Autism Friendly Holidays
Looking for a relaxing getaway where your child feels safe, supported, and truly welcome?
At North Hayne Farm, we offer a nurturing environment ideal for neurodiverse children, helping families enjoy meaningful, stress-free holidays. Set in peaceful countryside, our farm combines calming views with hands-on animal experiences, creating lasting memories for all.
We take pride in supporting families with children who have complex or misunderstood needs. Through training, accreditation and—most importantly—listening to parents and carers, we’ve created a space where families feel understood and valued.
Each day brings gentle adventures, from cuddling spring lambs to walking goats or riding a donkey when the moment feels right.
Enjoy quiet time in our dedicated Play Barn or treat yourself to a relaxing holistic therapy in our on-site treatment room .
Why families love coming to North Hayne Farm:
- Peaceful, farm-based setting perfect for children with sensory, anxiety or ASD
- Carefully thought out cottages with stairgates installed prior to arrival (when requested)
- Happy to make adjustments whenever possible
- Safe, spacious, and childproofed accommodations
- Tranquil surroundings and fresh air for a relaxing break
- Thoughtful touches that make life easier
- Ideal location for stress-free family time in the heart of Devon
- Quite spaces around the site for calm time
- Staff keen to help make a difference to your stay
- Adjustments made to the farm experience as needed
ASD Friendly Activities at North Hayne Farm
At North Hayne Farm, we believe holidays should be joyful, relaxing, and inclusive for all ages and abilities. Set in peaceful countryside, our farm offers laid-back family time and caring support from our attentive team.
We make thoughtful adjustments like flexible farm feeding times and activities that suit your child. With clear daily routines your child will soon feel relaxed so you can fully enjoy the magic of farm life with ease.
Quiet Spaces
Lots of great areas to de-stress and recover from sensory overload. Our farm and site have several spaces you can go if you need quite time.
Sensory Activities
Our farm experiences offer many opportunities that focus on specific sensory preference.
- Rhythmical movement as you ride or lead one of our donkeys
- Calming tactile experience stroking or grooming one of our animals
Noise Reduction
Our animals are very used to people and are generally quiet; just the occasional bray, bleat, quack, cluck or snort.
Our cottages are located in a particularly quite rural part of North Devon and situated in 10 acres of countryside.
Sensory Aids
We have many sensory tools including visual aids, weighted lap blankets, headphones, night time lamps, fidget toys, daily planners and social stories. Available to borrow free of charge during your stay.
Structured Routine
Our animal feeding sessions follow a set routine providing predictability and consistency perfect for many of our ASD visitors.
Training
Our farm has been Autism Friendly since 2018 and many of our staff have ASD training as well as having experience in dealing with a range of needs.
We always look for ways to help make your holiday a success so please don't hesitate to speak to us if you can think of something that may help your child.
Being adaptable and flexible is something we are passionate about.
To Re-cap
What makes North Hayne Farm perfect for neurodiverse children:
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Gentle animal encounters during daily feeding sessions
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Support packs available to reserve
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Outdoor play areas designed for burning off that excess energy
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A covered Play Barn with soft play and age-appropriate toys including a spinning chair
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Quiet corners to cuddle, snack or nap when needed
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A safe, calm atmosphere ideal for family bonding
- A caring team that will look to make your holiday as good as it can be
Whether it’s watching Truffle the pig snuffle for her feed, or in the play barn, or outside just taking in the fresh air, there’s something for all guests to love.
Anxiety
Where social interaction is more difficult the twice daily feeding sessions provide a great opportunity for your child/children to form relationships with the animals which can help to develop empathy skills.
The therapeutic benefits of stroking the animals, talking with them, feeding them by hand and even riding them (donkeys) can reduce stress levels and even help concentration.
Autism/ASD
Recognising and understanding the needs of those with autism is a key part of our holiday business. Awarded with the NAS Autism Friendly Award in 2018 (we were the first self catering business in North Devon to achieve this) and subsequently awarded it again in 2019, ensures our commitment and adaptable holidays continue to exceed expectations.
"My daughter has ASD and Roger gave her extra duties which helped her socially." Tripadvisor
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Feeding time at the farm is unhurried and all activities can be adapted to individual needs when required. Signing is used throughout the farm on an everyday basis underpinning our desire to include all our visitors in our activities.
"The biggest plus point for me was the adjustments that were offered to enable my daughter, who has additional needs, to participate in the activities. It meant a huge amount to me and she had an amazing time." Tripadvisor
Time for You, Too!
When your children are tucked up in bed or you've managed to sneak away for an hour, it’s the perfect chance to take some time to unwind. Treat yourself to a soothing massage in our on-site treatment room, enjoy a peaceful stroll around the farm, or simply relax in your private hot tub under the stars. This is your time to recharge while the children dream away.
Explore Beyond the Farm
While there’s plenty to enjoy right here at North Hayne Farm, the adventures don’t stop at our gates! North Devon is packed with Autism friendly places to explore, perfect for creating even more magical memories together. Wander along gentle quite trails, or enjoy a peaceful coffee at one of the many family welcoming cafés nearby.
While the best time to come will be outside of school holidays, we think you'll find plenty to do that won't result in sensory overload.
Check out our hand picked list of local autism friendly attractions to help you plan relaxed, fun-filled days out that everyone will enjoy.
Quince Honey Farm
Just 10 minutes from the farm, Quince Honey Farm provides plenty of space to wander and learn all about the amazing life of Bees. An indoor soft play for those able to cope, ideal for rainy days. A relaxed day out where you can explore, play, and enjoy a well earned slice of cake!
Devon Railway Centre
All aboard for a day of family fun! Just 30 minutes from North Hayne Farm, the Devon Railway Centre offers ride-on trains, model railways, and indoor and outdoor play areas. Plus, with a craft shop and pub next door, it's the perfect spot for a full day of adventure and fun!
The Big Sheep
A 35 minute drive from the farm, The Big Sheep is perfect for families with babies! Enjoy gentle train rides, soft play areas, and meet the animals in the petting corner! With special zones just for under 2's, it's a fun yet relaxing day out!
Tarka Trail
Flat, scenic, and stroller friendly, the Tarka Trail is perfect for a gentle walk or cycle with your baby. Spot wildlife along the estuary, stop for a bite to eat at Fremington Quay Cafe, and enjoy the ride. An easy going day out that every member of the family will love!
All Of Our Cottages Are ASD Friendly
Our cosy, family-friendly cottages offer the perfect countryside escape. Wake up to peaceful mornings in a fully equipped retreat—complete with cots, highchairs, blackout blinds, daily planners, weighted blankets, and more—all available to borrow at no extra cost.
Whether you prefer a snug hideaway or a spacious base for the whole family, we have options to suit your needs. We’re always on hand if you need anything extra.
All cottages are designed with families in mind, and several are especially well-suited for children with ASD, depending on your group size and individual requirements.
Tom Kitten
This delightful single-storey character cottage is the perfect choice for families. Sleeping up to four, it features no internal steps and a spacious open-plan lounge, dining room, and kitchen with its own washing machine. The cottage offers flexibility with room for a cot in either the twin or main bedroom, and the enclosed decking area provides a safe outdoor space for children to explore.
Why It Works So Well:
- No internal steps, ideal for babies and toddlers
- Own washing machine for those inevitable baby laundry days
- Safe, enclosed and gated patio area
- Close to shared play areas and equipment for added convenience
Samuel Whiskers
A character cottage with space and versatility, 3 storey 3 bedroom cottage sleeping up to 6 plus cots. Main bedroom on ground floor with ensuite and room for up to 2 cots. Double and bunk room on the second floor next to each other with family bathroom and shower. Perfect for larger families with a little one or for smaller families with grandparents.
Easy access to back garden and children’s play area.
Why it works:
- Second floor bedrooms next to each other plus has own family bath and shower
- Ground floor has it's own bath with shower over bath – space for 2 cots
- Large kitchen/dining and living area with own washing machine
- Great views over gardens and courtyard
- Near to play area equipment
- Safe, enclosed and gated patio area
Peter Rabbit
This charming two-bedroom, two-storey cottage sleeps four plus a cot and is thoughtfully set up for young families. With both bedrooms on the ground floor and just across the hall from each other, it’s a cosy and convenient layout for those needing to be nearby to their children.
Why Families Love It:
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Bedrooms close together for easy settling
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Cot fits in either room
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Upstairs open-plan living with direct garden access
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Secure and very private patio area with easy access to play areas
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Great paired with next door Squirrel Nutkin for group stays
Squirrel Nutkin
This spacious two-storey cottage is perfect for larger families or multi-generational groups, with three ground-floor bedrooms: a double, a twin (convertible to a double), and a bunk room. It sleeps up to 6+2 with a sofa bed in the lounge. The secure patio leads to gardens with play equipment suitable for all children. It’s a flexible cottage ideal for families with children of all ages. Includes a large kitchen/breakfast room and stairgates (if needed) for safety.
Why It Works:
- Ground-floor bedrooms near each other
- Room for a cot in any bedroom
- Large kitchen, dining area, and washing machine
- Safe, enclosed and gated patio area
- Safe, secure and gated patio with access to play equipment
- Can be booked with Peter Rabbit for larger groups
Jeremy Fisher
The ultimate in luxury, space and versatility. A fabulous 2 storey cottage with 5 bedrooms (2 on ground floor, 3 on first) sleeping 10 plus cots. Ideal for larger families or several families who wish to share. Easy access space makes it perfect for children of all ages and anyone needing space to get around. Designed with accessibility in mind having walk in ground floor wet rooms.
Perfect for larger families with children of all ages or where sharing with grandparents or friends.
Why it works:
- Large spacious cottage packed with great features to make your stay a success
- Own laundry/boot room with washing machine and tumble dryer and space for storing pushchairs etc
- Great views over fields and courtyard
- Near to children’s farm
- Safe patio area
Ready to make magical memories with your little one? Book your farm holiday today and start counting down to family fun, relaxation, and adventure!