The cluster of boutique cottages and glamping tents at Drovers Rest offer something truly special; a chance for modern families to reconnect with nature, each other and the world around them, all without scrimping on comfort and style.
Nestled in the foothills of the black mountains just a stone’s throw from Hay-on Wye and the Brecon Beacons National Park, this idyllic spot is the perfect place to allow children to be truly free range.
Days are spent exploring the farm and helping out in daily activities, from egg collecting to animal feeding, whilst evenings can be enjoyed relaxing on your private deck as the sun sets, or indulging in a delicious communal dinner (available 3 nights a week) in the funky, Hayloft barn.
This could not be more far removed from the camping trips of old with broken sleep, soggy sleeping bags and chilly nights. Here, there are proper beds, luxury linens, cosy log burners, private bathrooms, kitchenettes and even electricity. This is camping gone posh with a capital P! As for those still struggling with the thought of a night under canvas there are also two cottages on offer.
Whichever accommodation is chose, from one of the five luxury safari tents or one of the two pretty cottages, guests all have access to a wealth of communal facilities. The Hayloft is a cool, chill out space complete with lounge, dining area, Wi-Fi, Sky TV, selection of games, honesty bar and farm shop. It enables mini guests to meet play mates and parents to unwind together while little ones have fun. It is also a great space for larger groups should they book altogether.
Good food can make a holiday and at Drovers Rests there’s no need to go hungry. Even the tents have well equipped kitchenettes, BBQs and fire pots. But, for families keen to take a break from the cooking, the owners can also offer delicious daily breakfasts and the option to partake in communal dinner nights offered three times a week.
Activities on the farm are plentiful so parents need not worry about keeping little ones entertained. Every week activities are posted on the Haylofts ‘Activity Board’ inviting guests to join in while they are always welcome to help out with daily tasks from collecting eggs to feeding animals.
Drover’s Rest is really the perfect retreat for families looking to escape it all and get back to a taste of the good life filled with adventure fuelled fun!
Accommodation Overview
All five of the glamping tents sleep 2-4 plus an infant and 2 well behaved dogs. They each offer a main double bed plus a second bedroom (canvas wall separation) with two single beds. The beds are all dressed in proper linens with feather duvets, pillows, Egyptian cotton linens and cosy welsh blankets. There’s bedside tables and best of drawers so guests can unpack and feel at home.
The kitchen unit is well equipped with a variety of kitchen ware, gas stove, kettle, cafetiere, fridge and toaster.
There is a comfy living area with sofa, coffee table, dining table and wood burner (1st basket of wood free, more available in farm shop for nominal free).
Outside the tents have a private deck area with outdoor furniture, BBQ and 3 legged fire pot for outdoor cooking.
The tents each have their own private bathrooms with contemporary monsoon showers and underfloor heating located in a converted stable block a few minutes’ walk from the tents. There’s a washing up room for pots and pans and laundry facilities are available.
Each tent has electric plug points, running water, torches and large umbrellas.
Please note: There is a one car per unit policy. Additional cars may be possible with prior arrangement.
Venturing away from the farm.......
Hay-on-wye is 3 miles away & is renowned for its book festival held once a year for 10 days from 22nd May this year. If you have not been its a must. This is when the town heaves!! 250, 000 descend on the tiny little market town bringing an electic mix of people to our rural midst. The festival has meant that the town has been able to sustain itself & is today one of the best villages in Wales with thriving shops, restaurants & bars that will rival London for its foodiness.
The owners list of top ten things to do, during your stay (if you can tear yourselves away from the farm that is!);
1. Taste the local sheeps milk ice-cream from Shepherds in the heart of town. We also sell it in the farm shop.
2. Walk up Hay Bluff or Sir Hereford's Knob (yes it is called that!) & enjoy the magical views.
3. Wander the book-stores (favourite is Booths!) & antique shops in Hay (there are over 30 bookstores!) The Old Electric shop, owned by a friend, is a must for its vintage treasures & wonderful cafe. They also run a cocktail bar every now & then, so be sure to look out for the next one.
4. Visit the farmers market on a Thursday in the town centre. Lovely local produce. Try Alex Gooch's sourdough bread.
5. Taste the local cider and cheese (Our favourite is Dunkertons Cider and Neals Yard Creamery both available from the Deli - you can visit Dunkertons for a tour & buy a case of cider to take back!)
6. Eat at the wonderful eateries that surround you - our favourites (Booths Cafe in a bookstore, The Old Electric Shop, The Rivercafe in Glasbury, The Three Tunns (oldest Pub in Hay), The Granary, The Griffin in Felin Fach, The Bridge Inn in Micheal Church, The Pandy in Dorstone, Hollybush (does not look good outside but great thai & nepalese food). For something a bit more special try The Stagg Inn in Titley (Michelin Star), their cheese board is something special.
7. Wander down the River Wye in a canoe (wye valley canoes) or blackmountain activity centre take younger kids canoeing too.
8. Try your hand at climbing Black Mountain Activities or a bit further but larger and scarier!! Llangorse Activity Centre
9. Ride a Horse in the Brecon Beacons
10. Take a ride on the Brecon Mountain Train and then drive through the mountains to Cardiff - beautiful drive but only an hour away
Top Tips for Kids;
There are 2 soft play barns close by which are always popular.
The miniature train centre in Hereford where you can ride the trains
Pony rides on the farm & plenty of animals & chores to keep the wee ones entertained for hours.
The owners shall also let you know if anything interesting is going on during your visit.
Click to enlarge
Check-in time: 15:30
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 42 days prior to arrival
Check-in time: 15:30
Check-out time: 10:00
Reservation Deposit: 50%
Balance: 42 days prior to arrival
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1 double bed & 2 singles |
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![]() | Cardiff airport is 1hr 20mins drive away. Bristol airport is 2hrs, Heathrow is 3hrs. |
![]() | There is a small farm shop and bar onsite. |
![]() | The 'Chill Out' barn is a great social space for families. |
![]() | Babysitting can be arranged on request at additional charge. |
![]() | Baby gear available on request includes; Travel Cots, Mattresses, Bedding, Fire -guards, Booster seats, bath mats, baby bath and toys |
![]() | There's a selection of toys, children's books and dress up clothes available onsite for guests shared use. |
![]() | Waitrose and Sainsburys deliver, if guests wish to arrange an arrival shop. |
![]() | There's a shared play area, sand pit and ride on toys. |
![]() | Mobile spa treatments available on request. |
![]() | The 'Chill Out' communal Barn usually offers three meal nights a week which tend to include 'Pizza Night' Fridays, 'Curry Night' Saturdays and 'BBQ Night' Wednesdays. Children under 5 eat free. Daily farm breakfasts are also available on request along with coffee, tea and cake. It also has a licensed bar. |
![]() | The tent has a private terrace with BBQ and is set in an enclosed, shared field. |
![]() | There is Wi-Fi onsite. |
![]() | The site is pet friendly. |
![]() | The site offers a range of farmyard activities including egg collecting and animal feeding. |
![]() | There is a local golf course approx. 5 miles away. |
![]() | The owners can arrange guided walks or runs for active guests. |
![]() | Each property has a wood burner (fire guards available on request) |