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.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
The safari tent was great, very comfortable beds (with electric blankets!) and well equipped. It was spacious which meant plenty of room for both the dog and baby to crawl around. The tents were spaced quite close together (in a large field), and very close to the barn (for drinks, food, etc) which I imagine could get loud during peak season. The bathroom facilities were excellent. There was no food available during our stay as it was out of peak season. Marta was very friendly. Good value. Very close to Hay on Wye which is a lovely town. The booking process was very straightforward.
We loved Drover's Farm, it was a very special place. The Farm tour which is included in the price was a fab way to kick off the holiday. Conducted by the owner who is a warm, friendly, amusing guy appealing to both parent's and kids. We stayed in the Shephard's Shack which was well equipped, peaceful, comfortable and charming. A microwave would have been useful, but apart from that everything was great and well thought out. Close to Hay on Wye, which we visited daily for our caffeine hit as well as to browse the book stores. We visited Gigrin Farm Red Kite Centre which was incredible. Watching hundreds of red kites feed was a real wonder of nature, shiver down the spine moment. Husband and son also went kayaking, lots of wildlife to be witnessed. The whole trip was perfect, everyone very friendly and helpful, a lovely escape from the busyness of day to day life and we would definitely like to return if we get the chance.
Enjoyable time at Drovers Rest; check in a bit disjointed as no one there to meet us and we couldn’t get through to the named contact. We worked it out though after speaking to the owner. Accommodation was lovely, although would have benefited from being a bit cleaner - it is a farm house, so expect it to be rustic but few bits could have been better. We did have a great time though, and aside from those issues would definitely recommend. Farm tour was lovely & camp fire was nice touch!
We stayed in the newly renovated cottage and it was a nice mix of rustic and modern. Sadly the outside bar area wasn’t open during our stay. We were the only guests at the time, so I understand it not being efficient to just open for us. But it created a slightly lonely atmosphere to have such a nice set-up not being used. Marta was great and super-helpful with everything we could’ve asked for. And we loved the farm tour, it was a real highlight even in the rain. Can’t recall the exact price we paid, but overall we had a really nice time - thanks!
We stayed in one of their lovely cottages, visited their array of animals on the morning farm walk, and enjoyed one of their delicious pizzas along with a few tasty beers at their outdoor bar. Wonderful restful place to stay, great hosts, and some incredible walks across stunning countryside. Highly recommend.
The food was incredible. Breakfast and the feasts just delicious. Lovely space outside to enjoy the food and outdoors. We loved the farm tour. Great hosts too and we would recommend to all.
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