With Falkirk positioned centrally between Edinburgh and Glasgow, giving easy access to the central artery road and rail networks, it’s easy to stay on a farm without going far from home. Just what is needed when we try to conserve fuel costs!
4 Miles: Carr’s Hill, Falkirk
Head into the Stirlingshire countryside and enjoy a night under the stars in one of Carr’s Hill luxury safari tents, surrounded by fields of horses and sheep. Have breakfast on the veranda or in the evening, enjoy the barbeque facilities and picnic benches and savour the views of the magnificent sunsets towards Ben Lomond and Ben Ledi. It’s a perfect base for a romantic digital detox or a family break with lots to do on the doorstep.
Carr’s Hill farm sits adjacent to, and is named after, a scheduled ancient roman fort. You can also walk to Plean Country Park which is about a mile away and has excellent dog walking paths, woodland trails and hosts seasonal events throughout the year.
The farm’s location also makes it an ideal touring base and it is a Caravan and Motorhome Club certified location, with five touring pitches all on hardstanding with their own water tap, plus another five private pitches.
11 Miles: Gateway Cottages, Stirling
You’ll find Mallard and Partridge cottages fit the bill with the best of both worlds. They are located on open farmland, yet are just east of Stirling, with amazing panoramic views of Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the Ochil Hills. The cottages are conveniently located to explore the surrounding area and have great day trips out to many local attractions such as Blair Drummond Safari Park, Doune Castle, Bannockburn Visitor Centre, the Kelpies, Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle.
Relax by the cottages’ wood burning stoves or enjoy the outdoor hot-tub at Partridge Cottage. The cottages both have large secure gardens ideal for children, while you can bring your four- legged friend to Mallard Cottage.
Visit Gateway Holiday Cottages
12 miles: Balgownie Mains Farm
Balgownie Mains Farm has two separate purpose built holiday home accommodations; Bramblebrae, set in a private tranquil location, providing spacious accommodation comprising 3 en-suite bedrooms configured for three (fully accessible), four & five people, with a large communal lounge, kitchen and outdoor patio.
All visitors to Balgownie Mains Farm tour can book a short tour, giving an insight into the everyday workings of a mixed dairy farm, finding out exactly where milk comes from and what goes into producing it, plus an opportunity to get close to calves and other animals (including gorgeous pygmy goats), see around the milking parlour, learn about the crops that are grown on the farm and of course, take a seat on a tractor for the farmer's eye view!
13 Miles: Burnhead Bothies, Lanarkshire
Burnhead Bothy is a sustainable glamping cabin based on a 1600 acre hill farm, run by Duncan and Ashley MacGregor. They breed pedigree Scottish Blackface sheep, Charolais cattle as well as some Highland cows and adorable Swiss Valais sheep.
The bothy is sustainable through and through, from its timber to its sheep wool insulation, cosy sheep wool duvets and being completely "off grid". There are no power sockets, but solar panels provide enough 12v electricity to power low voltage lighting and there are USB/car charger points to charge a mobile phone or laptop - just perfect for that total escape to the countryside with only the sheep as your neighbours!
20 Miles: Mains Farm Wigwams, Stirling
Mains Farm wigwam, caravan and camping park lies at the gateway to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park ‐ a world famous area of lochs, glens and hills with lots of activities for families, walkers, cyclists right on the doorstep. Not forgetting to also mention, the amazing panoramic view over the Carse of Stirling to the Fintry Hills. The heated wigwams can sleep a family of four and are an ideal base for adventure.
“Sea-King” something different? Stay in a SeaKing Glamping Helicopter. The helicopter sleeps two adults or up to a family of five (2 adults and 3 children). It has a double bed, a single bed in the tail and a seating area which converts into a double bed as well as a mini kitchen, bathroom and a cockpit seating area where you can enjoy spectacular views over the Forth Valley. Talk about amazing small spaces!
23 Miles: Craigduckie Shepherd Huts, Fife
The names of the shepherd huts give you a clue to what you’ll find at Craigduckie Farm! Ewe View and Lamb Lookout enjoy south facing positions overlooking Loch Fitty and the rolling countryside surrounding them with of course, just a few sheep!
On arriving at Craigduckie, park the car, fill wheelbarrows with your luggage (and perhaps the kids) and follow a short path (approx. 20m) to your hut. You’ll find a welcome pack of all the essentials and a tasty homemade treat awaits. There are some great walks from the huts complete with puddles, ponds, streams and trees for adventure if you are a kid or a kid at heart! You can enjoy a tour of the farm, feed the chickens, maybe sit on a tractor and meet the sheep, there’s so much to do out in the fresh air you won’t need to be counting sheep to get a goodnight’s sleep!
The icing on the cake must be the unique opportunity to relax in Ewe Views’ open -ended bath hut for the ultimate outdoor bathing experience, with unbeatable views of Loch Fitty (and the moon and the stars). You’ll find two huge, double ended bathtubs lie side by side with quirky copper taps filling them with lashings of hot water - luxury in a perfect landscape.
Visit Craigduckie Shepherds Huts
24 Miles: Eastside Cottages, West Lothian
Set within a working sheep farm in the rolling Pentland Hills, just outside Edinburgh, Eastside cottages have been converted from the original 18th Century farmstead. The Cowan family have farmed there for five generations, with sheep having played an important role in forming the landscape. Old-fashioned grasses, herbs and heather support a diverse wildlife that thrives alongside the sheep. Red grouse, peregrines, ravens, hares and badgers are a common sight and there are many walks across the farm, to enjoy responsibly, where you may spot them.
Ranging from sleeping two to four people, each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, sitting room with wood burning fire, cosy bedrooms and a private garden. All cottages have stunning views of the Pentland Hills and walking from the doorstep! Which one will you choose – Steading Cottage, Westside Woodshed or Byre Cottage? Be the first to stay in the soon to open Eastside Cartshed or Eastside Washhouse which are opening for bookings in May this year.
27 Miles: Nether Glenny Farm & Cottages, Stirling
There are three self-catering cottages and a bothy to be found on Nether Glenny Farm, an 84 acre hill farm, nestled in the Menteith hills in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. A rural retreat but just a short scenic drive to Aberfoyle and Stirling.
The Woods family rear grass fed Scotch beef from a mixture of Highland and Shorthorn native breed cattle. Using farm produce and local ingredients your hosts can also prepare delicious home cooked meals which can be purchased during your stay or prior to arrival. They will also be please to share why and how they farm on a farm tour.
There is a choice of 4 accommodation options at Nether Glenny - from cosy for two, to perfect for a gathering of friends and family.
28 Miles: Bowmuir Farm Holidays, South Lanarkshire
Opening this April this unique family and dog friendly self- catering accommodation is set in a peaceful woodland area on a family run farm in South Lanarkshire, surrounded by stunning scenery, beautiful walks and amazing animals. The farm is home to a number of Alpacas and also hosts dog agility camps - the perfect break for you and your four- legged friend.
