Meeting the lambs in spring, near Gitcombe House and Country Cottages
With Easter just around the corner and schools soon to break up for the holidays, it's the perfect time to plan a refreshing getaway. If you're searching for a last-minute break that combines luxury accommodation with delightful animal encounters, we've rounded up some of our most enchanting properties across the British Isles.
From bottle-feeding lambs in Herefordshire to brushing Shetland ponies in Worcestershire, these special properties offer unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Here's our pick of Easter escapes where the little ones (and grown-ups too!) can enjoy close encounters with friendly animals, whether on working farms or in beautiful rural settings.
Hareley Barn, Herefordshire
Hareley Barn is a private, Grade II listed cottage for 4, located on a traditional rare breeds farm in rural Herefordshire. From the barn door, guests can enjoy panoramic views across an unspoilt valley of fields, woods and streams, and, if visiting during April, can expect to see young lambs frolicking in the fields.
The farm, located on ancient meadowland, is a haven for wildlife, housing hedgehogs, barn owls and swallows, along with their own rare native breeds of sheep, pigs, poultry.
The nearby market town of Bromyard, with a range of independent shops, inns and restaurants, is just three miles away and further afield are the National Trust properties of Brockhampton, Berrington Hall and Croft Castle, the Mappa Mundi in Hereford Cathedral and the Black and White Village Trail.
Old Barn and Pipistrelle Barn at Coulscott House Holiday Cottages, North Devon
On the Coulscott Estate in North Devon, voted 5 star Gold by Visit Britain, you'll find the standout Old Barn and brand-new Pipistrelle Barn, where luxury accommodation meets natural beauty.
The Old Barn is Coulscott's biggest single luxury property with five bedrooms sleeping ten people, featuring an expansive deck area equipped with a hot tub, sun loungers and outdoor dining area where you can enjoy the picturesque views down the lush Devon Valley.
Pipistrelle Barn, the newest addition to Coulscott Estate, is hosting its first family this Easter. Nestled in the woodland at the highest point of the estate, it is designed to blend contemporary luxury with the outstanding beauty of the Devonshire countryside. Sleeping six, the barn has a wrap around deck for guests to soak in the great outdoors – perfect for wildlife spotting.
The estate is set on 16 acres of woodland, meadows, streams and ponds, home to all manner of wildlife including badgers, foxes and buzzards. There is also onsite animal petting of alpacas, ducks, chickens, peacocks, pigs and even goats – not forgetting the guinea pigs. Only half a mile away is Exmoor National Park, home to England's highest cliffs, small bays, wooded coombes, prehistoric remains, ancient castles and churches.
Broadgate Farm Cottages, Yorkshire
Set in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, Broadgate Farm houses seven cosy, eco-friendly cottages and barn conversions, each with a private enclosed garden. The cottages range between 2 to 6 bedrooms.
The cottages are surrounded by wildlife, barn owls, deer and foxes are often spotted. Those visiting in April will be able to see new-born lambs skipping around, and can help feed (and cuddle) them!
For more animal fun, Honeysuckle Petting farm at Hornsea is nearby offering plenty to keep the whole family occupied.
Clydey Cottages, Pembrokeshire
Clydey Cottages are an exclusive collection of ten self-catered cottages sleeping two to eight guests, situated amidst the tranquil Pembrokeshire countryside with unmatched views over meadows, hills and woodland.
While featuring shared luxury facilities like a heated swimming pool, sun terrace with stunning views, a sauna, and hot tubs, the estate is firmly situated in the countryside, resident to the estate's pygmy goats, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, a miniature Shetland pony, pigs, and alpacas, all of which are available to cuddle, brush, and love.
For Easter 2025, Clydey Cottages are not only offering a discount with the quote 'PremierEaster', but are also hosting their famous annual Easter Egg Hunt, with the Easter Bunny hiding hundreds of pieces of chocolate for little ones to find, taking place on Easter Sunday.
Millbrook Estate, North Devon
Millbrook Estate is a tranquil 32-acre dwelling in the North Devon countryside, perfect for couples looking to unwind in luxurious surroundings, with a choice of four gorgeous cottages, each sleeping up to two people. This Easter, guests can meet and feed the friendly resident alpacas – May, Carlos, Alberto, Winter and baby Holly – as part of their stay.
Millbrook's grounds are also a haven for wildlife, with woodland walks, spring flowers in bloom, and peaceful lakeside spots to relax. Each 5-star cottage is beautifully styled and ideal for a romantic spring break.
Trevase Granary at Trevase Cottages, Herefordshire
Trevase Granary is a stunning barn conversion in South Herefordshire, offering an authentic countryside escape. Situated on a working farm, guests visiting in April can enjoy the charming sight of playful lambs, the farm bull (a frequent star in guest photos) and much more.
This award-winning property boasts eight en-suite bedrooms, accommodating a maximum of 18 guests. It features exceptional facilities, including a state-of-the-art cinema room, a hot tub, a games room, a stylish bar area, EV chargers, and a walled private garden. Peaceful and secluded, Trevase Granary offers breathtaking views of the Herefordshire countryside, making it the perfect Easter getaway for family or friends.
Visit the nearby Small Breeds Farm in Kington, which houses guinea pigs, rabbits, degus and a wide range of waterfowl and poultry, as well as the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.
Yonder View at Kittisford Barton Farm, Somerset
Tucked away in the peaceful Somerset countryside, Yonder View is the perfect retreat for small families of 4 looking to connect with nature and experience farm life. Guests staying in April can explore the woods next door, perfect for an Easter egg hunt and ideal for den building —before setting off on a scenic farm walk to spot birds, wildlife, and vibrant spring flowers lining the meandering stream along the bottom of the farm.
A real highlight is the friendly herd of organic Dexter cattle in the neighbouring field, where guests can interact with them and see their adorable newborn calves. Families can also add the 'pet chicken experience' where they get to look after their very own pet chickens for their stay, collecting any eggs laid, and enjoying the entertainment that chickens provide. Evenings can be spent soaking in the tranquility of the countryside in the wood-fired hot tub and making the most of the incredible stargazing opportunities.
Hop Pickers Rural Retreats, Worcestershire
Set in the idyllic rural countryside of Worcestershire, Hop Pickers Rural Retreats is located on a 9-acre smallholding. Guests can choose from the Hop Pickers Barn, the Cabin, the Hideaway, or the Bell Tent, sleeping between two and five guests depending on the property.
The surrounding land houses three Shetland ponies - Rosie, Shanty and Toby - all of which are available for brushing, grooming and styling, with clips, bows and even some glitter hoof polish.
No longer a working hop farm, the smallholding is perfect for wildlife spotting, including the old oast pond which is home to ducks and geese, and a woodland walk, where guests may be able to spot the active badgers that roam there.
Airhouses, Scotland
Escape to one of Scotland's 5 Airhouses, where luxury meets nature on a stunning, organic working farm. Wake up to breathtaking views, unwind in your private hot tub and meet all our friendly animals, which are available to pet and feed. The range of cottages sleeps between two and ten, depending on the cottage.
You can also accompany Damian on his feeding rounds of the donkeys, alpacas, goats, KuneKune pigs, pygmy goats, chickens, Shetland ponies, a horse and a Highland cow! Throughout Easter, guests will also be able to join a special chick handling session with the newborn baby chickens.
The Airhouses, which were awarded Best Luxury Experience in 2023 by Visit Scotland, offer a unique retreat where guests can reconnect with nature and enjoy a fabulous family holiday.
The range of cottages sleeps between 2 & 10 guests.
Red Doors Farm, Devon
Set on the peaceful Jurassic Coast, Red Doors Farm is the perfect retreat for an Easter family holiday, offering six cottages sleeping between two and eight, graded 5 Star Gold by VisitBritain.
A small cluster of thatched and stone cottages with onsite interactive animal feeding of guinea pigs, goats, chicken, ducks, rabbits, Trevor the Turkey and his girlfriend Tinsel, as well as horse riding, fishing and fossil hunting available locally, Red Doors Farm is the perfect south coast getaway for animal lovers.
Plan Your Easter Escape
With schools breaking up soon and Easter holidays fast approaching, these countryside retreats offer the perfect solution for families looking to create lasting memories. Whether it's a true working farm experience or simply the joy of meeting friendly resident animals, these properties provide educational fun that children will treasure.
What makes these escapes so special is the combination of luxury accommodations with authentic countryside experiences. After a day of animal adventures, parents can relax in hot tubs under starry skies while knowing their little ones have had a truly enriching day.
Many of these properties have limited availability for Easter breaks, so we recommend booking soon to secure your perfect rural retreat. With Premier Cottages, you'll be booking directly with the property owners, ensuring no hidden fees and the best possible price.
Browse our full collection of luxury cottages for more Easter holiday inspiration, or take a look at our Easter special offers.