Whenever we are staying with family in Suffolk, I always try to squeeze in a visit to Wyken Vineyards. It has been called the ‘Daylesford of East Anglia’ and rightly so. Not only does it have an acclaimed restaurant, upmarket gift shop and a beautiful garden to peruse, there are are alpacas, sheep and peacocks to give your children their farm fix!
I started thinking about places similar to this close to London. It is easy to find theme parks or straightforward farms (see my previous post on 6 Farms Close to London) within throwing distance of London, but a place to visit away from the humdrum of London that can satisfy every member of the family (with a bit of shopping and top nosh for example) are few and far between.
The good thing about these ‘destination farm shops’ (that I am bracketing them them all under) is that, excuse the cliche, there really is something for everyone.
Whether it is being inspired by new interiors, stocking up your present draw, eating ‘farm to fork’ produce or getting some fresh air – I just think they are a great destination to go with a friend in the holidays or all the family at the weekend.
Not only does Priory Fram have all the jazz mentioned above, it’s USP for me Discovery Walk. Meander through tunnels, peak into little houses and a try to conquer the sunflower maze – this is a wonderful walk (don’t take a push chair though!!!)
GOOD IF YOU HAVE ENERGETIC CHILDREN
Cowdray Estate House, Midhurst, West Sussex
Not only farm shops and cafe’s – why not have a golf lesson on their famous course. If it was all a bit too much excitement you could also extend your stay in one of their little cottages!
GOOD IF YOU APPRECIATE A BEAUTIFUL SETTING
Gog Magog Farm Shop, Cambridge
Not only does this place have a playbarn (son good winter destination too), it is famous for the Shack. Bring the great outdoors indoors, enjoy delicious food in an unusual and relaxed setting. Perfect after a dog walk!
GOOD IF YOU HAVE A DOG
This is a great place for a rural day out near Hertford and if you are looking to amuse the little ones in half term and want something completely different what about the ‘sausage linking‘ workshop? You won’t find that in London!
After you have learnt to string sausages, tuck in to Granny Smith’s high tea for two! So English!
GOOD FOR STOCKING THE FREEZER
Middle Farm, South Downs, Sussex
Not only do they have a newly laid out ‘Hay Playbarn’ there are numerous ways to get involved with the animals. With entrance to the farm only £5 per person, you will be able to fill the day easily and also stock up your cupboards with a bit of shopping at the gift shop and take some plants back from the lovely nursery.
GOOD FOR A COUNTRYSIDE DAY OUT
Trading Boundaries, Uckfield, East Sussex
This place is like no other I have visited! With a large courtyard full of boutique shops, there is a fab play area for the kids (with a vast area for the kids to run free) and a really lovely cafe / restaurant. They have a fantastic kids menu and also a Jazz Sunday Brunch if that takes your fancy!
They also sell furniture!
GOOD IF YOU LIKE SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT
All of these places may seem like a hike, but they are all worth it once you get there!! Hopefully the kids will doze on the way back into London! I am going to visit a couple in half term, so if you want to see how we get on, head over to Instagram and click follow!
Do you know of any other destinations from London? Please let me know as I would love to visit!
Also, if you are looking for some day other types of trips from London, you might find these 9 Day Trip Ideas helpful.
Have a lovely day xx
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