West Middlewick Farm
UK England South West England Devon Tiverton
Ellie and her family were on their third visit to West Middlewick Farm this year. She’s given her dad strict instructions to wake her up each morning in time to feed the lambs and help out with anything else in need of an enthusiastic pair of hands here. In fact, Ellie has become such an able farmhand she’s even been given her own set of overalls. Because at this working dairy farm, just outside the sleepy hamlet of Nomansland near Tiverton, campers and their kids are encouraged to take an interest in what goes on around here.
The farm itself sits between the camping fields and the facilities block, so you’ll inevitably wander past and find popping your head into one of the barn doors irresistible, with their welcoming labels and friendly residents. Getting to know the animals and helping with their care comes hoof in hoof with a stay at West Middlewick, and has done since 1933.
As Ellie’s parents found out, this refreshing ethos is a huge hit with kids, with some actually begging their parents to leave the beach early so that they’re back in time to watch the cows being milked and to help distribute the pig feed. Rabbits in hutches sit on the driveway, guinea pigs snuffle around, chickens roam freely by the barns, and companionable cats prowl around on the hunt for attention.
The atmosphere is one of community and conviviality; adults chat cheerfully while their children race around together. And it’s not just the kids who get caught up in the West Middlewick way; adults of all ages return year on year to fuss the animals and relax at this no-frills site... By now Ellie and family will be on at least visit number six.
Gallery
Details
Facilities
The site slopes down from the farm. The upper field has a large space in the centre for playing, and track for cycling round, as well as hook-ups and water taps. The more informal lower field has taps and hook-ups at the top. Facilities are a walk away from the site, near the farmhouse. One ladies’ block – loos, basins, 2 hot showers (£1 for 10 minutes; 20p for 2 minutes), disabled loo/shower room with baby-changing. Around the corner are 2 washing-up sinks and a washing machine (£4). The gents’ has loos and shower (also metered). There are 3 wooden cabins sleeping 6 in another field. No campfires but BBQs off the ground okay.
Suitable For
Tents, campervans, caravans, dogs (on leads and if good with other animals), groups (in lower field) – yes.Nearby
Head to Tiverton Castle (01884 253200). With over 9 centuries of history, this compact castle is informative as well as fun. Or find out how honey is made and bees are kept at Quince Honey Farm (01769 572401). For the nearest decent beach, check out the three and half mile stretch of golden loveliness that is Saunton Sands. It’s also great for surfers, offering long slow rollers that are a hit with longboarders.
Food & Drink
The farm has a small shop selling locally-made sausages, burgers, pork chops and joints of meat, plus cheese, jams and chutneys. There’s also a freezer full of lovely Devon ice cream. The ivy-covered The lbridge Cross Inn (01884 860316) down the road does cream teas, bar snacks, and has an à la carte menu featuring mouth-watering fish and fowl mains. Slightly further afield, in Bickleigh, check out the Fisherman’s Cot pub (01884 855237) which sits on the banks of the river Exe, offering fabulous views from its beer garden
Open
All year.The Owner Says
Location
Contact West Middlewick Farm, West Middlewick Farm, Nomansland, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8NP
Getting There
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 6 reviews
Amazing Holiday
This is our favourite site
Amazing Farm/Campsite
Lovely Site
We have just come back from a weeks stay at this jewel of a campsite.
I must start by saying that Farmer John and his family were friendly and helpful despite being very busy tending to the farm.
Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to help herd and feed the cows whilst the cows were being milked. She also had the opportunity to feed the pig and collect the chicken eggs.
Helping with the cows can get quite messy, so if you have your own overalls it would help, if not you can rent them (£4 for the duration of our stay). Wellies are a must at any time of the year if you want to help out with the cows!
There is a toilet block and sink washing facilities at the bottom of the main camping field and toilets, showers operated at 20p for 2 mins., fridge and washing machine up at the top of the field in the main farm buildings. There is a small shop open at different times throughout the day where you can buy cheese made fro the milk produced on the farm, fudge, chutneys and jams, eggs from the farm chickens, postcards, key rings and Wifi. If you wish to go fishing at the lake on the farm, you can buy your ticket in the shop.
There is a little shed on site with leaflets of nearby attractions.
Our camping pitch was in the corner of the field with plenty of room between us and neighbouring tents/caravans with electric hook up and water taps well distributed around the field. The field next door was suitable to let the dogs run off their leads.
There was a central grass area with football goals where children came to play come rain and shine. It was lovely to hear their running around and having fun but wasn't at all noisy as the surrounding countryside muffled their excited voices.
Whilst there we visited Quince Honey Farm not far away which was good. We also visited the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth which about an hours drive way and well worth a visit.
Would definitely like to go back.
Absolute Bliss
West Middlewick Farm is the best campsite we've ever been too, and we go camping for 2 - 3 weeks every year
The staff here are helpful, and the children can join in milking the cows, feeding the calves, egg collecting in the hen house, feeding the cows and much more,
The Egg's that John sells are the freshest you can get!
We camped in the top field, which has a huge central field with football nets, and large pitches all around the field, meaning mums' and dads' can relax while keeping an eye on the kids!
Toilets and shower blocks are clean and well maintained
Wi-fi is quick
All in all a very nice place to camp, and we will be coming back next year
We thank you John and the team for a very enjoyable holiday
West Middlewick Farm
West Middlewick Farm we miss you! We wonder how those lambs fared after the bottle feeding and how the cows fared after the valiant efforts of an army of mini-me farmers eager to help and learn more. For the keen eyed Parents there's an amazing collection of nostalgic milk bottles but mostly theres oodles of fresh air and laughter.
