Pause for thought, this Winter at Tapnell Farm

15th December 2022

With colder days arriving, we need more excuses to get out from under our cosy duvets and embrace our winter wonderlands. Let’s face it, winter in the UK can be a little bleak – but on good days it can be magical too, if you know how to spend your time. As they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes (we live in boots and thermal socks in the winter on the farm!)

This time of year, it’s also very easy to burn out, whether its pressure from work deadlines, Christmas shopping, trying to make it to all those festivities you have been invited to, catching one of the many variants of the Christmas cold or just struggling with the shorter days and longer nights.

You need to steal a moment to pause - to stop and look around and take a deep breath and remember how beautiful the world can be too. We think Winter is a great time to shed some heaviness, just like the trees have shaken their leaves…

"The icy wind, is winters balm.."

'Winter' by Isle of Wight Poet Harrison Wavell* wraps up what we are trying to say perfectly…

What better place to pause than at Tapnell Farm on the Isle of Wight, and this winter you can save a little and make the most of the farm with our special offers & packages.

At Tapnell Farm, we love taking a microscope to ‘the little things’ to make us feel the winter glow this time of year...

*(Follow Harrison on Instagram for more Island inspired poems)

It's a vibe..

..We’re talking – popping open a bottle of red, watching the flames dance and crackle in a log burner, or catching a winter sunset (they really are the most beautiful in this crisp winter light).

Perhaps it’s kicking up the crunchy leaves whilst walking the dog, or running along a beautiful (and quiet) sandy beach with your four legged friend, we have lots of those nearby! Did you know that our accommodation offers dog friendly holidays? The Island is perfect pooch heaven!

You can't beat a hearty roast dinner..

Sunday roast’s really come into their own this time of year (especially after said dog walk). Whether it’s cooked at home or enjoyed at a Pub or Restaurant, you can’t beat a hearty Sunday roast, can you? The Cow at Tapnell Farm’s are no exception, and they offer sharing roasts for the whole table, a filling feast!

If you love the natural world, it could simply be watching the robins and other wildlife bob around in the country hedgerows, not paying any attention to the looming Christmas deadline. This time of year, we also watch the Starlings swoop and soar in their murmuration - if you are lucky, you can watch this happen across the skies at Tapnell Farm.

Give the gift of rest...

If you know someone that could do with a really good break away from it all, why not gift them a holiday at Tapnell Farm this Christmas. Gift vouchers are available to purchase – just email [email protected] to find out more.

We have something for everyone this Christmas at Tapnell so if you are stuck for gift ideas, why not check out our gifting newsletter, there’s vouchers for meals at The Cow, Aquapark sessions, and even vouchers for Season Passes to the Farm Park – and once that’s all done, why not put your feet up at The Cow and enjoy a warm mulled wine, and a Christmas burger or winter stew! Now that’s our kind of Christmas shopping..

Flip your goals, what do you want more of?

In the weeks of ‘twixmas’ perhaps you will start thinking about those ridiculous New Year’s resolutions that we set ourselves each year!? Unobtainable goals that make us feel worse when we don’t achieve them. Why not flip it this year and make a list of enjoyable things you want to do more of! (Already sounds better, doesn’t it?)

Instead of eating less unhealthy things, why not introduce some healthier options to go with them. Instead of signing up to the gym, why not find a hobby that gets your heartrate up, but you have a giggle doing at the same time (have you heard of Pickleball or Football Golf?) Or why not book onto a retreat and recharge your batteries with other like-minded people – getting healthy doesn’t have to be a slog, it can be fun!

Time to retreat..

Tapnell Farm is hosting it’s first wellness retreat in 2023, collaborating with wellness experts Balance + Glo to bring a weekend of yoga, delicious healthy food, walks, and sound baths mixed in with some archery and fitness sessions – Suitable for all abilities, whether you are a yoga newbie or a fitness buff! Find out more and book here: https://tapnellfarm.com/stay/events/weekend-wellness-retreat.

Talking of walks.. If you love a ramble, we have The Tapnell Trail on our doorstep, as well as other amazing walks across areas of outstanding natural beauty nearby. Balance + Glo have also written this handy walking guide, which includes many lovely local walks.

Quality family time..

Maybe one of your resolutions this year is to spend more time with the family? We have a winter break offer - including ferry travel and Farm Park admission included here

Top of our list is trying to do something each year which lowers our impact on the environment, and we are now pleased that we can offer an ‘Eco Travel & Stay’ holiday which includes the hire of bike or electric car! – so you can leave yours at home. For more details, head to our offers and packages page..

We are welcoming the new year and all that 2023 has to offer, and can’t wait to see you all next year!

So, all that is left to say is, Merry Christmas!

Take it easy, The Tapnell Team x