Gooseford Farm

Gooseford Farm is a small working farm set smack bang on Dartmoor’s north side. Stay in the 16th-century farmhouse or cosy up in the adjacent self-contained cottage. Either way prepare yourself for a real farm experience as both buildings, along with the milking parlour, frame the yard so you’re right at the heart of everything. Rooms in the farmhouse are all about the old beams, wonky floors and comfy beds. The self-contained cottage was only built a few years ago so looks modern but retains the overall cosy feel of the farm.

There’s wifi throughout but you’ll soon be distracted by the views, the cows, or the farm's Jack Russell who sleeps in the tractor. Visitors are welcome to watch the cows being milked at 4pm each day, and if you want to walk them back to their pasture that’s OK too. Canines are welcome to sleep downstairs in their own beds, or in a crate in the lounge. Dogs are also welcome in the cottage next door which has a small self-contained garden at the back. Blankets are available, and if you forget their food your fine host, Mary, will always rustle something up.

Speaking of food, there is tea and homemade cake if you arrive in the afternoon and the breakfasts are outstanding. Mary makes bread daily, there’s homemade jam, with milk and honey from the farm. It’s like being in the heart of an Enid Blyton. It’s not for nothing the farm won Channel 4’s Four in a Bed.

As for walks, you’re spoilt for choice. Set out from the farm directly up onto the moors. Visit the medieval grade II listed stocks at Belstone, walk past the grazing ponies up to Belstone Tor then back down for afternoon tea at the dog friendly parish tea rooms. National Trust’s Lydford Gorge is a glorious walk especially if it’s been tipping it down with rain and the waterfall is in full flow.