Inside Countryfile presenter’s luxury farm given spooky Halloween makeover

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Steve Hughes and family enjoy a spookily good time gazing at the rolling hills of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds at the Cotswold Farm Park, home and birthplace of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson

Other than the alarm clock, there are plenty of noises that wake me up in the morning. Bin lorries, passing traffic and – most often – one of my three young sons. So it came as a pleasant surprise to be roused by the gentle humming moo of a Highland cow just before 7am.

And I was even more out of my ordinary routine an hour later, drinking my morning coffee while sat in a hot tub, gazing at the rolling hills of the Gloucestershire Cotswolds.

My family and I were staying in a luxury lodge at Cotswold Farm Park, home and birthplace of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. The farm itself welcomes some 70,000 day visitors every year, and you can also stay overnight in a lodge, shepherd hut or bring your own campervan or tent.

And – as we gear up for the spookiest time of the year – the park has launched its special ‘Pumpkin Nights’ event in a field where they grow their harvest of Halloween fruit. The Pumpkin Patch by day is a fun-filled experience, especially for younger kids, with jack-o’-lantern carving and face-painting.

You can also drive a toy tractor through the twists and turns of the Maize Maze. But, as with all good Halloween events, the area is best enjoyed under the cover of darkness. The backdrop of spooky woods and clever lighting gives the place a genuinely eerie feel, and my lads wasted no time in starting to choose which pumpkins would look best in our porch. It’s a tough process as there are so many to choose from.

Wheelbarrows are provided so you can explore the patch to seek out the perfect pumpkin, which range in size from small to enormous.

Possibly more exciting than that though were the delicious s’mores that we were given to cook over the ready-made fires dotted around the place. With live music and an onsite bar, we were a happy bunch as we ate our toasted marshmallows and reflected on a beautiful day in the countryside.

It had been difficult bringing to an end our morning plunge in the hot tub. It was so relaxing, not just thanks to the bubbles, but also the sounds and views of our surroundings. At one point Adam Henson himself walked past through the field opposite with his five dogs.

But with shrivelled skin on our fingers, we eventually got out and headed for the farm park. The whole place is geared towards encouraging families to get to know the animals. All three of my lads’ hearts melted – particularly seven-year-old Albie’s – when they got to hold chicks that were born less than a week earlier.

I thought at one point that my wife wasn’t going to give her chick back. But it turns out that was nothing compared to her reaction in the next barn when we got to meet three-day-old piglets. In the meantime eldest son Freddie, 10, and youngest Wilbur, three, were competing to become best friends with a goat. The goat itself wasn’t really picky – so long as it kept getting handfuls of animal feed.

There were also donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, sheep and cows, many of them rare breeds, and all of them keen to make your acquaintance. In between befriending farmyard animals, the various play areas kept everyone entertained, particularly the bounce inflatable, the zip wire and the sand pit.

And alongside the pens of animals were educational information boards, explaining the role that farming has played through the country’s history. For guests who stay at the farm you can re-enter as many times as you like, meaning there was time to chill out back at the lodge for refreshments, and yet another chance to pop in the hot tub. There is also a two-mile wildlife walk around the perimeter of the land, which allows you to enjoy some quiet time with nature.

I went for a quick run before lunch and managed to bump into a couple of pheasants along the undulating trail, which were nearly as shocked to see me as I was to see them. The route is also popular with dog walkers, and pet pooches are welcome to stay at the park.

The lodges themselves are well equipped for a comfortable self-catering stay, with a decent kitchen and bathroom, as well as a smart TV. And if you don’t fancy cooking, there is the option of visiting the onsite Ox Shed Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The gift shop also sells essentials like bread and milk, as well as local wines and beers. The Pumpkin Patch will transform again from November, to bring various Christmas events including an enchanted light trail and a chance to meet Santa.

Whenever I watch Countryfile I usually want to visit the place I can see on the screen. It’s one of those programmes I enjoy because – despite the theme tune reminding me that it’s nearly Monday morning – it usually shows the UK in its most beautiful light. It winds you down at the end of the weekend, and makes you feel that little bit calmer.

I certainly had that refreshed and relaxed vibe by the end of our stay at Cotswold Farm Park. But now I may have other problems to contend with. Like one son who wants a pet chick, two sons who want a pet goat, and a wife who is desperate for us to get a piglet. Personally, I’d be happy just getting a hot tub.

Book the holiday

General admission including Pumpkin Patch to Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, daytime: adults from £6.95, children (4-15) £5.95, toddlers £4.95 (2-3).

Nighttime: adults from £9.95, children £8.95, toddlers £4.95. Must be booked in advance.
Lodges from £150 p/n, safari tents from £125 p/n, pitches from £25 p/n, cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk