From Hayfields to Heritage: Funding Rural Visitor Attractions on Farms
In the heart of the British countryside, a quiet revolution is taking place. Increasingly, farmers are opening their gates not just to livestock or tractors – but to the public. From rustic barns hosting weddings, to living history tours, to school visits teaching children where their food comes from, farms are becoming vibrant visitor destinations.
This trend is particularly strong across the South West, where farming heritage, tourism, and beautiful landscapes collide. And for farmers seeking to diversify income streams and make the most of their assets, heritage attractions offer a sustainable and meaningful opportunity.
In this blog, we explore the rising appeal of rural visitor attractions, the practicalities of getting started, and – crucially – how to fund the transition.
Why Heritage Attractions Are on the Rise
Rural tourism has long been a backbone of South West economies, from cream teas and cider tastings to walking holidays and cottage stays. But more recently, there’s been a growing appetite for experience-led attractions – places that tell a story, connect people to the land, and preserve traditional ways of life.
For farm owners, this opens up a host of possibilities:
- Farm history tours or “living museums”
- Craft and food demonstrations (e.g. cheese-making, wool spinning)
- Heritage livestock displays and rare breed walks
- Farm open days or seasonal events (e.g. lambing weekends)
- Restored barns or outbuildings repurposed as visitor centres, cafés, or retail spaces
These ideas are not just about sentiment – they’re also about resilience. Visitor income can provide a valuable buffer against commodity volatility, policy shifts, and unpredictable weather.
Turning a Farm into a Visitor Destination: What to Consider
While the vision may be inspiring, creating a rural attraction isn’t without its challenges. Some key considerations include:
Planning and Permissions
You may need change-of-use planning, especially if you’re adapting buildings or increasing traffic. Consulting your local authority early is key.
Infrastructure and Safety
Facilities like parking, signage, toilets, and safe pathways are often overlooked in early planning. Accessibility and insurance must also be accounted for.
Marketing and Management
To attract visitors, you’ll need a strong brand and online presence – and possibly staff or volunteers to manage footfall, tours, and retail operations.
These upfront costs can be daunting, but they’re also surmountable – especially with the right financial backing.
How UK Agricultural Finance Supports Diversification into Tourism
At UK Agricultural Finance, we work closely with farmers across the South West who are developing rural attractions and need flexible funding to bring their vision to life.
Some typical areas we can support include:
- Property development or refurbishment
– Converting barns into visitor spaces, tea rooms, or exhibition centres. - Infrastructure investment
– Installing footpaths, signage, parking, and accessible facilities. - Equipment and marketing
– Funding point-of-sale systems, promotional campaigns, or educational displays. - Phased development
– Financing in stages to test and scale the attraction sensibly.
Every project is different – and we take the time to understand not just the business model, but the personal goals and heritage behind it.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Diversify
Rural visitor attractions are well-placed to benefit. From an increased interest from the public in accessing rural and green spaces as well as better understanding the countryside.
As traditional farm income becomes more volatile, having a diversified model that includes tourism, education, or experiences can build resilience and long-term stability.
If your farm has a story, a heritage, or a passion worth sharing, turning it into a visitor attraction could be your next step. Whether it’s restoring old barns, showcasing rare breeds, or offering workshops that teach forgotten crafts, you don’t need to go it alone.
UK Agricultural Finance is here to help with flexible, practical finance that supports the full journey – from concept to opening day and beyond.
Thinking of opening your farm to visitors? Talk to Tracey Simm at UK Agricultural Finance to explore how tailored funding can turn your idea into a reality.