Farmcation fever: the UK’s most wishlisted farm stays this summer

Move over beach clubs and city breaks – farmcations are emerging as one of this summer’s biggest travel trends.

From the rise of the cottagecore trend and slow living, to the continued popularity of shows like Clarkson’s Farm, new Airbnb data suggests Britain’s love affair with rural life and slowing down is fuelling a new travel trend this summer, with bookings for farm stays among UK guests up 14% this summer compared to last year¹.

And Gen Z is leading the charge with farm stay bookings up a staggering 41% year-on-year² for the summer season, as younger travellers seek out fresh air, the open countryside and more “wholesome”, slower-paced escapes.

The appetite for the outdoors extends beyond a place to stay too, with nature and outdoor activities among Airbnb’s most booked Experience categories among UK guests in 2026³, highlighting travellers’ appetite for local landscapes and adventure.

To help inspire countryside escapes this summer, Airbnb reveals some of the UK destinations seeing the biggest growth in farm stay bookings, alongside its most wishlisted farm stays across the British countryside – from a cosy Shropshire cabin set in the heart of a working sheep farm to a highland cottage nestled in the heart of the Scottish wilderness.

Travellers can also immerse themselves in the countryside through Airbnb Experiences and Services, hosted by in-the-know locals, offering everything from guided tours and foodie experiences to wellness sessions.

Where farmcations are booming

From the rolling hills of rural Wales to the Scottish Highlands, farm stay bookings are surging across some of the UK’s most scenic countryside destinations this summer, including:⁵

Destination	YoY Growth in Farm Stay Bookings
Ceredigion, Wales	+200%
Powys, Wales	+100%
Highland, Scotland	+78%
Eden, Cumbria	+71%
Conwy, Wales	+60%
Wiltshire	+45%

Lisa Marçais, General Manager, UKI, Northern Europe & MEA at Airbnb, comments: “This summer, we’re seeing strong demand for staycations, with searches by UK guests for destinations on home turf up more than 11% year-on-year⁶, and the rise of the farmcation trend shows it’s the great British countryside that’s capturing people’s attention. From working farms and rural cottages to outdoor adventures in some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, travellers are seeking escapes that offer a genuine change of pace, a sense of simplicity and a closer connection to nature.

“What’s particularly interesting is how Gen Z is driving the trend. While they’re the most digitally connected generation, they’re also among the most enthusiastic about travel experiences that feel authentic, immersive and offline. Airbnb hosts across the UK are perfectly placed to offer exactly that – opening the doors to cosy rural stays in hidden corners of the country and sharing local recommendations to help guests explore them best.”

The UK’s most wishlisted farm stays for the ultimate countryside escape this summer⁴

Ash Cabin, Selattyn (sleeps two)

Image credit: Lucy Rebecca Photography Ltd

Located on the grounds of a working sheep farm, Ash Cabin is a calm countryside oasis situated in the prime farming county of Shropshire. The stay is complete with a log burner for cosy evenings indoors and a patio for stargazing on summer nights.

Cosy Garden Cottage, Highland (sleeps four)

Set in the peaceful Highland countryside, this charming cottage overlooks the historic Redcastle ruin and the Beauly Firth. Complete with a wood-fired hot tub and a stream running through the garden, it’s the perfect rural retreat for slowing down and embracing farm-country living.

Skylark Seaview Studio, Northumberland (sleeps two)

Image credit: Geno Pessers

A secluded hilltop retreat nestled amongst the Northumberland countryside, Skylark Studio is the perfect place to reconnect with nature, offering guests sweeping coastal views, abundant wildlife and cosy evenings beside the log burner.

Warren Bothy, Plowden (sleeps two)

Tucked away in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, Warren Bothy offers a true back-to-nature escape. Surrounded by open countryside and grazing livestock, this off-grid hideaway is the perfect place to disconnect, recharge and embrace life on the hills.

The Hide, Oxfordshire (sleeps two)

Surrounded by rolling countryside and peaceful woodland, this charming cabin offers a relaxing escape from everyday life. Thoughtfully designed and full of rustic character, it’s an idyllic spot for embracing the slower pace of rural living.

The Old Cattle Barn, Bradbourne (sleeps four)

Image credit: Three Six Seven Nine Photography and Lauren Brewer

A beautifully restored stone barn on a working farm dating back to 1640, this rural retreat is surrounded by rolling countryside and sweeping valley views, offering guests a charming farm stay experience with direct access to walking trails and the National Park.

Off-Grid Shepherd’s Hut, Brecon (sleeps two)

Set in a private paddock on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, this off-grid shepherd’s hut offers a unique countryside escape with panoramic views of Pen y Fan. Combining outdoor adventure with slow, rural living, it’s the perfect farmcation for guests looking to switch off, soak in a wood-fired hot tub and reconnect with nature.