This year's Mental Health Week (commencing Monday May 10th) is focusing on the importance of reconnecting with nature, making the most of all the benefits it brings for mental and psychological wellbeing.  Research carried out by the Mental Health Foundation* showed that connecting to nature was more important than ever during the pandemic, with going for walks outside being one of the top coping strategies, and that 45% of people saying that access green spaces had been vital for their mental health.

What better way to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature than with a stay in a luxurious 'tented cottage' on a Feather Down Farm.  As the original glamping pioneers, Feather Down Farms offer an escape back to the simple things in life, with all the excitement of sleeping under canvas, but with the comforts of a cosy cottage. 

Escape to the countryside, away from the stresses and constraints of lockdown to a world free from wifi and screens, but filled instead with fresh air, space and time to breathe.

From Treganhoe Farm in the far south west of Cornwall, to Northumberland Farm up in North East of England, as well as plenty in the countryside around London and major cities, there are 32 farms to choose from around the UK.  

All the 'tented cottages' have wooden floorboards, comfy beds and wood stoves as well all their own private flushing loos and shower facilities.  Some even have an outdoor hot tub offering the perfect spot for a relaxing soak as well as firepits or pizza ovens.  Availability on selected dates across the UK are limited so book quickly to avoid disappointment.

Glastonbury Hill Farm:

Glastonbury Hill Farm lies at the end of a country lane in the natural paradise of the Somerset Levels. Filled with wildlife from barn owls to wild deer, as well as domesticated animals, it's an ideal secluded spot for a farm break with tents offering stunning far-reaching south-facing views for 20 miles over the Somerset Levels to the Blackdown Hills and beyond.  

The farm is spoilt for choice with three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on its doorstep - the Blackdown Hills, Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills, which are all perfect for hiking and cycling. Glastonbury – with its iconic Tor, pre-Christian history and links to King Arthur – as well as the world's most famous music festival is 30 minutes away. Somerset offers plenty to discover from paddling through the ancient town of Langport with Langport Boat Hire or on a bike from Parrett Trail Bikes to blowing glass at Shakspeare Glass and visiting the alpacas at Stoodley Alpacas. 

From the farm, there is a wide selection of beautiful walks to explore the surrounding countryside and Peter, the farm host, is a keen foodie offering guests plenty of local food and restaurant tips as well as a homemade breakfast box and hampers featuring local produce. Surrounded by woodland and farmland, Glastonbury Hill Farm is the perfect destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and savour the breathtaking views from a cosy tent. 

Prices with Feather Down for a 3-night weekend stay on selected dates in July in a canvas lodge for a maximum of 6 guests (up to 5 adults) with a private outdoor shower and flushing toilet at Glastonbury Hill Farm is £455. 

Northumberland Farm:

Combine a stay on a working farm with the beautiful beaches of Northumberland staying at Feather Down Farm's Northumberland Farm.  Located less than a mile from the sweeping sandy beaches of the Northumbrian coastline and just a 15 minute walk into the pretty seaside village of Seahouses, the farm is located in the North Northumberland AONB. 

Visit breeding colonies of puffins and seals on the Farne Islands, walk along the coastline against backdrops of ruined castles, explore the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and sample oysters from beds dating back to the 1300s.

The farm itself is a traditional one, with grassland supporting cattle and sheep alongside cereals such as wheat and barley.  Join the farmer to take a tour of the farm, or even help him on his early morning rounds to check the animals. The traditional approach to farming works in harmony with nature and gives rise to superb biodiversity throughout the farm, making it a haven for wildlife.   Birds, insects and other wildlife are in abundance such as hares, badgers, roe deer, owls, yellowhammers, merlins, kestrels, geese, swans and buntings.

Heading inland to the rolling landscapes of the Cheviots (the northern end of the Pennines), enjoy the protected night skies of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park.

Prices with Feather Down for a 4-night stay at Northumberland Farm in a canvas lodge for a maximum of 6 guests (up to 5 adults) in a canvas lodge with ensuite toilet facilities and shower on selected dates in May and June is £485.  

Looe:

Set inland from the seaside town of Looe in South East Cornwall lies the lovely Feather Down Farm Looe.  Spread over 300 acres of dairy farm, it's the perfect spot to enjoy the best of this beautiful part of Cornwall, with its fantastic beaches and pretty seaside and inland villages to explore. 

Accommodation on this dog-friendly farm is in one of three luxury canvas lodges with a private shower, sleeping up to 6 people.  Unwind and relax to enjoy a slower pace of life, looking out over the beautiful rolling countryside around you. Hot tubs can be booked on request for a real treat.  There's lots on the farm itself to keep little ones entertained, watching the cows being milked and learning about the daily life on a farm.  Beyond the farm, boat trips, crabbing, walks on the South West Coastal Path and cosy pubs are all in easy reach and there are also plenty of activities nearby including the adrenaline quarry with coasteering, a zip wire and an aquapark. 

Prices with Feather Down for a 4-night stay at Looe in a canvas lodge for a maximum of 6 guests (up to 5 adults) with a private en suite shower and flushing toilet on selected dates in May and June is £515.

To book, visit www.featherdown.co.uk or call 01420 80804. 

All stays at Feather Down offer a book with confidence guarantee and if the stay cannot go ahead due to Covid-19, it can be rebooked until the end of 2022

For further information on Feather Down please visit www.featherdown.co.uk

*Source: Mental Health Foundation.  www.mentalhealth.org.uk