Michelmersh Manor Farm , set in idyllic surroundings in the heart of the Test Valley at Michelmersh, has opened up its doors to visitors with accommodation which includes rooms, shepherds huts and barn conversions.

The farm has a range of historic luxury accommodation with all kinds of opportunities for guests to explore farm life at its best and enjoy walking, as well as other outdoor activities.

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Michelmersh sells the milk that it produces in vending machines. This delicious fresh whole milk is also made into milkshakes.

There are 300 cows which are milked using five state-of-the-art milking machines, 200 sheep as well as chickens, guinea fowl, peacocks, and horses. A new addition is a rare breed of English goat called Mini.

Various crops are grown throughout the year and visitors can even help with the lambing and watch the cows being milked. 

There's lots on offer close to the farm, including plenty of walking routes leading straight from the front door. And Fran Drake, who co-runs Michelmersh, has created a booklet for visitors, celebrating the very best of the Test Valley, including gentle ambles, full day walks, walks to a range of pubs and back and local places to visit by car. 

The farm is making a big effort to reduce its carbon footprint. planting more legumes such as clovers which help improve soil fertility and reduce greenhouse gases. It has also reduced its use of chemical fertiliser by 50 per cent and hasn't used any insecticides for the last 3 years.

Fran Drake said: "We felt from the outset that it was important to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and do our bit for the planet. So, visitors can have a fabulous break and know where they are staying is a sustainable option. That means so much to people these days."

Self-catering accommodation includes Bluebells, Foxglove and The Manor, set within the medieval farmhouse, two shepherd huts, and two historic barn conversions.