Think in layers, not in one big coat

Spring on a British farm is a moving target. A morning that starts at three degrees with a sharp wind coming off the fields can turn into a mild, muggy afternoon by two o'clock, and then back again the moment the sun drops behind a hedge. Families who pack one heavy coat each usually end up carrying it by lunchtime and shivering by teatime. The answer is thin layers you can add and remove without a fuss.

For each person, aim for three usable layers: a base layer that sits against the skin, a mid-layer for warmth, and a waterproof outer shell. Fleeces, thin jumpers and lightweight gilets all work well. Cotton t-shirts are fine for a warm afternoon but are miserable once damp, so favour quick-drying fabrics where you can.

• Two or three base layers per person – children will get muddy and want to change before supper.
• A fleece or thin jumper that packs down small enough to live in a day bag.
• A warm hat and thin gloves for early morning animal feeding, which is often the coldest job of the day.
• Sun hats and sunscreen – spring sunshine is deceptively strong and you will be outdoors far longer than you expect.

Footwear that earns its place by the door

No piece of kit matters more on a farm than what is on your feet. Farmyards in spring are a mixture of mud, slurry, gravel, wet grass and the occasional hidden puddle, and trainers will not survive a single morning. Wellies are the obvious answer, but check them before you travel: a split in an old pair of boots is discovered at the worst possible moment, usually halfway across a field.

• Wellies for everyone, ideally with a thick sole for grip on wet concrete and stone tracks.
• Walking boots or sturdy trainers as a second pair for drier outings to the village or a nearby market town.
• Plenty of socks – two pairs per day is realistic if you are out in the morning and again after lunch.
• A boot bag or plastic sack for the car boot, so the return journey does not smell of the farmyard.

Wellies that are a size too big, with an extra pair of socks, are far better than tight ones. Cold feet end more countryside walks than tired legs do.

Waterproofs, and a spare set of everything

Assume rain, and you will rarely be disappointed. A waterproof coat with a hood is essential, and waterproof trousers are the piece of kit most families forget and most wish they had brought. They turn a soggy trudge along a footpath into something everyone can enjoy, particularly with small children who like to kneel in wet grass to look at things.

Pack at least one complete spare set of clothes per child, kept in the cottage rather than the car so it is dry when you need it. A waterproof bag for wet clothing is also worth its weight. If you are visiting during lambing season, keep in mind that some farms ask visitors to wear clean, disinfected footwear or provide their own – a spare pair of wellies makes that easy to manage.

Torches, and the pleasures of an evening wander

One of the quiet joys of a farm cottage break is the walk you take after supper, when the yard has gone still and the only sounds are owls and the rustle of hedgerows. Spring evenings get dark earlier than you think, and farm tracks are uneven, unlit and often bordered by ditches.

• A small torch for each person, or a head torch for anyone who wants their hands free.
• Spare batteries, because torches are invariably flat when you reach for them.
• A reflective tag or strip on children's coats if you will be walking on a lane.
• A charged phone with the cottage location saved, in case anyone wanders further than intended.

Bits and pieces that make the week easier

The small items are what separate a smooth week from a fiddly one. A washbag of practical extras takes up almost no space and gets used constantly.

• Hand wash and a nail brush – farmyards and small hands are a memorable combination.
• Plasters, antihistamine cream and any regular medicines, since the nearest pharmacy may be a drive away.
• Reusable water bottles and a few snacks for hungry walkers.
• A couple of carrier bags for muddy boots, wet clothes and whatever the children collect.
• A board game or pack of cards for the evenings when the weather turns.

What to leave at home

Travel light where you can. Leave the smart clothes behind unless you have a specific meal booked, and think twice about white anything. Pushchairs with small wheels struggle on gravel and mud, so a sling or carrier is often the better choice for babies on a farm. And bring a relaxed attitude to dirt: children who are allowed to get properly muddy tend to have the best weeks, and a hot bath and a spare set of clothes will sort out the rest.

Pack for wet feet, cold mornings, warm afternoons and dark lanes, and a spring farm holiday will give you exactly what it promises – long days outside, animals to meet, and children asleep before their heads hit the pillow.