A NORTH Cornwall farm which offers guests the chance to muck in and meet the animals has been awarded a coveted Visit England ROSE Award for 2025.

ROSE Award winners are nominated by Visit England’s quality scheme assessors and selected from assessor observations, feedback from guests and online reviews.

James and Tracy Wilson have been running a niche farm holiday business for 25 years. Their working farm in St Kew, near Wadebridge, boasts a herd of Aberdeen Angus-cross cattle, sheep and Cornish Black pigs amongst many other friendly animals.

James said: “Being so central to our guests’ farm holiday experience, I can very quickly attend to their requirements, recommend places to visit and things to do depending on the weather and time of year.

“We really enjoy sharing the farm and I’ll often stop a job midway to explain what I’m doing and involve my guests if they wish – this could be rebuilding a stone wall, mucking out the pigs, hay making, repairing a chicken house, walking the dog, TB testing the cows or chatting with the vet or farrier - always attentive to creating a safe yet inclusive environment.”

Tracy, who received the award with James at The Post Barn at Newbury in Berkshire, said: “It’s wonderful to have received this national award, recognition that we’ve created and sustained something very special here in beautiful North Cornwall. Many guests re-book ‘their week’ before they leave and some have been holidaying with us since the business began, now visiting with their children and grandchildren!

“We accommodate guests who visit with their pets or who just want peace and quiet, but what really defines us is our consistently educational yet enjoyable hands-on farm experience that creates lasting memories and appeals to families with children of all ages.”