It could be said that Manor Farm owns a place in camping history. It was the farm that introduced the world to the Feather Down experience, which has now grown into a 30-farm strong mini empire. As a pioneer of Feather Down's farm stays, it's no surprise that it's a good one. It's barely an hour out of London but when you're watching lambs in the field, toasting marshmallows on your campfire or exploring the surrounding countryside, it feels much further away.
Manor is a traditional mixed farm of crops, pasture and woodland, situated between Alton and Selborne on the edge of the South Downs, England's newest National Park. The land has been farmed by the Brock family for more than 120 years. Its current owners, Anna and Will, were responsible for transforming this slice of Hampshire into a camping haven. And what a job they've done. The site is home to seven of Feather Down's trademark safari tents (or ‘tented cottages’ as the Feather Down team likes to call them) and a single two-person log cabin. Lit only by candles and oil lamps, the rustic but homely accommodation is invariably lovely with made-up beds, well-equipped kitchens, log burners and en suite loos. While the well-set up accommodation here is roughly the same as you'll find on other Feather Down sites, the on-site experience is unique. The setting, the surroundings and site management are authentically Manor Farm's.
You'll be shown around with a farm tour at the beginning of your stay. You'll meet the cows and sheep and be taken to the old farm orchard. It's here you'll find the safari tent or the log cabin that you've booked, each set up under trees or backed into hedgerows and all looking out over rolling countryside. There's a pizza oven and undercover dining area, a kids' play area and an honesty shop. To summarise: no reason to leave the site unless you want to.
If you're only here for a weekend, you'll probably want to stay put or stay local to make the most of the setting. Perhaps head out on one of Anna's suggested walks or bike rides or stroll to the pub for a meal. In hot weather, there's no need to drive to the coast as there's a beach at nearby Frensham Ponds and shade in the Alice Holt Forest. If it rains, you can visit Jane Austen's House in the neighbouring village of Chawton or head out on the vintage trains of the Watercress Line: both classic attractions in the Hampshire countryside. After 15 years providing holidays here, you might say the same about Feather Down's Manor Farm.
One of the best ways to explore the area is on two feet or two wheels and Anna has some route maps on site for both. There are also additional trails at Alice Holt Forest (seven miles away) which are suitable for kids of all ages, as well as Go Ape treetop adventures. The Watercress Line may sound like a phantom route on the London Underground, but it's actually a heritage steam train that runs 10 miles from New Alresford to Alton. They run a variety of events throughout the year (including a visit from Thomas the Tank Engine) so it's worth checking their website. There's a sandy beach and the opportunity for wild swimming at Frensham Great Pond which is within a National Trust-owned common (about eight miles from site). Or, for a more traditional seaside paddle, you could head to the coast at West Wittering, if you're not deterred by a 40-mile, 50-minute drive. Closer to site, in the neighbouring village of Chawton you can visit Jane Austen's House (01420 83262), now a museum. Manor Farm is also less than 30 minutes from the historic city of Winchester with its famous cathedral. Whilst there, take a trip to Winchester Science Museum and Plantearium (01962 863791) – a hands-on science centre and planetarium that holds over 100 interactive exhibits.
You can pre-order breakfast hampers with everything you need for a full English and there's an honesty shop on site where you can stock up on the basics. If you fancy eating out though there are plenty of local pubs to choose from, including The Eight Bells (01420 82417) and The Railway Arms (01420 82218), which backs onto the local rail line. The Yew Tree (01256 389224) is a cosy pub in pretty village of Lower Wield which serves home-cooked food in generous portions.