Family farm holidays in Cornwall magical for children, toddlers and babies.
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Coombe Mill Blog
"Tales from the farmers wife" shares the funny and interesting happenings on our lovely holiday farm with Farmer Nick and our 6 children. A behind the scenes look on balancing family, farming, the holiday business and cooking for all.
September holiday news from the farm
September holiday news brings you highlights from the summer and plans for autumn on our delightful family farmstay. ... Read More
A Month of Being Open for Holidays
Reflections on a month of our holidays being open again after the Covid-19 lockdown. How our no contact holidays work & farm news. ... Read More
Holidays opening from 4th July 2020 at Coombe Mill. Enjoy a farm holiday with animals feeding and tractor rides in a covid safe envirnment. ... Read More
June Farm News 2020 under Lockdown
June Farm News with a look at your holiday ahead and what's been happening here in May during lockdown from hatchlings to sheep shearing.... Read More
It is officially spring this month and we couldn’t be happier. Hopefully we can say good riddance to storms and cold and hello to a little spring warmth. I hope you can take a minute to catch up on the upcoming March Events in Cornwall together with the latest holiday farm news from us.
Spring holiday availability
If you are thinking of coming away for the Easter break we are now full on week commencing 4th April but have a few spaces still in the weeks either side of this if you are quick. The same is true of the May half term week from 23rd May. We have just 2 properties still available then. If you miss out on these, remember we still offer weekend’s right through to the last week of June for a little farm escape.
February Half Term
Half term saw our first busy week of the year. It was lovely to see the farm buzzing with laughter and children running freely here. We had some lovely feed runs with Farmer Nick and myself as Farmer Fi. Later in the week Farmer Theo who took over from us while we took our triplets away to catch up with family in Sussex. It’s fair to say the weather was not always in our favour. Frequent showers meant wet weather gear was needed by everyone. That said, I congratulate all the children and adults who regularly joined the morning feed run regardless of the rain.
The train is up and running
The train has taken its first passengers on the new line this half term. The line isn’t quite complete, but we managed to get enough track laid down to give it a good test. It is now a door to door service from your lodge to the tractor and trailer in the morning, with a return trip for those completing the feed run.
More creativity for the Fairy Garden
Last month I shared the newly painted stones. This month has been all about fairy log houses. I’m so pleased with how these have turned out I think I will undercoat some smaller logs and let the children loose to create their own with poster paint here in activity hour this season.
Spring grass
The animals are enjoying the new season grass already and the lawnmowers have been out a couple of times already in the past month keeping the garden lawns in shape. All we need now are the first spring lambs and I’ll really feel the new season is with us.
Was that a tornado?
In contrast to the generally benign winter weather this year, Storm Ciara left her mark. We had an easy time of her apart from a freak tornado that ripped through the valley on the afternoon of the 10th February. Our chicken house was uprooted from its concrete base along with a wheelbarrow and hurled over the 8ft Jurassic park fencing. A whole line of trees came down up the ravine knocking out 2 lines of electric cable and leaving us without power until late in to the night. Thankfully we were between guest visits and only had to worry about lighting our own log burner for warmth, light and cooking. Western Electric had us back on line late evening and we spent the next day clearing debris. Thankfully the chickens were all in their indoor quarters, where they will be staying until Farmer Nick rebuilds their summer shelter. Fingers crossed for no more drama and a smooth ride into spring.
Nb: I have not been paid or sponsored to mention these places, they are just the March Events Cornwall 2020 that I feel would be of interest to Coombe Mill Guests.
There are a fascinating collection of creatures living alongside us in our urban areas. Nature has a remarkable way of adapting to the environment we have created. For the benefits of young minds, who better than Lonely Planet Kids to uncover the wild side of cities around the world. Do you know someone who would enjoy Wild in the City? Read on to discover more about this lovely book and for your chance to win a copy.
About Wild in the City
Animals from all over the world have learnt to adapt to the growing urbanisation of our planet. In Wild in the City some surprising animals, together with their clever behaviour are uncovered. Did you know that the friendly English fox likes to hop on the capital’s busses and tubes? While their natural diet is berries and small mammals, they have learned to rummage through the city bins for our throw away food scraps too. We are not the only city with animals prowling the street at night; discover the leopards in Mumbai, mountain Lions in Los Angeles and deer in Japan. This lovely book looks at how they survive and how you can help them, it also covers bugs, birds and reptiles, so there is plenty to explore wherever you live or travel.
What we Love
Educational: the book is packed with fascinating facts in child friendly small chunks.
Engaging: From paw prints to poo kids will be taken by the animal kingdom living next door to us.
Beautifully illustrated: Every bite sized section has an accompanying image
Logical lay out: Sectioned by Mammals, birds, reptiles and bugs. Also contains a helpful glossary, Index and double spread on how you can help or city friends.
Win your copy of Wild in the City with Lonely Planet Kids and Coombe Mill
For your chance to win this delightful non- fiction book for a young animal enthusiast with an interest in travel, simply follow the instructions below. Good luck to all taking part.
We were sent a copy of the Wild in the City book for the purpose of this review, however all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Our copy of the book is available to borrow from the Coombe Mill Games Room for our holiday guests.
If you have a young budding animal lover in your house, I may have found the perfect book. Aimed at Age 6 plus “The Surprising Lives of Animals” is a wonderful insight into animal behaviour, their environment and the characteristics they have in common with us humans. Pitched at young learners the book aims to educate and delight young minds whilst capturing their imagination. Do you know someone who would enjoy this book? Read on to discover more and for your chance to win a copy.
About The Surprising Lives of Animals
Animals from all over the world are brought to you in this wonderful book of discovery. See which baby animals enjoy a little play time just like us from chase to tobogganing! Find out about the love they share, the baths they enjoy, the clever ones and the sneaky characters. There are so many comparisons to draw with humans; it will captivate any youngster with an animal connection.
Taster video of The Surprising Lives of Animals Book
Win your copy of The Surprising Lives of Animals with Quarto Kids and Coombe Mill
For your chance to win this delightful non- fiction book for the young animal enthusiast in your live, simply follow the instructions below. Good luck to all taking part.
We were sent a copy of the Surprising Lives of Animals book for the purpose of this review, however all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Our copy of the book is available to borrow from the Coombe Mill Games Room for our holiday guests.
I hope you have made it through the January Blues and beginning to see the first signs of spring. Here on the farm the snowdrops are blooming and the daffodils coming through. Our little micro valley climate always seems to be one step ahead when it comes to spring. Sunset is now after 5pm and lengthening literally by the day. If you need a little break to see you through to summer we may just have the answer. Read on for more on the past month on the farm and February events in Cornwall if you are heading our way for a winter break.
Lowest Prices and Short breaks you can’t refuse
Our price list prices are now into their 3rd year with no rise and short breaks are available throughout the February half term week. Give the family an instant winter pick me up with a bargain short break on the dates you choose. Whether you have warm and wet weather or cold and dry there is plenty to do and the farm animals will be thrilled to see you.
Valentine’s Day gift card
Don’t be stuck for a good idea on the 14th. Treat the family to a Coombe Mill gift card. Available for £50 and up, you can use it straight away for half term or look further ahead in the year.
Get summer ready
If it is a summer holiday you really want but just don’t have the spare days to take off or the funds for a summer week, we have kept our short breaks running to the last week of June. Don’t just dream of summer, book it.
All change on the train
The train track came up after October half term and Farmer Nick has been busy relaying it alongside the lodge pathway. Weather permitting; we are hoping to have it running in time for this coming half term. The old lodges Tiddy and Tamar down by the river are going to be the new engine shed. It gives a lot more space and height than the old tunnel and I’m already super excited to decorate it for Halloween and Christmas this year.
A magic touch for the fairy garden
The winter is never kind to the fairy garden, but because we know it is so popular with the children we have invested in some trinkets for the new season. I’ve also been getting creative repainting the stones to keep the magic alive for all who visit.
Each year we donate our sheep and Alpaca fleece to a local crafter who turns them into the most creative and usual items to sell at country fairs. I was late having them collected this year but rewarded instantly with these gorgeous Christmas decorations. I will leave them on display in the shop in case anyone wants to order some. Last year’s fleece handbags were extremely popular with our holiday guests.
On the farm
We have been working hard to move the animals round the grazing fields and eek out the hay to see us through to spring. The long dry spell in January was perfect for the animals, they had a real chance to dry out and enjoy time outdoors instead of in their shelters. It is the goats and alpaca especially who dislike the rain in their coats.
Nb: I have not been paid or sponsored to mention these places, they are just the February Events in Cornwall 2020 that I feel would be of interest to Coombe Mill Guests.
After a quiet January we are looking forward to welcoming you to the farm for the coming season.
The Planet we live in really is an extraordinary place. From what nature began to what we evolved, there are some quirky places out there just waiting to be discovered. Hidden Wonders by Lonely Planet kids is a guide to the planet’s wildest, weirdest places. Jump on board to discover more and for your chance to win this book for budding tween adventurers along with a fun and challenging promotional jigsaw.
About Hidden Wonders
Stand in the soft sand at Playa de Gulpiyuri in Spain and you’d think you were on a beach at the water’s edge. In fact you’d be in the middle of a field! A sink hole has been flooded with water via a tunnel from the Cantabrian Sea to create this amazing feature. This is just one of 150 exciting discoveries in the book.
What we Love
Expect the unexpected when it comes to places and things featured in the book.
Discover the origins of the amazing places including, folk law, myths and legends.
Photographs of every place bring the locations to life.
Hidden Wonders is perfectly written with just enough detail for 9 to 12 year olds.
Need to Know
Age suitability
9 – 11 years
RSP
£14.99
Author
Nicole Maggi
Stockists
Lonely Planet Kids on line shop, Amazon,
Product specification
Hardback
240 pages
Full colour
240mm x 185mm
Publisher
Lonely Planet Kids
ISBN
9781788683258
Taster video of the Hidden Wonders Book
Hidden Wonders Jigsaw
For a great way to keep your tween off their phone, try this challenging promotional jigsaw. The tiny pieces and complex front cover design will keep all the family busy. I’m not saying how long it took us, but it was pleasantly addictive to try and solve.
Win your copy of the Hidden Wonders Book and Jigsaw with Lonely Planet Kids and Coombe Mill
For your chance to discover the strange and wondrous places highlighted in the book and the fun to make jigsaw, simply follow the instructions below. Good luck to all taking part.
We were sent a copy of the book and jigsaw for the purpose of this review, however all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Our copy of the book and jigsaw is available to borrow from the Coombe Mill Games Room for our holiday guests.
“Tales from the farmers wife” shares life on our lovely holiday farm with Farmer Nick and our 6 children. Step into our beautiful 30 acres and experience nature close up with farming and educational crafts in stunning North Cornwall. Family, fun and adventure start here.
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