02 February 2022. Farm Stay, the market leader in UK farm holidays, has reported a sharp increase in bookings for 2022 as Brits and visitors to the UK continue to value the space, close access to nature and independence holidays in the countryside offer.  

A year-on-year comparison of traffic to the booking platform's website in 2020 and 2021 showed an impressive jump of 190.18 per cent over the Christmas and New Year's period, with 53,519 unique users heading to Farmstay.co.uk between the 25th of December 2021 and the 16th of January 2022. Compared to the 18,468 visitors that frequented the site across the same date range in December 2020 and January 2021, numbers have almost tripled.

Not only that, but the Google Analytics evaluation also showed that the number of new visitors to the website was up by 194.47 per cent, and page views by 150.29 per cent. 

Kay Barriball, Chairman of Farm Stay UK said: “Even with the world opening up to travellers again, I think one of the positives that has come out of the Covid-19 pandemic is that people's eyes have been opened to the opportunities available on their doorstep.

“As a not-for-profit cooperative of rural properties across the UK, we've definitely seen an increase in people looking for short breaks in the countryside, wanting to book direct with their hosts and generally connect with food and farming.”

With close to 450 properties across the country on their site, Farm Stay has a property for every group size or occasion. On the website, holidaymakers can filter options by region or various other categories such as glamping, self-catering, accessibility, pet friendly, and last-minute offers. They can also peruse special collections narrowed down to properties that are located close to the beach, offer animal feeding, are eco-friendly or have hot tubs.

As uncertainty around travelling to far-flung destinations remains, and many holidaymakers prefer to stay amongst their own 'bubble' of family and friends, a farm stay can offer freedom, independence, privacy and unforgettable memories as guests connect to Mother Nature and experience the charm of a simpler way of living. Breathtaking scenery, charming quarters and cute farm animals offer further perks that the whole family can enjoy.

Whether they want to go off-grid in the great Scottish outdoors or enjoy a multi-generational break with all the creature comforts the discerning traveller could desire, Brits and international visitors will be spoilt for choice when exploring the best of Britain with Farm Stay UK.

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Notes to Editors 

Media Contact 

For further information, hi-res imagery or case studies of farm stays elsewhere in the UK, please email:

Olivia Ebeling, Rural Roots Account Manager: olivia@rural-roots.co.uk
Megan Allen, Rural Roots Account Director: megan@rural-roots.co.uk 

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 holiday makers book directly, 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 directly 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.