There’s something quite satisfying to me about visiting UK seaside resorts out of season.  While I love to go in the Summer, they are inevitably busy, slightly claustrophobic and a little bit too hectic, as well of course being more expensive.  When my youngest daughter was just a few months old we booked a week long trip to Humble Bee Farm, just a few miles away from Scarborough in North Yorkshire.  We recently went back again, just for a short break, and loved it yet again.

Humble Bee Farm is a working farm nestled deep in a valley, which feels like you are in the middle of nowhere but in actual fact you are just a few short miles from Scarborough and Filey.  Indeed as you go slowly down the hill and see the farm approaching you in the distance, you really do feel like you are escaping the stresses and humdrum of daily life- we noted how on the Vodafone network you have no signal at all, which in actual fact is quite refreshing.

There are three gorgeous cottages- Swallows Nest, Merry Dale and Humble Bee, the two first mentioned having an added bonus of hot tubs under thatched gazebos on your little private patio area.  There are also heated Wigwams which our friends stayed in last year and excellent camping facilities too.  Indeed they said they were perfect for families as children are so excited by the prospect of staying in them, and perfect for those wanting to dip their toes into camping (or glamping!) without going the whole hog in the first instance.

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When my girls are older we will definitely be trying these out but as the little one is still in a cot, we thought that for the time being the cottage would be better suited to us.  And we weren’t wrong-  Merry Dale Cottage was absolutely stunning.  Our first thought as we opened the door to a roaring fire and underfloor heating, was cosy.  The rain was lashing down outside, beating against the windows, and we put our PJ’s on and snuggled together on the sofa.

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The cottage sleeps four plus there is room in the master bedroom for a cot which is provided if you ask in advance. (you need to bring your own cot bedding though.) Indeed the cottage is very well kitted out for children, with highchairs available on request, plastic bowls, cutlery and cups, (you have no idea how many places forget these and they are so useful!) and also a box full of kids books and toys which my girls had great fun exploring and emptying!

The main positives for children though are the farm and of course the hot tub outside.  The farm is beautiful, with lots of animals strolling about- we loved seeing the ducks, hens and the friendly goat who came to ‘chat’ to us every time we were in the hot tub.  You can collect a egg for your breakfast from the hen house which is obviously great fun for children and there is also a large wooden play area for kids to enjoy as well.

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The hot tub is such a wonderful bonus- we lived in it during our stay, both in the day with my children and in the evening when they had gone to bed.  They had so much fun splashing around and we enjoyed a nice chilled glass of bubbly in the evening to relax after a busy day.

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 We did venture into Scarborough a couple of times, it was very quiet, very wet and very windy- but we enjoyed visiting the rainbow beach huts, having a (very) small play on the beach and going on the 2p slot machines- which is indeed compulsory for any seaside break.

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We genuinely couldn’t fault Humble Bee Farm in any way- I like to give a non bias, accurate account, pointing out positives and negatives but there really weren’t any.  The cottages are perfect whatever the weather- if it’s cold you can snuggle down in front of the fire and feel cosy, and if it is warm then you can go and enjoy the farm, the playground and what Scarborough and the surrounding area has to offer.   A special mention to the owners Julia and John, who were warm, friendly and very welcoming- you can tell just how proud they are of their business and quite rightly so.

NEED TO KNOW

RATES

Depending on the season Humble Bee Farm do offer special offers for their wigwams and their cottages.  Currently until 31st Jan 2015 (excluding holidays) they are offering a kids go free offer on their wigwams- prices start from £70 for a two night break for two adults sharing, with up to three children.

Cottage wise they are offering a 3 for 2 night stay with the cottage we stayed in Merry Dale and the other cottage with a hot tub Swallows Nest costing £350 for 3 nights.  The other cottage without a hot tub is slightly cheaper.  These are rates until the end of the year but check out their website as they have lots of special offers on there.

CHECK IN/OUT

Check in is at 3pm, check out is at 10am.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER

They do have wifi but it is a little patchy and on Vodafone there was no signal at all.  But you aren’t coming to spend time on your phone.  Also remember to let them know in advance if you want a cot or highchair, and remember to bring bedding for the cot.

MORE DETAILS

Head to the Humble Bee Farm website or call them on 01723 890437

You can also check out our video of our stay below…

We were invited to stay at Humble Bee Farm for 2 nights after previously paying full price for a 7 night stay.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.