. New members are added to the site every year.
Links:
Website: www.farmstay.co.uk
Facebook: @FarmStayUK
Twitter: @FarmStayUK
Instagram: @Farmstayuk
Media Contact
For more information, hi-res images or to arrange a press trip review (subject to availability), please contact: Megan Allen megan@rural-roots.co.uk or Rebecca Scrase Rebecca@rural-roots.co.uk
