It has been made famous by BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson and is a great spot for families who love animals – especially farmyard animals
Aside from the usual alarm clock, there are numerous sounds that stir reporter Chris Hughes from his slumber in the morning. These include bin lorries, passing traffic and most frequently one of his three young lads.
So, it was a delightful change to be awakened by the soft mooing hum of a Highland cow just before 7am. An hour later, Chris found himself even further removed from his typical routine, sipping my morning coffee whilst soaking in a hot tub, taking in the undulating landscape of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds.
Chris and his family and were guests at a luxury lodge at Cotswold Farm Park, the home and birthplace of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. The farm itself attracts around 70,000 day visitors annually, and offers overnight accommodation in a lodge, shepherd hut or you can bring your own campervan or tent.
As we approach the eeriest time of the year, the park has unveiled its special ‘Pumpkin Nights’ event in a field where they cultivate their Halloween fruit harvest.
The Pumpkin Patch during the day is an enjoyable experience, particularly for younger children, with activities such as jack-o’-lantern carving and face-painting, reports Wales Online.
You can also navigate a toy tractor through the winding paths of the Maize Maze. However, like all good Halloween events, the area is best experienced under the cloak of nightfall.
The eerie atmosphere of the spooky woods, enhanced by clever lighting, had Chris’ lads quickly picking out the best pumpkins for their porch. The choice was tough given the vast selection available.
Wheelbarrows were provided to help us navigate the patch in search of the perfect pumpkin, with sizes ranging from dainty to massive.
Even more exciting, however, were the delicious s’mores we were handed to roast over the ready-made fires dotted around. With live music and an onsite bar, we were a happy bunch as we enjoyed our toasted marshmallows and reflected on a fantastic day in the countryside.
Ending our morning soak in the hot tub was a struggle. The relaxation wasn’t just due to the bubbles, but also the ambient sounds and views of our surroundings.
At one point, Adam Henson himself walked past in the opposite field with his pack of dogs. But eventually, with wrinkled fingers, Chris got out and headed to the farm park.
The whole place is designed to encourage families to get acquainted with the animals. All three of Chris’ boys, especially seven-year-old Albie, were smitten when they got to hold chicks that had hatched less than a week ago.
Chris thought at one point that his wife wouldn’t give her chick back.
But her reaction was nothing compared to when they stumbled upon three-day-old piglets in the next barn. Meanwhile, eldest lad Freddie, 10, and youngest Wilbur, three, were competing for the affection of a goat.
The goat didn’t mind who it was getting attention from, as long as it kept receiving handfuls of animal feed.
There were also donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep and cows, many of them rare breeds, all eager for a bit of fuss. In between making pals with the farmyard animals, the various play areas kept everyone entertained, particularly the bounce inflatable, the zip wire and the sand pit.
Next to the animal pens were educational information boards, explaining the role that farming has played throughout our nation’s history.
For those who stay at the farm, you can pop in and out as often as you like, allowing time to chill back at the lodge for a cuppa, and another chance to dip into the hot tub. There is also a two-mile wildlife walk around the edge of the land, offering some quiet time with nature.
Chris went for a quick jog before lunch and bumped into a couple of pheasants along the undulating trail, which were almost as shocked to see me as he was to see them. The route is also popular with dog walkers, and pet dogs are welcome to stay at the park.
The lodges themselves are well kitted out for a comfy self-catering stay, featuring a decent kitchen and bathroom, as well as a smart telly.
If you fancy a break from the kitchen, the onsite Ox Shed Restaurant is at your service, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gift shop is also handy for essentials like bread and milk, not to mention local wines and beers.
As November rolls in, the Pumpkin Patch will once again morph into a festive wonderland, hosting an array of Christmas events, including an enchanted light trail and a chance to meet Santa himself.
Whenever Chris switches on Countryfile, he is invariably left yearning to explore the stunning locations featured on my telly. Despite its theme tune serving as a stark reminder that Monday morning looms, it’s a show he savours for its knack of showcasing the UK in all its glory.
It offers a serene end to the weekend, instilling a sense of peace and tranquillity. This feeling of rejuvenation and relaxation was certainly echoed during their stay at Cotswold Farm Park.
However, this adventure may have sparked some fresh dilemmas. Like one son who now wants a pet chick, two sons who are eager for a pet goat, and a wife who is hankering for us to adopt a piglet.
Personally, Chris would be chuffed with just getting a hot tub.
