While people living in rural areas are just as opposed to fox hunting as those in urban areas, too many parts of the countryside in England are hotspots for illegal hunting. If you’re looking for a rural getaway, here are three suggestions where you can rest easy in the knowledge your hosts have signed up to the Business Without Blood Sports pledge and are committed to a kinder world for animals.
Leaping Hare Barn, Peak District
Hidden away in the small, isolated upland parish of Flagg between Bakewell and Buxton, this rustic upper-floor barn is the perfect space to get away from it all. The scenic location in the Peak District is great for photographers and makes for a cosy base from which to relax, walk, cycle, find peace, explore nature and unwind.
The 18th century loft barn with original rough sawn floorboards and stone walls retains the building’s rick history and character. A log burner effect gas fire makes for cosy evenings during the winter months whilst the sunny balcony with stunning countryside views makes the most of summer evenings.
The pet sheep, hens and ducks on site along with the numerous hares, birds, badgers and foxes that live locally make this a perfect place for animal lovers!
Fox Hall Vegan B&B, Lake District
If you’re heading to the Lake District look no further than Fox Hall, a guesthouse specialising in offering reliable vegan accommodation, service and food.
You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at this environmentally minded family home owned by Sylvia and Chris who have run family friendly guesthouses for over 20 years.
Located two miles from Kendal in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria, Fox Hall is a great place to explore the Lake District or even visit the nearby unspoilt seaside resort of Arnside. The guest lounge leads to a pleasant lawned garden with fine views across the River Kent valley easterly towards The Helm. Evening meals are available to residents and various vegan cookery courses are held throughout the year. And be sure to check out the range of home-made preserves and patchwork shopping bags available there too!
The Laurels at Inchbrook, Stroud
While Gloucestershire may be a hotspot for hunting, you’ll be made to feel at home at the family-run Laurels situated on the edge of the Cotswolds. The rambling part-Georgian house and traditional Cotswold stone cottage, surrounded by trees and fields, is ideally placed to offer overnight accommodation for both business and leisure guests, with private parking and easy access on to the A46.
Welcoming you will be Lesley and daughter Emily who have over thirty years experience running guesthouses and are passionate animal-lovers whose wonderful hospitality will make your stay a memorable one. If you’re lucky you might even get to meet the extended family at the Laurels: two beautiful wolfdogs Taala and Hunter, and Midge the cat!
Further afield
If you are looking to plan a trip outside of the UK, we have you covered! Air Safaris 269 and World Vegan Travel are experts in organising and providing international adventures that are guaranteed not to support hunting in any way. either in the UK or abroad.