Got Plans This Half Term? You Have Now!
Here’s a suggestion that’s “pretty”, “good” and “fun” all rolled into one - and the best bit? Not a slushy, soft play or screen in sight. Winning!
We’ve just returned from the most wholesome, relaxing and fun morning that we hoped would be a gentle start to the holidays - and it more than delivered. All three Dweller’s, big and small, absolutely loved it and so we thought you should arm yourself with this little idea, too.
What did we do? We went to a flower farm!
Now, don’t get us wrong, we know that trying to prise the kids off the sofa and away from Roblox with “shall we go flower picking”, might seem like a hard sell. But it’s all in the detail. Add in the piggies, miniature ponies, ice cream, swings and the freedom to roam free and get creative with a pair of snips and you’re much more likely to be met with success.
(And you really do get to experience all of that at Amelia’s Flower Farm, by the way!)
First, let’s talk about the location.
Which is stunning. The farm is located in the pretty south Devon village of Combeinteignhead, looking across to the River Teign. It’s peacefully tucked away, (although easy enough to find), while still being close to lots of the county’s loveliest spots, so you can easily pair your visit with a morning or afternoon somewhere else. This is one of those parts of Devon that you immediately want to revisit and explore.
Now, the offering.
Of course, the flowers are the major star here and if the Chelsea Flower Show has inspired you this year, you can indulge to your heart’s content. Amelia and Giles have put in some serious hard graft, planting countless heirloom, scented and more unusual varieties, all grown free of pesticides and nasties - and it really is a pleasure to roam.
We’d never done anything like this before but the whole experience was made easy. You pitch up, grab a bucket and snips (provided) and off you go! You’re free to spend as much time as you want roaming the rows and rows of colours and scents, snipping a stem of whatever catches your eye (or nose!). It’s £20 per bucket, but since we returned with enough to fill two big vases I’d say that’s pretty good value for money, before you even consider the quality of the flowers.
You might feel like a complete novice (and not know your sweet pea from your sweet William, like me), but I find that with things like this, you can never really go wrong. Just go with whatever takes your fancy!
And for the kids? Well, see for yourself.
This is a safe and relaxed haven, where the littles will love experiencing nature and farm life on a small scale. Amelia and Giles are bringing up three young children here and so it’s a welcoming vibe, complete with a few cute and friendly animals to say hello to. Our pre-teen loved the opportunity to fall back in love with the big swings (without the fear of seeming uncool); but she also really enjoyed the creative responsibility of curating her own floral display. As for our furry member of the family - well, he loved trotting around, overwhelmed by all the new smells! Yes, it’s a very dog-friendly farm, no need to leave them at home.
What else can we tell you?
Well, you can’t expect to put in all that ‘hard graft’ and not be refreshed!
Happily, there’s a little cafe in the barn for teas, coffee and scrummy cakes, plus Langage Ice Cream being dished up from the freezer. There’s also a small shop with a curated selection of all things gardening, plus a nursery for more browsing and you can take in the gorgeous views from the balcony. Honestly, everyone will leave feeling a little lighter and refreshed.
And the best bit?
The farm has only just re-opened, and we’re right at the start of the season. So while we were super-pleased with our floral haul, it’s only going to get even better as spring makes way for the summer. There’s an entire field full of thousands of dahlias waiting to bloom, for goodness’ sake!
I am already planning another visit, this time with friends. I might even take part in one of Amelia’s workshops and try to coax out the florist I just know* is lurking somewhere within me [*cough].
So, there’s our half-term gift to you. Spare morning on the horizon? Something a little different, but just go and see for yourself. Because flowers are always a good idea!
Good to know:
No admission charges and no booking required, just turn up! Dress appropriately for the weather. We didn’t get muddy, but then it’s been very dry!
Final tip - don’t forget to bring a bucket to transport your flowers home. But if you forget? Don’t worry, for £1, you can grab one at the farm.
Open daily from 24th May, 10am - 4pm. Amelia’s Flower Farm, Combeinteignhead, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4RG.
Keep an eye on the website (below), or socials @ameliasflowerfarm for all the latest flowery news and events
