Eco-friendly, campfire-friendly, family-friendly camping on the farm – plus Somerset's famous Wookey Hole caves on the doorstep
The world famous Wookey Hole Caves, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has been used by humans for over 45,000 years. But it’s only in the last couple of decades that the limestone caverns have also prompted an array of other attractions. Wookey Hole’s website now points you to the 4D cinema experience, pirate adventure golf, Valley of the Dinosaurs and a scale model village, among many others. The latter replica doesn’t show a goat farm anywhere on the map. But, back in the real world, it’s little over two miles from the caves that you’ll find one – a sweet little smallholding on the edge of Wookey Village. The farm boasts a cracking campsite too.
Established by friendly proprietors Ian and Sarah Davies, the two-and-a-half acre meadow is a veritable camping haven. Their aims – to keep things basic, eco-friendly and sustainable – have resulted in a campsite that’s green in every sense. Flat grassy pitches are spacious and bordered by bushy shrubs and long wild grass, while the centre of the meadow is left open for kids to play ball games and run free. Campfires are permitted and facilities are basic – there’s electricity at most pitches along with private recycling bins at each, but there are no showers at the campsite… you’ll have to take a dip in the River Axe if you’re truly desperate for a wash. The river, which ambles around the adjacent meadow, is great for paddling and dam building, while tire swings hang from a couple of large oak and ash trees by the banks.
Yet while Sarah and Ian have worked hard to craft the perfect family campsite, there’s no denying that their first love at Wookey Farm is still the animals. Their herd of near-150 goats – curious British Toggenbergs with white stripes down their faces and a tendency to nibble toggles off your overcoat – is milked twice a day (watch in the milking parlour at 8:30am or 5pm). There’s also a pair of Gloucester Old Spot pigs, a clutch of egg-laying hens and a bashful donkey named Mr Pickles who, once befriended, is exceedingly fond of a rub behind the ears.
In summer, Sarah supplements the farm’s usual cheeses with homemade halloumi – a superb treat when toasted over the campfire – as well as goats’ milk ice-cream, which is only available to campers. Their other cheeses are also sold at markets around Somerset, including in nearby Wells on most Wednesdays. It’s well worth popping there anyway to marvel at the grand gothic-style cathedral (daily free tours except Sunday) before venturing into the nearby Mendip Hills for a good walk. It’s also a 15-minute drive to Glastonbury and just over half an hour to the Somerset coast. That’s all if you get past the endless list of attractions at Wookey Hole, of course.
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Details
Facilities
11 electric hook-ups, drinking water taps, washing up areas, compost toilets and chemical disposal point for caravans and motorhomes. No showers. Campfires permitted in designated areas next to each pitch and logs for sale (£5 per bag). The adjacent field is bordered by the River Axe – great for paddling in and dam building – plus some rope swings for kids. Campers are welcome to help out on the farm (a working goat dairy), meeting the animals and getting involved with milking and feeding.
Suitable For
Tents, trailer tents, caravans, campervans, (well-behaved) dogs – yes. Large groups and noisy folks – no.
Nearby
It's 2½ miles to Wookey Hole (01749 672243; Wookey Hole and Wookey Village are separate places), where there really is a wealth of attractions: The Wizards Play Castle, the Mystic Fairy Garden, the Penny Arcade, the Cave Museum, Wookey Model Village, Pirate Adventure Golf and 4D cinema, to name but a few. Plus, of course, the caves, which are by far the most deserving point of interest. The full extent of the cave system is still unknown, but around 4,000 metres, including 25 chambers, having already been explored, and include one cave noted for 'the Witch of Wookey Hole' – a human-shaped stalagmite that legend says is a witch turned to stone by a monk from Glastonbury. Talking of which, it's 5½ miles to mystical Glastonbury itself, where a walk up to Glastonbury Tor is practically mandatory if you're visiting the area. Wells is also on the doorstep – daily cathedral tours except on Sundays and a regular market – and, just north of the town, the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty begins.
Food & Drink
Visit the site's farm shop to buy their own produce, including their excellent goats cheeses, as well as goat meat, lamb and pork, or head to one of the three pubs in the village. The Ring of Bells (01749 678079) is closest (easy walking range) and is a lovely old spot with white-washed walls, low beamed ceilings and open fires. There is also a good café and small shop – The Wookey Hub (01749 672784) – which comes highly recommended by the campsite owners and is also an easy walk away in Wookey Village. Wells' (3½ miles from the campsite) has a Farmers' Market every Wednesday and a regular market on Saturdays.
Opening Times
Late March – early November.
Reviews
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Rated ★★★★★ over 25 reviews
★★★★☆
A lovely quiet spot
We enjoyed our stay for a stopover. It was a very quiet peaceful spot. The site has everything that you would need (apart from showers). The pitches are spacious with trees between each pitch. There are areas to BBQ. The eco loos do smell very ‘natural’ but that is to be expected! We bought apple juice from the farm shop which was delicious.
★★★★★
Super chill
Our children loved Wookey Farm Campsite, and so did we! The river is perfectly shallow for small ones to potter about in, and my children spent hours collecting hay on the other side of the river to make child sized nests with. It was perfect for our school camp, with more than enough space for the children to run wild and the parents to kick back and relax. The goat feeding and milking was lovely, and we treated ourselves to the rhubarb and vanilla frozen yogurt - mmmm. Thanks Wookey Farm, we had a great stay.
★★★★★
My 5 year old daughter and myself loved Wookey Farm
We camped for two nights @ Wookey Farm with Sefton Park Primary School. It was just me and my Daughter on the two nights but my daughter had the best time, This was her first experience of camping in my opinion no electricity is a must on a camping trip. She thoroughly enjoyed the River Axe, cooking with Daddy on a single burner and toasting marshmallows by the evening campfire. And to top it all off we had a display from the red arrows on the Saturday. She loved going to see Mr Pickles and exploring the farm. My daughter commented on the beauty of the night sky (something which is very difficult to see in the City). I will defiantly advise people to use your campsite Kind regards and thank you very much for a great couple of nights John.
★★★★★
Perfection
This place is as near perfect as you can get - quiet, birdsong, stars, campfires , huge picked with a little coppice and campfire spot next to each one. Each pitch also has its own recycling area, emptied daily so super clean. The nearby River Axe is good for adventures. Cycling onto the flat but oh so beautiful Somerset levels is easy. Wookey, Ebbor Gorge, Cheddar, Wells and of course Glastonbury are all so close. And of shopping is your thing, the Clarks outlet village at Street is 20 mins away. Would definitely return.
★★★★★
Wonderful family friendly campsite
Beautiful campsite with heaps of space for kids to play, campfire areas were amazing in the late afternoon/evening. Loved the big open space in the middle this was great for the kids to all play. You can go in the paddocks with the animals and paddle in the stream too.
★★★★★
Utterly idyllic campsite
We LOVED staying at Wookey Farm. It's quiet, clean, and well laid out. The fresh goat's cheese in the shop was delicious, and the goats and other animals were so much fun. It was beautiful and calm and serene - we loved every minute and will come back again!
★★★★☆
Wonderful campsite
Lovely large pitches and nicely set out with fire pits and easy access to bins etc. It felt well organised and there was the right balance of knowing owners are on hand/near but not 'on patrol'! Really enjoyed being able to see the farm and goats and the swings by the stream were a plus for the children (and adults). We plan to come back for longer next time and explore the area more.
★★★★★
Goatally baarilliant!!
We have camped in both fields on god wonderful site and loved each time. Friendly welcome and clear signage as to where you need to be. Great produce to buy and a lot of very happy goats to see. Close to several good pubs,a great cafe and beautiful mill even less than 10 minutes from a Waitrose! What more could you ask for?
★★★★★
Wonderful child friendly atmosphere
We loved our stay here. The children made dams in the stream, fed the goats and were even allowed to help with the milking. In the evening, they toasted marshmallows over the camp fire. They even found the compost toilets fascinating! Childhood adventures straight from Enid Blyton
★★★★★
Wonderfully relaxing
We stayed for two nights on a large pitch with electric. The pitch was perfect. A really good size with a picnic table and a place to have a fire. The kids loved going and feeding the goats and Mr Pickles and spent a lot of time playing in the river. Before going I was worried about the compost loos, but they turned out to be much nicer than I'd feared. The biggest downside is the lack of showers, so I don't think I'd stay for longer than a couple of nights. The atmosphere on the site is amazing and being 10 minutes drive from Wookey Hole was a distinct advantage. I'm looking forward to visiting again.
★★★★★
Friendly and fun eco farm camping
We chose Wookey Farm for a family gathering and had a brilliant time. The kids loved visiting the goats and pigs and helping at milking time. We also loved wading in the stream and the rope swings! The grown ups enjoyed the pubs and cake in the village and the open all hours horse box shop which we regularly raided! Sadly we didn’t acquire the taste of goats milk ice cream however but the other products were lovely. The eco focus of the campsite is really impressive. The only improvement I can think of is to perhaps add taps at washing up stations in Campsite 1 and solar showers. Then we would find it hard to leave!
★★★★☆
Glad Glades
We camped in one of the glade pitches, nestled in the trees like that, we felt we had a lovely bit of seclusion all to ourselves. The site is very well looked after. No litter or mess and very tranquil. The goats, pigs and Mr Pickles are great to see but not too close to disturb. It’s very much a family site and it’s was good to see so visitors kids and dogs having fun. We didn’t have a camp fire but plenty did and it’s nice to see them across the site. The loos are well kept and looked after. Compost loos get a thumbs up from us and its good to see them on site. The pitch we had had good turf and pegs went down easily. Being able to park alongside and have no worries about getting stuck in mud was a bonus. We would have given five stars if the round house and the pizza oven were up and runnng.
★★★★☆
Peaceful, spacious and eco friendly
We totally fell in love with this campsite and so did our 10 and 15 Yr old boys. If it had showers (solar?) we would stay a week and give it 5 stars. Great for a few days stop over
★★★★☆
Great site
Would definitely stay here again if you like a good rustic site to just relax where the kids can run around this spot is ideal, compost toilets not to everyone’s taste my first time using them but where fine & very clean no showers on site but we didn’t mind this as knew this before we booked & loved being able to have a camp fire in the evenings.
★★★★★
An idyllic campsite
I can't recommend this campsite highly enough. Not even relentless, torrential rain could detract from the happy, relaxed atmosphere of the place. We stayed in one of the large pitches. Everything is laid out perfectly, and the facilities, though basic, are clean and more than adequate (the composting loos are much nicer than "normal" loos we've encountered elsewhere). It's an absolutely idyllic place for children: the stream, rope swing, open playing field, and most of all the animals provided endless interest and adventures. The staff on the farm are extremely welcoming and patient (we met Ian, but also two young men who were working with the animals). We're looking forward to returning.
★★★★★
Wonderful place
How traditional camping on a farm should be simple and delightful.
★★★★★
Wonderful Campsite
Absolute Gem of a campsite. We only stayed one night but we had a fabulous time. The campsite is well thought out and there is plenty to explore. My eight year old loved seeing the animals. Managed to visit the local pub which served lovely food and made us feel very welocome.
★★★★★
We loved the space, the stream and the composting toilets
This was our first time at Wookey Farm and we'll certainly be camping there again, and next time we'll take the grandchildren. A beautifully simple, spacious and well thought out place with lots to do nearby.
★★★★★
What a beautiful place
Possibly the best campsite I've been to 5 stars
★★★★★
Quiet freindly camp site
Really enjoyed our stay. Very friendly and well run small and quiet camp site. The children loved watching the goats being milked every day and meeting all the other animals. Short walk to several local pubs that serve great food.
★★★★★
Idyllic
We stayed two nights at the beginning of June 2018. It's a beautiful spot, and everything has been thought through. Your name is on the notice board to tell you where to go when you arrive. Your little part of the field is semi-sectioned off with small trees, with your own fire space and recycling point. You can buy wood, goats cheese, milk etc from the little honesty shop. In the morning, go and watch the goats being milked. The loos double as a mini-tourist information point. On the question of loos: they are compost loos (though with running water to wash your hands) with an initially alarming set up for automatically "sorting" your deposits! They are in a nice clean-feeling wooden hut; and you feel worthy. And, to be honest, I've never visited a campsite loo, especially a more conventional porta-loo, that doesn't make you cringe just a little - and once I was used to these ones, I felt quite at home. (I've rather gone on about loos there!). Also to note, there are no showers (if the owners could find a way to install those, the place would be completely perfect). We're definitely going back.
★★★★★
Beautiful, quiet site
What a lovely place, free from urban noise but obviously not from animal noise both from the farm animals and wild birds which is such a pleasurable aspect of being in the country . Larger than .average pitches( each separated by a strip of wild vegetation creating sense of privacy) with a picnic bench and bins for recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Several fire pits. Sarah is very friendly and invited us to look around the farm sheds and watch the goats being milked. The on site shop sells their own produce including goats milk and goats meat. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you
★★★★★
WARNING ...YOU ARE ENTERING ANOTHER WORLD!!!
As you drive down the little lane to get to the campsite you truly enter another world where time stands still and you can breathe pure relaxation. The campsite (which we have been visiting for years) is our most favourite place to escape.if you have children this is the perfect place for them to be allowed to properly play free. The rope swings over the little shallow river,building dams ,fishing with nets and lighting campfires then cooking marshmallows should be every child’s camping heaven . No PlayStation or x box!!! Because there is no playground other than nature the children (and parents)usually end up playing rounders or other games in the middle of the field. You are allowed into the farm to visit the goats and you can buy goat related products. The owners Sarah and Ian are unobtrusive but have always been very helpful and friendly if needed. The pub Ring o Bells in the village is within walking distance and looked after us well(also catering for gluten free) There are fabulous walks from the campsite with great cooling off spots for your dog in the river.this is such a beautiful part of the world The compost toilet is a compost toilet and if you’ve got your own porta loo you will miss this experience ! See you soon Wookey Farm. We love you and we love camping xxx
★★★★★
The whole embience
Firstly what a beautiful location. The site it’s self is excellent. I am not a fan of marked pitches as if in groups it can hinder the closeness and vibe, however that said this work. Massive area in the middle for kids of all ages to play, surrounded by 15 pitches all with fire pits. Pitch 1&2 have a lovely fire pit in a wooded area. The stream isn’t a lovely walk. We walked on from the obvious stopping point and found some lovely spots. The Wookey hub idea and the honesty farm shop are brilliant the eco friendliness of the site are truest the way forward. This is what all campsites should be aiming for. Prices are reasonable in the day and age. The location to attractions in the Rea is brilliant. All in all a very lovely weekend, a very forward Morden thinking campsite, that is beautiful and quaint.
★★★★★
Eco campsite with goats and firepits
A lot of thought has gone into this campsite. Each hook up pitch has trees dividing it from the next, its own recycling bins and a fire pit. Anyone who knows compost toilets appreciates that they can smell, but these are the cleanest I have come across. Great location near Wells and a ten min walk to a pub that serves good food and a cafe, the Wookey hub, that serves home made cakes and big pots of tea. The goats are beautiful ... you can also just call in to see these and buy goat products (cheese, milk, soap etc). Very friendly and helpful owners. We came after heavy rain at Easter and it was muddy on the field so they let us camp near the barn and sorted out hook up and fire pit. Would like to come in summer when they use their pizza oven!
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