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The Paddock

Shuttleworth, Greater Manchester, England
1 acre hosted by Charlotte H.
Camping and glamping on a working Lancashire farm within walking distance of the thriving, quirky, foodie former mill town of Ramsbottom

Nothing encapsulates the rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire better than the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, held in the Lancs town of Ramsbottom at the end of every summer. Throwing their black puddings, contestants in the street try to knock Yorkshire puddings from their pride of place on a 20ft perch. Legend has it that the tradition stems from a day during the War of the Roses, when the armies of Lancaster and York ran out of ammunition and threw food at each other instead. Today it’s just one of a number of vibrant festivals that bring this quirky yet understated town to life.

A 15-minute walk from the centre of town – with Ramsbottom’s church spires and old mill chimneys visible against the green hills – The Paddock is an aptly named campsite just outside of town. Accessible (it’s only a mile to the start of the M66) yet simple, this is a classic campsite of old; a flat, grassy meadow set just beyond a series of farm buildings with acres of space, old dry stone walls and a cluster of mature ash and oak trees just beyond the far fence. At night, jam jars with tea lights inside magically illuminate pathways between the ten tent pitches, while bunting adds a colourful splash to the field entrance.

It’s not just tent camping here, though. A couple of bell tents host yet more bunting, while there are also three glamorous yurts (think proper beds, a wood-burner and a private kitchen) and a special glamping pod with roll-up sides so you can enjoy the stars on a clear night. The farm also runs a B&B in their ancient cottage (it dates back beyond the doomsday book) and, of course, remains a working rural enterprise with sheep, cattle and a handful of nosey free-range chicken that will come clucking to your tent door if you leave crumbs around.

During spring the farm is perhaps at its busiest. On a notice board by the shower block you’ll sometimes find a timetable displaying feeding times for any lambs that need bottled help and the surrounding landscape is always at its most green and verdant. There are endless walks to be had. It’s a pleasant hike up Holcombe Hill to 40-metre tall Peel Tower, on the skyline above Ramsbottom, built in honour of the two-time Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel and with good views of the town below and campsite in the distance. There are plenty of traditional markets to visit and cafés to dive into as well. And that’s just in Ramsbottom alone. Hop on the famous East Lancashire Railway or get back into your car and you’ll find the world is your oyster. Or Lancashire is at least. Don’t cross the border into Yorkshire. It’s nowhere near as good there... Apparently.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Farm
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Shuttleworth, Greater Manchester, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Charlotte H.Joined in September 2017
From the host
Here at The Paddock, we have some of the nicest and quirkiest places to eat and drink, The famous East Lancs Railways, festivals, farmers markets, World Black Pudding championships, Cricket, Football, Crazy traditions and a community made up of some of the nicest people you will ever meet. We have lived on the farm for 20 years and have often had little camping weekends when friends came to visit as its always much more fun than staying in the house and The Paddock is flat, which is somewhat unheard of around here, so perfect for tent camping. We were approached in 2015 by Ramsbottom Festival to host the camping for their weekend event so of course we jumped at the chance, "Eye just up our street" (the words of Grandad Rothwell). We purchased a small toilet and shower block, and well, the rest is history! We opened officially in April 2017 and started with 2 yurts and a bell tent, Now apporaching 2022 we have 2 yurts, 2 sets of pods, 2 domes and a safari tent.  We have had an amazing few years and so much positive feedback form campers and Glampers its been amazing!, we are constantly looking for ways to improve your camping holiday with us and every year we have added something else to our collection.  We remind you that this is a working farm: we have sheep, cows, horses, cats, dogs and the odd hen or two so we can't promise a completely quiet stay but we hope that all the animals will be on their best behavior when you're here! So what are you waiting for? Pack a bag, gather your friends (or come alone) and make some memories.
Nearby attractions

For an easy local wander, try the Irwell Sculpture trail, which you can join at the bottom of the lane – a nice walk with huge sculptures along the way. Ramsbottom is the main attraction, though, just a 15-minute walk by footpath and home to glut of excellent pubs, cafés and independent shops. Leaflets and maps are provided in the glamping accommodation. Ramsbottom is also home to the famous East Lancashire Railway (0161 764 7790), where train driving experiences are available as well as simply hopping in a carriage. The town hosts many festivals each year; there's the Chocolate Festival in April, a 1940’s war weekend in May, a mountain biking festival in July, the Head for The Hills music festival and the town Rum Festival in September and, of course, the renowned World Black Pudding Throwing championships also in September. There is also a farmers market once a month and a small town market every Saturday. If you do take the East Lancs Railway, hop off at Rossendale (3 miles) for shops, microbreweries, a museum and also the Rossendale Ski Slope (01706 226457) – children can enjoy an hours tubing there for £7, so really worth a visit. Elsewhere, it's 3½ miles to the town of Bury (and the renowned Bury Market), while Manchester is also within easy day-tripping reach.

Food and drink

The Paddock offers "breakfast and BBQ” packs that will be ready in your cool box on arrival – sourced locally nearby. If you're heading elsewhere, the Duckworth Arms (01706 823336) is located at the top of the lane and within easy strolling distance. It's dog friendly, has phone charging available and serves general pub food with a beer garden (great Sunday roast too). For something finer head into Ramsbottom (15 minute walk via the footpaths) where Levanter Tapas (01706 551530) should be high on your list!

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