Fun for little ones, yummy food and a choice of fabulous accommodation makes Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight an all-round winner. At the same time, the family who own Tapnell Farm have created a sustainable success story on lots of levels which all add up to a great destination for families.
Back in 1970, Tapnell Farm would have been rocking to legends like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones, overlooking the site of the iconic Isle of Wight Festival, but now there are only the sounds of the countryside and the squeals of happy kids. Maybe they’ve discovered the giant jumping pillow to bounce, slither and slide around, or perhaps the new farm park featuring, a giant chalkboard, climbing wall, soft play and farm animals. Children can collect eggs from the obliging hens and help the owners feed the lambs or have a go at archery, climbing, bushcraft, mountain boarding and zorbing thanks to the local Adventure Activities company who are based are Tapnell Farm. (Farm park and Activities are at an extra cost.)
There is a great choice of places to stay here too! How about glamping in a super swish safari tent or chilling in the Scandinavian luxury of an eco-log cabin? There are also two family holiday cottages at Tapnell Farm and a Manor House for up to 20 family and friends, which is perfect for a celebration occasion - especially with kid’s party packages available, which include catering from the onsite restaurant, The Cow Co. Worth noting that the whole farm can be hired for special occasions!
All the accommodation at Tapnell Farm offers every home from home comfort to flop and relax, with amazing views over the fields and towards the sea. Each one has been designed, finished and furnished to the highest spec and each has its own plus points to suit different families. The magnificent manor includes a games room and 10 bedrooms which are mostly ensuite, including a dedicated nursery, while Stockbridge cottage has a large garden with a climbing frame and The Dairymans has a hot tub for luxuriating under the stars. The log cabins are large and luxurious, and the safari tents really put the glam in glamping, with separate bedrooms, shower room and a living area with a woodburner.
When parents don’t feel like cooking, The Cow Co. provides a funky setting to tuck into homemade dishes, with beef and dairy the stars of the show, from juicy burgers and sumptuous steaks to lush ice creams and speciality cheeses. It’s ideal for a light bite and speciality coffee at lunchtime but also open on Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner, and licensed to sell real ales and wines to help parents wind down. Within The Cow Co there is also a shop which sells all sorts of foodie goodies and unique gifts.
Accommodation Overview
Tapnell Farm offers a wide range of accommodation, comprising The Manor House for 20 people, two 4-bedroom holiday cottages for 8 people, luxury safari tents for up to 8 people and 3-bedroom log cabins for up to 10 people. Travel cots and highchairs are available for all the accommodation and the Manor has a dedicated nursery with a wooden cot.
Stockbridge Cottage (sleeps 8 plus a baby in a cot) is on the edge of Tapnell Farm, set in its own large garden with a play-frame. A hot tub can also be hired by arrangement for a cosy, soothing soak or glass of bubbly under the stars. The cottage has been renovated and furnished to a high standard to provide a comfy, cosy and relaxing home from home with two living rooms so parents and children can enjoy some time and space to themselves. The main living/dining room is open plan into the kitchen, which includes a large oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. The second, separate living room has comfy sofas and a real fire for snugly evenings watching TV or a DVD. The cottage has 4 double bedrooms, 1 on which is ensuite and there is also a family bathroom.