A reporter recently visited Adam Henson’s Countryfile farm in the Cotswolds and was thrilled by his experience, despite encountering a few issues. The beautiful Cotswold Farm Park is currently gearing up for Halloween with a pumpkin patch, jack-o’-lantern carving, and a Maize Maze.
As Halloween season kicks off, Gloucestershire Live reporter Steve Hughes decided to visit the farm, spending the night in one of the farm’s luxury lodges.
Reflecting on his trip, he said: “My family and I were guests at a luxury lodge at Cotswold Farm Park, the home and birthplace of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.”
“The farm itself welcomes around 70,000 day visitors each year, and offers overnight stays in a lodge, shepherd hut or you can bring your own campervan or tent.
“The backdrop of spooky woods and smart lighting gives the place a genuinely eerie atmosphere, and my boys wasted no time in deciding which pumpkins would look best adorning our porch.
“Choosing is a challenging process given the vast array to pick from. Wheelbarrows are available for visitors to roam the patch in search of the perfect pumpkin, which come in sizes ranging from small to enormous.”
“Perhaps even more thrilling were the scrumptious s’mores we were offered to roast over the ready-made fires scattered around. With live music and an onsite bar, we were a contented group as we savoured our toasted marshmallows and reflected on a splendid day in the countryside,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
Steve shared his family’s delightful experience at Adam Henson’s farm, saying: “All three of my boys were smitten especially seven-year-old Albie when they got to hold chicks that were less than a week old.
“I thought at one point my wife wouldn’t return her chick. But that was nothing compared to her reaction in the next barn when we encountered three-day-old piglets.
“Meanwhile, eldest son Freddie, 10, and youngest Wilbur, three, were vying to become best mates with a goat. The goat itself wasn’t fussy as long as it continued receiving handfuls of animal feed. There were also donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep and cows, many of them rare breeds, all eager to meet visitors.”
The children also made the most of the various play areas on offer, such as the bouncy inflatable, zip wire, and sand pit.
Reflecting on their stay, Steve said: “For guests who stay at the farm, there is the option to re-enter as many times as desired, allowing time to relax back at the lodge for refreshments, and another opportunity to enjoy the hot tub.”
He added: “The lodges themselves are well equipped for a comfortable self-catering stay, featuring a decent kitchen and bathroom, as well as a smart TV.
“And if you’re not in the mood for cooking, there is the option of visiting the onsite Ox Shed Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gift shop also stocks essentials like bread and milk, as well as local wines and beers.”
Steve added: “So what are the problems I’ve got to deal with? Well, I’ve now got one son who desires a pet chick, two sons who are keen on a pet goat and a wife who is eager for us to adopt a piglet. Personally, I’d be content with just acquiring a hot tub.”
To book your holiday
- General admission to Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, which includes the Pumpkin Patch, costs from £6.95 for adults during the day, £5.95 for children aged 4-15, and £4.95 for toddlers aged 2-3.
- Nighttime prices start from £9.95 for adults, £8.95 for children, and £4.95 for toddlers. Advance booking is required.
- Lodges start from £150 per night, safari tents from £125 per night, and pitches from £25 per night. Visit cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk for more information.