Business Details
Your Heritage Farm Experience in the Lake District
Established in 1690, Yew Tree Farm stands as a historic Grade II listed building in the Lake District, blending centuries-old heritage with modern visitor experiences. Our farm, once owned by Beatrix Potter, specialises in Herdwick sheep and Belted Galloway cattle rearing while preserving traditional farming methods that sustain the region's unique ecosystem. Guests can immerse themselves in rural life through our Herdwick Experience, where visitors interact with our ambassador flock and learn about this iconic breed's cultural significance. The farmhouse offers luxurious self-catering accommodation, retaining original features including Beatrix Potter's own furniture, providing an authentic step back in time. Our wedding venue combines historic charm with flexibility, featuring a 17th-century barn and exclusive use of the farmhouse.Heritage Meats showcases our award-winning produce, while Herdwicks Cafe serves locally sourced meals in Coniston. With over 700 acres of fell and field, we maintain a balance between working farm operations and public engagement, ensuring our conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and visitors. Our team combines generations of farming expertise with hospitality experience, creating memorable experiences that reflect Cumbria's agricultural heritage. We actively participate in regional tourism initiatives, featuring in ITV's Love Your Weekend and BBC Countryfile. Sustainability remains central to our operations, from natural farming practices to maintaining public footpaths across our land.
Services
Herdwick Experience
Self-Catering Stays
Wedding Venue
Heritage Butchery
Cafe Dining
Art Gallery
Farm Tours
Walking Trails
Photography Sessions
Local Produce Sales
Highlights and features
- We offer expert-led Herdwick sheep encounters with 800+ flock experience
- Stay in a Beatrix Potter-associated Grade II listed farmhouse with original features
- Host weddings in a historic barn with exclusive countryside access
- Produce award-winning meats from our own Herdwick and Galloway livestock
- Maintain public footpaths across 700 acres of scenic Yewdale Valley countryside
What people say
Amazing therapy
Perfect photo opportunities
Knowledgeable guides
Stunning location
Unforgettable visit
Services
Herdwick Experience
Join expert guides for close encounters with our friendly Herdwick ambassador flock. Learn about this iconic Lake District breed's history, wool production, and conservation importance while exploring our 700-acre working farm. Sessions include lamb bonding opportunities (seasonal), farm heritage walks, and photography sessions with tame sheep in scenic settings.
Self-Catering Stays
Stay in our 17th-century Grade II listed farmhouse with Beatrix Potter connections. Features original oak paneling, four-poster beds, and period furnishings across three bedrooms sleeping six guests. Includes private garden, hot tub, and access to 4,000 acres of National Trust land.
Wedding Venue
Host your special day in our historic 17th-century barn with spinning gallery. Accommodates 80-100 seated guests with exclusive use of farmhouse and 12-acre grounds. Includes bespoke wooden tables, catering facilities, and scenic countryside backdrops for photography.
Heritage Meats
Purchase award-winning Herdwick hogget, mutton, and Belted Galloway beef from our onsite butchery. All livestock raised on natural fell pastures using traditional methods. Available for collection or nationwide delivery in temperature-controlled packaging.
Herdwicks Cafe
Dine in our dog-friendly cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Menu features Herdwick meat dishes, homemade cakes, and local ales. Located 2 miles from the farm in Coniston with accessible facilities and dedicated parking.
People
Jo McGrath
Artist & Farm Manager
Professional artist specialising in animal portraits, Jo creates works using local pigments while managing our Herdwick flock. Lives on-site with husband Jon, combining artistic practice with sustainable farming practices that maintain Beatrix Potter's conservation legacy.
Jon Watson
Farm Owner
Third-generation farmer overseeing Yew Tree Farm's operations since 2004. Combines traditional fell farming methods with innovative visitor experiences. Featured in BBC Countryfile and ITV's Love Your Weekend showcasing Lake District agricultural practices to national audiences.
Questions
Can I meet the Herdwick sheep up close?
Yes! Our Herdwick Experience includes guided sessions with our ambassador flock. These tame sheep actively seek human interaction, allowing safe petting and photography opportunities in scenic farm settings.
Is the farmhouse wheelchair accessible?
The ground floor has level access and accessible facilities. Upper floors require navigating period staircases. Private bookings allow tailored accessibility arrangements while maintaining historic features.
Are dogs allowed on the farm?
Dogs are welcome in Herdwicks Cafe and garden areas but not permitted during Herdwick Experience sessions due to sheep safety. We provide secure parking and alternative dog-walking routes nearby.
Can I purchase farm produce online?
Yes! Heritage Meats offers nationwide delivery of our Herdwick and Galloway meats. All products are vacuum-packed and shipped in temperature-controlled boxes with easy storage and cooking instructions included.
What's the best time to see lambs?
Lambing season runs April-June. By mid-May, lambs are typically socialised enough for visitor interactions. Sessions during this period offer best opportunities for bottle-feeding and close encounters with young Herdwicks.
Reviews (5)
Paul Chitty
Sep 27, 2021
Report
Drove past this place on our travels around the lakes. Dropped in and bought some burgers and some Cumberland sausage. Damn, it was good, so good we dropped by the following day and bought some hogget and rump steak. As others have pointed out, Jon's meat has real depth of flavour. His passion for what he does, really shines through. Great to have met you. Don't forget to look into hanger steak!
Eunice Forster
Sep 27, 2021
Report
The most wonderful morning spent with a beautiful herd of Herdwick sheep . You get to spend time with sheep cuddles galore feeding them and just chilling out with very tame beautiful creatures
Kirsty Dziennik
Jun 05, 2021
Report
I didn't know what to expect from this place.I saw it on a programme in recent months and wanted to see the place for itself as it sounded and looked amazing,however once we found it we were very disappointed.The farm shop was non existant.We saw 1sheep in a pen and the Hedwick sheep that we'd come to see were hiding in a field.It appeared just to be a working farm with delapadatated buildings,unless I missed something.
Jim Caryl
Jan 26, 2021
Report
I purchased a hamper of meat from Heritage Meats for my dad's birthdayhe was thrilled with it. Jon was very helpful putting the order together and getting it out to my dad in good time. All very well presented. While I don't eat much meat myself these days, I've always valued the farming ethos at Yew Tree Farm and it's one of the producers from whom I'd always be happy to purchase sustainable and well reared meat, particularly as it comes from a part of the Lakes that is very close to my heart.
James Arzur-Kean
Dec 20, 2020
Report
We have now been ordering from Yew Tree Farm for some time and buy pretty much all of our meat from here!! Not only is the meat lovely but the service is terrific, they have been able to maintain deliveries throughout the pandemic. Top notch!!!
