Family farm holidays Great Britain

Here we try to answer your questions about  family farm Holidays Great Britain at Broadrayne Farm Cumbria. If you have any questions not answered below please email us or if urgent please phone us any time from 08.30hrs up to 22.00hrs English time!  ( +44 (0)15394 35055

From what time are we allowed to occupy the cottages? 

We welcome guests to arrive from  4pm on the commencement of the holiday. If you should have frozen food that you need urgently to deposit in the freezer before that time then we do allow that to be dropped off. However we do ask that you do not pressurize us to come in to occupy it earlier as we often need this time to service the properties and do maintenance work to keep the properties up to the high standards that our guests have come to expect. 

What time do we need to vacate our holiday cottage by? 

We ask that the property is properly cleaned, tidied and vacated by 10 am on the day of your departure please. 

The terms and conditions ask that we leave the property clean and tidy. What is expected of us in that respect? 

Whilst we don’t expect you to dust the place, we do expect that the property is thoroughly vacuumed throughout, particularly if you have pets with you to ensure all pet hairs are removed. This is important as it enables future guests following you who may have allergies to pet hairs to enjoy their stay allergy free. We also request that the fireplace is cleaned out and  bedding stripped off. The kitchen should be left clean with the  floor swept and mopped.. The cooker, oven and the fridge should also be left thoroughly cleaned and finally all the bins emptied. These jobs are easiest done when the luggage is packed in the car and should take no longer than an hour to do between two people. Please note that all cleaning materials and tools are provided.  A notice explaining this is on the door.

What if some cleaning materials run out or the vacuum  is full or doesn’t work properly? 

If you run low on cleaning materials please tell us so that we can refill the containers. Please come and see us any day for refills and please tell us if the vacuum need emptying 

If things get broken or damaged in the holiday property or something doesn’t work, what do we do?  

We simply ask you to let us know as soon as things go wrong so that we may try to rectify things as quickly as possible. It is appreciated if you don’t leave it until the morning of your departure to tell us as we often cannot get replacements on those days and then it means that our guests coming in after you cannot gain the full use of the equipment until it is repaired. 

Do we need to bring kitchen equipment, crockery, and cutlery?

We provide all this. Just imagine you are staying home from home with all the necessary equipment there to hand, food mixers, microwaves, coffee machines, pestle and mortars and little things like garlic presses, etc .If you need something special like an extra large vase for flowers then then just ask…  

What about bedding, do we need to provide our own?  

All bedding is provided and beds are made up for your arrival. However, if you are bringing a baby and using our cot then please would you bring baby’s bedding.  

What about towels and tea towels, do you provide these? 

We generally expect our guests to bring their own towels and tea towels unless they are travelling here by foot or from abroad. However don’t panic if you forget as we can lend you these if need be at no extra charge.   

Where are the nearest shops and supermarkets for essential supplies ?

Please refer to our page on local shops and services for full details of this

Are there any cash machines locally?

Yes! we have a cash machine inside Grasmere Post Office; this is only accessible when the post office is open. There are 3 machines in Ambleside Nat West, HSBC and Barclays. There are also several machines in Windermere and Keswick.  

Where can we buy wood, coal, kindling and firelighters from? 

All properties have open fires and are laid ready for lighting. We also provide a complimentary hod of coal. (please use fireguards provided). Additional fuel can be obtained at cost on the farm. In 2004 it is currently £3.00 per hod of coal (or our ‘skip’ of wood when available, at £2.75).  We also have kindling and firelighters at cost.

Alternatively the nearest place to purchase these products are from Hills Garage in Ambleside. They are situated on Old Lake Road on the way to Hayes Garden Centre; it's best to stop and collect when you are going south towards Windermere.  

What other facilities do you have available on the farm for us to use

We have a payphone, large drying room and a sauna for your use. A key to access the facilities is provided within each holiday property. If you fancy using the sauna, please let us know so that we can assist you in the operation of it and also check that the hot water is switched on so that you can cool off in the showers next to the sauna.. 

Where can we go horse riding or swimming or visit other attractions and leisure facilities? 

Please refer to our page on local attractions and activities for full information as this is quite extensive and should answer all your queries on this.   

What health care facilities do you have in your area should we be in need of it?

We are exceedingly fortunate in having a brilliant health centre close by in Ambleside. Appointments can be made at Ambleside and Grasmere by appointment. Often an appointment can be obtained on the day it is required ,  in  an emergency doctors come out to visit. Our new local hospital, Westmorland General is situated in Kendal and is one of the best hospitals in the  North West .. Our mountain rescue teams are some of the best trained and equipped in the country. Grasmere has a first responder scheme and we now have our own village pharmacy which is open normal shop hours.  See our health care page for fuller details.

If the weather is nice, we would like a barbeque. Do we need to bring one or do you have one available?   

We have a barbeque and equipment available and all you would need to get is the charcoal, lighting fluid and matches. Oh and the food you want to cook! All we ask that you book it in advance and that it is returned clean for use ready for other people. You may also like to go for a picnic,  Don't worry each cottage is now provided with a superb modern picnic rucksack. 

We want to bring our bikes; where may we store them securely?

We have a locked bike store right along side the hostel for your convenience.  All we ask for is a £1 per week donation to the Tourism and Conservation Partnership charity which is helping to maintain and restore rights of way in the Lake District. 

I haven’t any maps or walking guides? What should I get or is there any information within the holiday property?

Whilst many people do bring their own maps and walking guides, it is not really essential as we have quite a reasonable selection for you to borrow. All we ask is for a small donation to the Tourism and Conservation Partnership charity. We are happy to assist you in planning your days out and scaling  walks according to your ability. Please do ask us as we are delighted to help you make the most of your holiday. Using our local knowledge will help avoid wasting days.

Where can I walk the dog ?

There are plenty of places around the farmyard for dogs to stop and read their "weemails" but please don't let them wee on our bonsai trees or bedding plant displays. We can give you directions for short or long walks  when you arrive.  

Do you have any more detailed information on local attractions and activities available within the holiday properties?

Each holiday property has a file of local attractions and activities. A much wider selection of information is available in the Hostel  reception. While on the internet a selection can be viewed on our local attractions and activities page and wherever possible we have included their web addresses should you wish to delve further. 

Is Broadrayne Farm a working farm?

Although Broadrayne Farm is no longer a  full working farm, our visitors can still enjoy our ducks, geese, bantams and chickens. Some of them are rare or minority breeds, do ask if you want to know  what they are called etc. If you save them  any bread crusts you can be sure of friends while you're here. Please observe the usual hygiene rules and always wash your hands after feeding or handling them. There are also lots of family pets at family farm holidays in Great Britain, including a rabbit, guinea pig, cat and dog etc. who all enjoy attention!  Many of the animals have free range of the farm yard and this is much appreciated by our visitors of all ages. We now lease our land to local farmers who have their own sheep on it,  these include the original Broadrayne Farm Herdwick flock when they return to Broadrayne in the spring for lambing and summer grazing in the fields around us.  

For those who enjoy the wildlife, we are very fortunate in that we have Red and Roe deer in the valley. When out walking we can often find ourselves within 50 feet of them. Badgers are regular visitors to the farm and are often very busy at night in fields around the cottages. We also have a few red squirrels left but they are unfortunately being pushed out by the grey's. For bird watchers we are on a migratory route. The spring and autumn months are often the best time to see the best transient visitors . Our regulars and summer visitors include Kingfisher, Dippers, Buzzards, Peregrine, Falcons, Fly catchers , Long tail tits, Swallows, House Martins, Finches, Warblers and a whole host of others. We were told recently that an otter was seen on our beck last year.  Don't forget just up the road we have England's only nesting pair of Ospreys.

Who has rights of way in the farmyard?

The  geese, ducks, chickens and bantams that live here have the right of way at all times on the drive and around the farmyard; please give them time to move out of the way when driving.

Can you send me information about attractions and services?

We  have an excellent stock of brochures here but our local information centres have a much wider stock and their knowledge of what is open  when it's open etc. and are far more up to date. Ring Grasmere Tourist Information on 015394  35245, Ambleside  TIC on 01539 432602 or Windermere TIC on 01539 444439 for information or try our web links  page for local information site

Do you take children?

Yes  they are very welcome! At family farm holidays Great Britain - Broadrayne Farm, Cumbria, the youngest we have had so far was 4 weeks old.  We can, given notice usually  provide a cot or travel cot.. We can usually provide a high chair on request. please make your requests on the booking form

We enjoy seeing the children looking at the animals but please tell them not to enter any of the fields or open any gates around the farm without permission.  This is for their protection

If the children would like to feed the ducks and chickens they are welcome but please ask first as they are not all tame; some have dietary restrictions too. Please ensure everybody washes their hands afterwards.

We ask all parents to keep their children under control while around the farm. None of us want accidents while on holiday. Due to the low level windows and all our flower displays and bonsai trees we regret ball games are not allowed around the farm. We do have a super park in the village with a good children's adventure area.

Do we need a car?

No!  We are on the main bus route  through the lakes and most of the principal centers can be accessed by purchasing a Stagecoach Explorer bus pass approximately £7.50 for 1 day or £25 for a whole week this gives unlimited travel on all stagecoach services through Cumbria . Cycle hire can be arranged to the door or from a hotel in the village. Walkers will find that they can go in a different direction every day or by taking the bus one way ,they can do long linear walks without treading too much ground twice. Taxis too can be economical especially when full .Taking a taxi or bus one way especially to the furthest point of your walk means you won't have to rush off the mountain to get the last bus  home. This should also be remembered by those with a car as you avoid car parking charges and you don't have to worry about the car been left in a remote car park. There is a local mini bus service that will take you and up to 8 bikes to any point in the lakes for a reasonable price.  Please refer to the local shops and services page for this information.

Is car parking at the cottages safe?

A reserved car parking is adjacent to each of the cottages, please see the "site layout page"; also we are situated well away off the main road, so we have always considered it safe.  At the time of writing we have not had any problems. However we accept no responsibility for vehicles or their contents  while on the premises. 

Do you arrange tours?

No, there are so many companies  doing it and most provide an excellent service.  Try the local shops and services page for ideas.

Where can we go shopping for outdoor gear, food, wine etc...?

Find this information on our local shops and services information page.