When entering your canvas lodge you may well find an inquisitive duck inspecting your veranda or a cheeky chick taking a nap on the entrance rug. It’s as if they’re trying to remind you something; that they’re the ones who really live here and not you. But this is precisely the charm of Mill Farm, which is much as it says on the tin – a fully operational, organic farm with 100 heifers, 200 baby calves, wild geese and, of course, Moto the Mill Farm donkey.
A family-run operation in the heart of rural Wiltshire, Mill Farm positively buzzes with life, yet still boats all the essentials for a perfect glamping holiday. Designed for guests wanting to reacquaint with nature without compromising on comfort, each of their five canvas lodge comes beautifully furnished, featuring a generous master bedroom, secondary bedroom (with single beds), and a stove with an oven, hob, and wood-burning fire. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of having a piping hot shower and flushing toilet located on the rear deck, while out front the dining area opens onto a covered veranda. All that local produce somehow tastes even better in the fresh country air.
It’s the newest additions to the farm that are the biggest highlight. Perfect for the pages of a Guinness World Records book specifically for camping, their specially made ‘squirrel lodge’ was the first of its kind in the UK – a two storey safari tent – where extra space allows for a sumptuous four-poster bed downstairs and another two bedrooms up above, while their treehouse, completed in 2017, is a mammoth wooden structure with five separate rooms inside. In the centre, a large kitchen and living area is encircled by the smaller tower-roofed rooms, including a modern bathroom. Outside, meanwhile, the sweeping balcony offers beautiful views across the countryside.
Mill Farm can feel like the middle of nowhere (which is one of its draws), but in reality civilisation is surprisingly nearby, with plenty of fascinating attractions to keep you busy. Avebury rivals (and some would say exceeds) Stonehenge as England’s most impressive pre-historic site. Spared from over-commercialism, visitors are able to meander freely throughout these mysterious stones, which date back to a mind-boggling 3000 BC. For visitors who just can’t resist that Stonehenge photo opportunity, you’re in luck, the iconic and much loved monument is only a half hour drive away.
One of the farm's real delights has to be the surrounding wildlife. Rabbits, deer, foxes, kingfisher, and kestrels can all be spotted from the comfort of your lodge. One animal less likely to make an appearance is the badger, however Chris, Izzy, and Joe have introduced their very own (and very cool) watching hide. Guests have the rare and unique opportunity to get up close to these night-loving creatures, whilst the rest of Wiltshire is tucked up in bed.
20 miles from Mill Farm, Longleat (01985 844400) is an excellent safari park with wolves, lions, monkeies (hold on to your windscreen wipers!), tigers and more. The brainchild of Jimmy Chipperfield, Longleat was the first of its kind and considered a breakthrough in the way captive animals were kept (with animals roaming freely and visitors watching from their cars). Bowood House & Gardens (01249 812102), home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Landsdowne, offers another great family day – home to a treasure trove of fascinating items, from Queen Victoria’s wedding chair to Napoleon’s death mask. The grounds are a peaceful break from the hectic adventure playground, where fearless 7 year olds rule the roost! Often refereed to as The Prettiest Village in England, Castle Combe is known for its charm and tranquillity, and has also attracted the attention of movie location scouts over the years, with War Horse, Dr Doolittle, and Stardust all filmed at the village. For real history, though visit the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. Located near Salisbury in the lovely Wiltshire countryside, it's a highlight of any trip to the South West.
3 miles away is The Bistro at Vaughan's Kitchen (01380 720043), a family run business situated in the centre of Devizes. Owners Peter, Jurgita, and Judy aim to give guests a dining experience that will "tickle your taste buds". The lamb steak, followed by a dollop of homemade profiteroles will certainly get them started. The Mezze platter is also a good choice. Love to cook? Then take one of the courses on offer (01380 530203.) From World Cuisine and Mastering the Basics to Knife Skills and Pastry Specials, all Marco Pierre White wannabes are sure to find a course to improve their culinary clout. Mill Farm is partnered with Vaughans Kitchen, so the cookery school can come straight to your lodge door. A fifteen minute walk up Poulshot Road takes you to The Raven Inn (01380 828 271), a charming pub with traditional decor and good quality grub, or, if the sun’s shining, head to The Rowdey Cow Café & Ice Cream Parlour (01380 829666) for 16 flavours of fresh ice cream that’s made on the farm. There’s outdoor seating in the garden and a play area for the kids.