Travel review: Feather Down Farm, Malvern
Old MacDonald had a farm e-i-e-i-o, and on that farm he had cows, pigs, chicken, sheep...
Having a two-year-old, this song is a favourite tune in our house and it was brought to life during a trip to Feather Down Farm Hollings Hill in Malvern.
Set in the heart of the Malvern Hills, the farm is run by husband and wife team Austin and Faye Knowles (with their four children in tow) and offers the perfect escape from the rat race of everyday life.
For our weekend family getaway, we stayed in one of the fabulous new log cabins installed this year, which just ooze rustic charm.
They also come with the added luxury of a hot tub, fired by a wood burner of course, we were glamping after all.
The cosy cabins have everything a family could possibly need for a comfortable stay, but what sold them to me was waking up every morning to simply stunning countryside views.
My energetic son was in his element being surrounded by fields and farmland for him to run around in clucking like a chicken and moo-ing like a cow without a care in the world.
It gave him a real opportunity to get up close to the animals he loves, especially on the farm tour led by Faye.
Our wonderful host gave us a real insight into the hard work that goes on in order to successfully run a farm business.
We were also given the great opportunity of seeing the cows being milked.
The family has 450 milking cows and has recently sealed a deal with Waitrose to stock their milk in the retailer's stores. It's a wonderful achievement for a family whose love and passion for what they do is clear to see.
Another of the farm's highlights is its pantry run with an honesty shop system. It stocks all the basics – bread, milk, firewood, matches – but what's not to be missed are the delicious sausages produced from one of the Knowles children's pigs! Not to mention the scrumptious Herefordshire cider, which is one of the items included in the thoughtful welcome hamper.
Money can buy you a lot of things but the sound of my son's enjoyment and laughter as he explored the farm was priceless.
It was my first glamping experience and it most certainly won't be my last.
By Emma Bradnick
