Have you ever looked at a field of cows – especially the soft fuzzy Highland variety – and thought ‘wow, I’d love to wrap my arms around that beast and smash my face into its fur’? Just me?
Well anyway, a farm up north is offering a special Cow Cuddling experience, where you can stroke, groom and cuddle these gentle beasts to your heart’s content.
The therapeutic experience also includes the chance to meet Dumble Farm’s goats and alpacas, finishing up with a hot drink and biscuits. My soul literally needs this.
Dumble Farm in Beverley, East Yorkshire, is allowing you to get up close and personal with their local cows, The Hoot reports.
Their Cow Cuddling experience allows adults to spend time stroking, grooming and having some quiet time getting to know the cows around the farm.
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Cow cuddling is a new wellness phenomenon that is becoming more popular and readily available at farms across the UK.
Whether you want to give their luscious locks a brush or simply lay down next to them, you’ll feel immediately put at ease due to their relaxing, gentle nature.
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The cows you can cuddle at Dumble Farm
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, and costs £50 per person.
After arriving at Dumble Farm you’ll receive an introductory talk where you’ll learn about the fascinating history of the farm, before being introduced to the retired dairy cows who you’ll be cuddling.
Their website reads: “When they lie down quietly, they enjoy the company of friendly people cuddling them.
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“You can take time to relax with them, listening to their cuddling and sensing their gentle nature, and while they are stood up you can brush and stroke them (we can’t guarantee the cows will always be lying down, so cuddling experiences may vary).”
After this you’ll meet the younger highland cows who you can stroke and pet before finally being introduced to Dumble Farm’s goats and alpacas.
“Then you’ll meet our goats, who will love to see you and be fed, they are always playful and wanting attention. Finally the alpacas with their very gentle fleeces, faces and nibbling mouths.”
And to round off this brilliant experience, you’ll even be treated to a hot drink and homemade biscuits and cake, sounds like a perfect afternoon if you ask us.
If you’d like to find out more and book yourself a spot on this Cow Cuddling experience, visit Dumble Farm’s website.
Train ticket prices slashed by more than 50% as huge rail sale returns across UK
Emily Sergeant
The Great British Rail Sale is returning in the new year, and train ticket prices will be slashed by up to 50% or more.
Millions of discounted train tickets for half term activities, weekend getaways, and even commuting will be up for grabs next week, as the week-long rail sale – which is set to run from 6 to 12 January 2026 – will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.
The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026.
Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the entire country.
For example, those who may be planning a quick getaway abroad over the next couple of months will be able to save quite a few pennies, as journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport will cost just £1.20, down from £2.90.
You can get up to 50% off train tickets next week / Credit: Northern | Transpennine Express
This is the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, with last year’s sale selling more than one million tickets and saving passengers around £8 per journey, as well as generating £9 million in ticket sale revenue for the industry.
“The Rail Sale is back,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. “And that means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in three decades to help ease the cost of living.
“We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions.”
This year’s sale comes as the Government aims to ‘ease the cost of living’ for hard-working people by freezing rail fares for the first time in 30 years.
If you weren’t aware, the Government is also in the process of bringing in major reform to Britain’s rail services by establishing Great British Railways (GBR) – which is the new, nationalised organisation to run the railway uniting together 17 different organisations under a single directing mind.
Adventurous Mancs needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Emily Sergeant
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Clementine Hall -
17th November 2023 
