David and the Farm Holiday Guide

In recent months there have been a plethora of programs on television, singing the praises of people such as Wainwright and Betjeman who travelled the length and breadth of the UK chronicling the sights they saw.

David Murdoch was one of that breed of men – happiness was a good tramp in beautiful country with his faithful dog by his side. Murdoch was, however, a more practical man, and although moved deeply by the magnificent landscape he explored, he was also conscious at the end of the day, of a need for a good meal and a good bed.

It occurred to him to note down the farms where he and his dog were welcomed, where the food was – despite the austerity of the post-war years – wholesome and plentiful. His friends soon learnt that if they needed to know of a good place to holiday for a few nights, then David was the man to ask.

David became more and more aware of the yearning need of a nation exhausted and starving following a long and stark war, for peaceful holidays with home-baked bread, fresh-laid eggs, newly-churned butter and all the good food found in British farms. Encouraged by friends and family, David left the security of full-time employment to publish a directory of inexpensive country holidays.

He never lost his sense of amazement that his little guide should become known the world over, which speaks of his modesty and lack of ego. From this small beginning, the business thrived and over the years several other titles were added, offering holiday accommodation throughout the UK, including bed and breakfast, self-catering and caravan parks.

David reluctantly sold up and retired in 1980. Until his death aged 81 he travelled through the UK with his wife, enjoying the countless lodgings he shared with his readers.

Sixty years after that first tentative beginning, FHG is still going strong and this year we are proud to offer 11 titles, including our ever popular Pets Welcome! Guide. A range of titles are available at Maps International