Why a working farm stay could be the best way to experience Cheshire

When people think about a break in Cheshire, it's often the county's historic cities, picturesque market towns or renowned attractions that spring to mind. And rightly so – from Chester's Roman walls to the gardens at Tatton Park and miles of walking through Delamere Forest, there's plenty to fill a weekend or a longer stay.

What many visitors don't realise is that some of Cheshire's most memorable places to stay are found a little further off the beaten track.

Across the county, farming families have opened their homes, cottages and converted barns to visitors, offering a chance to experience a side of Cheshire that often goes unnoticed. It's an opportunity to slow down, swap busy hotel lobbies for open countryside and enjoy a stay that's shaped by the people who know the area best.

Unlike some purpose-built hotel accommodation, every working farm has its own character. Some have been in the same family for generations, while others have evolved alongside modern farming, creating places to stay that sit comfortably alongside their day-to-day business. No two visits are quite the same.

That variety is one of the reasons farm stays continue to grow in popularity. Families can enjoy the space to roam, meet farm animals and spend more time outdoors. Couples looking for a quieter escape can enjoy peaceful surroundings, local pubs and scenic walks, while keen walkers and cyclists have easy access to routes such as the Sandstone Trail, Delamere Forest and the Cheshire countryside beyond.

Many farm stays also make an ideal base for exploring everything else the county has to offer. Spend the morning wandering around the independent shops and cafés in Nantwich or Knutsford, explore the history of Chester, enjoy a day at Tatton Park or discover one of Cheshire's many food festivals before returning to the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Choosing a working farm stay also means supporting the people who help shape Cheshire's landscape. Farming remains at the heart of the county, but as highlighted in Marketing Cheshire's recent Rural Housewives of Cheshire feature, many farming families have diversified over the years to create sustainable businesses for future generations. Welcoming visitors has become an important part of that journey, allowing guests to experience authentic rural life while supporting local businesses at the same time.

For those looking to discover this side of the county, Farm Stay UK brings together nine member properties across Cheshire, each offering something a little different. Visitors can choose from traditional farmhouse bed and breakfasts, beautifully restored barns, self-catering cottages and glamping accommodation, all run by farming families with a genuine passion for sharing their corner of the county.

Near Tarporley, Yew Tree Farm offers self-catering cottages surrounded by peaceful countryside, making it an ideal base for exploring both rural Cheshire and nearby attractions. It's the kind of place where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings end beneath dark skies, all while staying on a working family farm.

If glamping is more your style, Welltrough Glamping, near Macclesfield, combines countryside views with modern comforts. Set on a 270-acre working farm, guests can stay in luxury pods or shepherd's huts, many with private hot tubs, while enjoying farm walks, local pubs and easy access to attractions such as Jodrell Bank Observatory and Capesthorne Hall.

Meanwhile, Goose Green Farm, close to Alderley Edge, offers a traditional farmhouse bed and breakfast overlooking the Cheshire Plain. Guests can enjoy locally sourced breakfasts before exploring nearby walking routes, historic villages and one of Cheshire's most iconic beauty spots.

These are just three examples of the experiences available through Farm Stay UK, which represents nine member properties across Cheshire. Together they offer accommodation to suit every type of break, from romantic weekends and family holidays to walking trips and short countryside escapes.

Many Farm Stay hosts are more than happy to point guests towards their favourite walking routes, recommend local producers, suggest independent restaurants or highlight events taking place nearby. It's the kind of local knowledge that you simply can't find in a guidebook and often leads visitors to discover places they might otherwise have missed.

Perhaps that's the biggest appeal of a farm stay. It's not just about finding somewhere to sleep; it's about experiencing Cheshire through the people who live and work there every day.

So, if you're planning your next countryside break, looking for family-friendly accommodation or searching for a unique place to stay in Cheshire, consider heading to one of the county's working farms. You'll leave with more than just a relaxing weekend away, you'll leave with a genuine connection to the landscape, communities and people that make Cheshire such a rewarding place to visit.