Live, Work and Learn on a Traditional Lakeland Hill Farm

Step into the boots of a real Lake District farmer on our unique three-day Farm The Fells: Lakeland Farmer Experience. Set on our Grade II listed Lakeland hill farm, this hands-on adventure invites you to work alongside us and discover the time-honoured skills that shape farming life in the fells. From sheepdogs and Herdwicks to drystone walls and spinning fleece, you’ll experience the heart and heritage of the Lake District like never before.

🏡 Your Stay

You’ll stay in our Lakeland bothy-style Camping Barn, a converted stone barn that offers rustic charm and comfort — like a stone tent! Bring your sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, clothes, and food, and settle into your own self-catering base on the farm. The barn courtyard is perfect for unwinding after a day’s work, or you can wander 200 metres to the local pub for a well-earned meal.

🗓️ Your Experience

Tuesday – Arrival & The Shepherd’s Way

• Arrive and check in from 3pm.

• Take part in our Lake District Shepherd Experience — meet our working sheepdogs, watch them demonstrate their skills, then learn to handle them yourself as you guide sheep through obstacles.

• Head into the Byre for a spinning workshop, learning how to turn washed and carded fleece into yarn using a drop spindle.

• Spend your evening relaxing in the courtyard or exploring the local area.

Wednesday – Goats, Walls & Fells

• 6.00–7.00am: Join the morning milking of our rare breed Golden Guernsey goats, whose milk we use to make our farm’s famous goat milk soap.

• 10.00am–12.00pm: Learn the ancient art of dry stone walling, discovering the history and skill behind the traditional Lakeland boundaries — and help us repair real walls used to keep in our adventurous Herdwick sheep!

• Enjoy the afternoon free to explore nearby lakes, walks, or villages.

• 4.00–6.00pm: Head out on a guided farm tour to meet our Fell Ponies, pigs, and our hefted Herdwick flock grazing the fells, following paths trodden by generations of sheep before them.

Thursday – Real Farming & Goat Picnic

• Take part in a real-time seasonal sheep job — depending on the season this could include lambing, foot trimming, dosing, halter training, or preparing sheep for the show ring.

• Round off your visit with a relaxing Goat Picnic, sharing lunch and laughter in the field with our friendly Bagot Goats, surrounded by stunning Lake District views.

💷 Pricing & Details

• From £1350 per group

• Maximum group size: 8 people

• Recommended age: 7+

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

• Accommodation: Self-catering Lakeland Camping Barn

• Location: Our Grade II listed Lakeland hill farm, in Buttermere in the heart of the Lake District

Want to linger a little longer?

You can add an extra night before or after your Farm the Fells experience — arrive Monday evening or unwind until Friday morning, giving you more time to explore the fells or simply enjoy the peace of the farm.

🧭 Experience the Real Lakeland Way of Life

Perfect for families, friends, and groups seeking a hands-on rural escape — the Lake District Farmer Experience blends farm life, fell landscapes, and traditional crafts into an unforgettable adventure. Come as visitors. Leave as farmers.