Cwmanog Isaf Farm, Betws-y-Coed
"We're up before 6am and first of all we feed the sheep and cattle and check they're OK," says Heather Hughes. "Then we start on the breakfasts for up to half a dozen guests." The Hughes’ bought the farmland with the intention of opening a B&B. "We've only got 30 acres but we are a real working farm. Guests come here because it's peaceful: they don't hear traffic and there are no streetlights so it is dark. They hear owls at night and birdsong in the morning."
Photo: Cwmanog Isaf Farm
Crowtrees Farm, Stoke-on-Trent
Dianne Bickle of Crowtrees Farm: "Without the B&B we wouldn't be farming. It's been a good option and we love meeting new people." The Bickles have been farming here since 1969. "We farmed dairy cows for 25 years then went into beef, then sheep, but we both had to work full time to make ends meet." Luckily Alton Towers is just 10 minutes away by car. "We opened the summer that the Nemesis ride was opened, which was unplanned on our part.”
Trenderway Farm, Polperro
Trenderway Farm is a traditional grassland farm with a herd of South Devon cattle bred for beef, as well as an apple orchard with over 40 varieties. The bedrooms are in a mix of converted outbuildings as well as the farmhouse itself. Breakfast is served in a sunny conservatory, and is “a celebration of the fine local produce found in the area.” Weddings are also a speciality.
Dairy House Farm, Colchester
This working arable farm includes a Georgian farmhouse with Victorian extensions. Breakfast comes from the Aga, eggs come from the farm’s own chickens, and Alan and Bridget are always happy to help you plan your day. The two bedrooms are both in the farmhouse and enjoy beautiful views of the farm and surrounding countryside.
Erw-Lon Farm, Fishguard
Set on a working beef and sheep farm, Lilwen McAllister has been running her B&B for decades: "We started it for myself and for the extra income. Fortunately we live in such a wonderful area with castles, walking, St David's cathedral and dolphin watching that we've always been hugely popular."