Hosted by farmers Jon and Lynne Perkin, who run the goat and Jersey dairy herds at Old Parsonage Farm, this is an original present for Father’s Day or a unique weekend away with a friend or family member.  This exhilarating experience in the fresh air takes place surrounded by magnificent views across the 1200 acre Dartington estate in the tranquil South Devon countryside.

There’s no sleeping in when you are a farmer!  With a 6.30am start, you will rise with the dawn chorus, ready for the first milking session of the day. Followed by feeding, watering and bedding up a variety of animals from cows, goats, calves or, in Spring, kids and lambs. All the animals enjoy a bit of company, the goats are particularly playful and the cows like nothing better than a good grooming.  After a hearty farmhouse breakfast, the day may take you in any direction (as all farmers know!) – you could find yourself up to your elbows delivering the newest arrivals at the farm, helping to move herds around the estate or getting involved in land management.

There will be plenty of opportunities to try your hand at milking in the parlour, and the day finishes at 6pm, following the afternoon milking of the friendly purebred Jersey herd.

By the end of the day you’ll certainly know what Devon farm life feels like.

The beautiful historic 4 star accommodation, located around Dartington Hall’s medieval Courtyard, is just the place to relax and unwind after a busy day on the farm.  With 50 well-appointed bedrooms combining heritage and comfort, there is a range of room styles and prices available to suit all guests. 

All that fresh air and hard graft creates a huge appetite!  Refuel with delicious locally-sourced food at the Two Rosette White Hart Bar and Restaurant located next to Dartington’s magnificent Great Hall.  It’s a fantastic place to recharge in atmospheric surroundings at the heart of the estate’s stunning formal gardens and leafy woodland paths.

Prices start from £335 for the ‘Farmer for a day’ experience, this includes 4 star accommodation in a standard room at Dartington Hall with a three course dinner and breakfast at The White Hart bar and restaurant.

For more information or to book Dartington Hall’s ‘Farmer for a day’ experience log on to www.dartingtonhall.com or call 01803 847147 or email bookings@dartingtonhall.com.