North Hayne Farm Cottages

About

For an award winning accessible farm holiday, take a look at North Hayne Farm in the north of Devon. Voted best self-catering farm stay in the South West (2020) and winner of both Gold and Silver for Accessible Tourism (2019 & 2020), plus receiving National Autism Friendly Commendation since 2018, this is the perfect farm holiday destination for young families and those with additional needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum. The farm has also been recognised as a Dementia Friendly Business and are ambassadors for Dementia, as well as being supportive of those with hidden disabilities. 

The farm is set on eleven acres within the tranquil fringes of the Exmoor National Park, providing a relaxing holiday environment and opportunities for quiet time and quiet ‘escape places’ on site, which can be vital for anyone who experiences a sensory overload.

North Hayne Farm has eight luxury character cottages available which can sleep between three and ten people as well as an accessible cottage, Jeremy Fisher. Staying at this cottage is great for larger family groups or two families sharing and is designed for those with mobility difficulties.

This stunning detached character barn is one of our newer properties and is sympathetically built with reclaimed materials and incorporates many energy saving features, including a biomass wood pellet boiler, log burner and double glazed windows. There are incredible countryside views from the cottage and with the mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system, it provides spacious, luxury accommodation. The huge space blends the old with the new and is complete with oak beams and a rustic design but with contemporary fittings and special touches throughout.

Whatever cottage you choose to stay in, you can be sure of your own private hot tub and plenty of space to relax and have fun.

Enjoy precious family time relaxing in front of the wood burner, playing family games around the table, soaking in the hot tub under the stars or spend time on the farm, feeding the animals, bottle-feeding the new lambs or riding on Frosty, our resident donkey!

Guests are welcome to relax around the BBQ well into the evening or explore the grounds which are complete with onsite trails, children’s clubs and Stickman hunt. The grown-ups have use of the indoor Games Room while the little ones are well catered for in the Large Playbarn. We are happy to welcome families with small children, those with sensory conditions and multi-generational families and offer a range of facilities to suit everyone, including twice daily animal feeding sessions on the children’s farm with additional handling sessions, a baby sitting facility, an onsite Free Rangers Forest School club and Farmer club for the older children and a range of baby and toddler equipment which is all provided. 

We’re aware that it can be difficult adjusting to any changes to a normal home environment, so our farm activities provide a consistent routine in a secure, safe and non-judgemental environment. Our autism friendly farm holidays provide a carefully structured animal feeding routine twice a day, providing an essential framework allowing a sense of security to develop which has many beneficial outcomes.

Our inclusive policy means that we welcome all ages and aim to provide the very best holidays for all our families. We have a range of complimentary ASD aids which are available to borrow from reception which may help some guests with the changes to their usual routine. These include weighted blankets, spinning chairs, fidget toys, daily planners, visual aid picture cards, taller stairgates and trampettes.

North Hayne Farm is the perfect destination for family celebrations and seasonal breaks, including Christmas where you can enjoy a real Nativity in the barns! There are a range of Holistic Therapy treatments available and Makaton is widely used on the farm to help with communication.

For those of you who can tear themselves away from the fun onsite, you are well placed to explore the wider region. Why not try the local produce at the twice weekly Farmers’ Market or enjoy a home cooked meal at our local pub which dates back to the 16th Century. While you’re in the region, you have to visit the wonderful beaches of the North Devon coastline. Some of the best beaches in the area are just a thirty minute drive away, so a perfect day out if you can fit it all in!

Treating everyone with the same care and consideration is a key value of ours at North Hayne Farm. Recognising hidden disabilities and creating a supportive environment for everyone places inclusivity at the heart of all of our holidays.