Farm Stay is a non-profit cooperative of rural accommodations across the country which was founded in 1983 and represents more than 400 tourism businesses across the UK, including glamping, camping, self-catering and bed and breakfasts.
Since the Prime Minister announced that tourism businesses could reopen from 4th July, their website has seen a similar trend in traffic upturn to others, with an increase of more than 200 per cent on the same time last year.
But they have also noticed another statistic that is bucking the trend – the majority of visitors to the site are 25 – 35 year-olds, opposing the stereotype that countryside holidays are just for families and retired staycationers.
Chairman Kay Barriball said: “Younger people are being attracted to the countryside for the wider experiences that are on offer, while at the same time offering a secluded place for them to relax.
“Post-lockdown, instead of visiting cities, they’re looking for rural accommodations close to outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling and those that have swimming pools and hot tubs, so they can create similar memories to going abroad but staying right here in the UK.”
With members busily preparing to reopen, completing online industry standards such as “We’re Good to Go” from Visit England and Visit Britain and COVID-19 cleaning certificates, it’s the larger properties that are drumming up the most hits on the Farm Stay website.
Kay added: “With families able to travel together as bubbles, it’s quite possible that they are putting the younger generations in charge of finding a property that can accommodate multiple generations.
“Many of our members have more than one cottage or property on site, meaning families can travel together but stay in separate accommodations.”
However, with bookings booming, Farm Stay members are looking forward to welcoming this new demographic to the countryside.
Kay said: “Many of our members operate working farms, which not only offer beautiful, countryside locations but are a great opportunity for us to educate our visitors about British farming, food production and even get them involved on the farm when it’s safe to do so.”
Most Farm Stay UK members have now reopened in line with Government guidelines.
