Humble Bee Farm

As you bounce along the bumpy track and Humble Bee Farm comes into view, it quickly becomes clear that this is going to be a special place to stay. Hidden away in a tranquil valley among the Yorkshire Wolds, the farm’s surroundings are edged with the vibrant colours of bellflowers, harebells, and mignonette; wild flowers planted as part of the farm’s commitment to conserve wildlife and promote biodiversity. It gives a mixed, natural feel to what is an appropriately eclectic site, home to wigwams, bell tents and (from February) four fabulous nomadic yurts.

While there are no age barriers to enjoying a stay here, owners John and Julia have turned part of their farm into something of a children’s paradise. Two Pygmy goats, sheep and cattle join the free-range chickens and guineafowl wandering around and a handful of Aylesbury ducks dabbling on the pond, with kids encouraged to collect their free-range eggs from the hen house in the mornings. Through the busier times of year (February to October) there’s also the opportunity to learn about the farm and wildlife through special nature events and themed weekends organised on site. This is all, of course, accompanied by the exciting prospect of camping inside a wigwam – all of which are heated, come with mattresses, mod cons, and an outside BBQ and picnic table.

But it's not just kids who will enjoy a stay here. The largest, ‘Big Chief Wigwams’, can sleep a family of five with ease, while bell tents and yurts each sleep four – plus there are three onsite cottages if you're visiting with folks for whom camping "simply won’t do”. Though well equipped, all options can be ramped up by pre-booking ‘full glamping’ packages, which include every added extra, from a bottle of bubbly to a locally-sourced breakfast pack and a campfire. Toasting marshmallows on sticks is, after all, an ageless activity.

Seasoned campers are still welcome – non-electric tent pitches line the driveway, while electric hard standings offer a spot for motorhomes – and there are plenty of activities beyond the children’s playground to keep every camper busy. Signposted walks around the farm encourage visitors to explore the local countryside and the Wolds Way National Trail borders the southern perimeter of the land. Then there’s the beaches of nearby Filey, Scarborough and Whitby, all within driving distance, and the vast North York Moors National Park that opens up another world of hiking altogether. The question is, where to start?