TOP TEN FARM STAYS BY THE SEASIDE FROM GO RURAL
In Scotland you’re never far from the coast and visiting some of these unique rural spots gives you the opportunity to discover some truly magical hidden gems. From tours and holiday accommodation to shops, distilleries and cafes, these are some of the best farms to visit by the sea.
1. Arbikie Distilling Ltd, Angus
The Stirling brothers have created something unique on their family farm: a distillery producing gin, vodka and rye using ingredients they produce on the land. With a visitor centre opening in the summer of 2021, trips to Arbikie and the enchanting Lunan Bay beach, are likely to prove more popular than ever.
2. Carry Farm, Argyll and Bute
This stunning farm reaches right down to the shore at Tighnabruaich and the owners also run the local sailing school. There’s the option to stay on the farm, learn to sail, visit the gallery, shop for eggs, meat, wool and sheepskins produced from their own herd of Hebridean sheep.
3. Torrisdale Castle estate, Argyll and Bute
This dramatic castle and estate produces Kintyre Gin and visitors can stay in accommodation that ranges from cottages and lodges to the Servants’ Quarters (complete with sauna and hot tub) in the castle itself. A new farm café offers local food and drink. The estate extends right down to the sea with views over to the Isle of Arran.
Visit Torrisdale Castle Estate
4. Lochbuie Cottages, Argyll and Bute
The Corbetts run The Old Post Office coffee shop on their farm on the Isle of Mull. Sea views abound and there is outdoor seating right by the water. With several cottages on the farm available to stay in, guests can also make use of the Lochbuie Larder, offering a range of home-cooked meals making use of the produce. Dishes include Isle of Mull Pork & Cider Casserole with Herb Dumplings, Lochbuie Lamb Tagine and Isle of Mull Mac Cheddar Cheese.
5. Treshnish & Haunn Cottages, Argyll and Bute
This farm is home to 650 sheep and eight eco-friendly cottages. Situated on one of Scotland’s most famous beaches, Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull, the wildlife-friendly approach to farming here has been recognised with a Nature of Farming award from the RSPB.
Visit Treshnish & Haunn Cottages
6. Bellevue Farm Cottages, Isle of Arran
Based near Blackwaterfoot on the magical island of Arran, Bellevue Farm is a standout attraction for youngsters. Farm visits offer the opportunity to meet a range of animals and enjoy home baking and seasonal barbeques. An old barn has been transformed into two farm cottages with views over the hills and sea.
7. 3 Littlehuts, Dumfries & Galloway
These cosy shepherd’s huts make delightful accommodation. Situated near Gatehouse of Fleet and a short distance from the sandy Mossyard Beach, the three huts have uninterrupted sea views from the front and look over to the green rolling hills of the farm to the rear.
8. Drift, East Lothian
Castleton Farm’s unique coffee shop is made from recycled shipping containers but it’s the views that are truly heart stopping. The cliff-edge café overlooks the Firth of Forth and spectacular gannet colony on the Bass Rock. The all day menu is cooked fresh every day and there’s an emphasis on regional produce, including their own blended teas and coffees.
9. Ardross Farm, Fife
With a wonderful array of local produce, including their own beef, lamb, vegetables and honey, Ardross Farm Shop is a destination for food-lovers. Situated close to the Fife Coastal Path, it’s also a popular place for walkers and cyclists to have a break and take in the views over the water to the Lothians.
10. Down on the Farm, Aberdeenshire
This family run sheep and cattle farm near Fraserburgh includes a range of unique places to stay: from Hobbit houses and a shepherd’s hut to a Coastal Carriage. The farm tour “Coast and Coos” offers a trailer ride experience next to the sea. The views over from the coastal farm over the rugged cliffs are breath taking.
