Bygone Holidays

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I received a link to Feather Down Farm Days website; duvets and wellington boots instantly sprung to mind, but on further investigation, the Feather Down Farms concept has proved to be the quite possibly, my dream holiday.

Feather Down Farms are small scale farms, where farmers care intrinsically about the rural land that surrounds them.

"A Feather Down Farm is always established on or in the vicinity of a nature reserve or country estate ,or one of the other organisations in the field of nature conservation & preservation."

So we already know that the surroundings are going to be special, and having farm animals, beautiful walks,'find your own' fresh eggs and a home-produce farm shop close to hand, makes it even better.

The accommodation is also so appealing, (I do realise that it is not everyone's cup of tea) but the large old- fashioned tent with its wooden floor, cooking range, solid furniture and no plug sockets, makes me want some hob nailed boots and a petticoat - NOW!

There is also one other facility that makes me rub my hands with glee - all farms have a traditional bread oven, so at least I could get my baking fix, if others can't get their electricity fuelled ones.

You can choose between twelve farms in England, Scotland and Wales and you can book a holiday from Easter through to Autumn half-term.