Fancy escaping the trappings of modern life? Perhaps friends have been hinting at a countryside retreat? Well, swing on over to the secluded woodlands of The Farm Camp, where peace, tranquillity and fuss-free camping awaits. There’s something very special about arriving at Church Farm to find someone has already made camp for you. With beds made, stove at the ready, just bring your nearest and dearest, and some fresh supplies for a BBQ under the starry Wiltshire skies.
The site's four, off-grid, self-catered bell tents (fondly named after West Country phrases: "Wossnem", "Eesorite", "Yertis" and "Ispecso") come furnished in a cosy, shabby chic style. With über-comfortable mattresses, fresh linen, cooking and dining equipment and a wood-burning stove, these homely abodes contain everything you could wish for. Outside the attention to detail continues with the rustic camp kitchen, and well-cleared pathways leading to the hot showers, compost loos (which are much nicer than the name suggests!) and communal BBQ area. Less than half a mile down the country lane, happy campers also have access to the luxury of Church Farms’ facilities, which include a heated indoor swimming pool, games room and laundry facility.
If you're fancying some country fun, a brief stroll into the Limpley Stoke valley brings you into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with the Kennet & Avon canal (perfect walking, cycling and boating territory) and the River Avon for wild swimming with various pubs and cafes beside them. A visit to this corner of the world isn’t complete, though, without a wander around Bath. With its splendid terraces, sweeping honey-stone crescents and fascinating array of historical sites, it's little wonder UNESCO named the whole city a World Heritage Site. Only five miles from camp, this fashionable haunt of British society is unquestionably one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and exudes an air of wealth and sophistication. Boasting more listed buildings than almost anywhere else in the country, Bath is home to a bounty of architectural beauty’s, including some of the world’s finest Roman spas and the opulent Royal Crescent. So, there really is something to keep everyone Happy Campers.
There are plenty of activities back at The Farm Camp too, where guests can try their hand at the ancient art of sheep herding. After being taught the basic principles, try to direct those woollen workers around a simple course, against the clock. Other activities include: archery, yoga and massage (by the multi-talented Angela) and keeping deathly silent whilst trying to spot ‘The Big 5.” Deer graze nearby, foxes and badgers come out at night, buzzards hunt in the adjacent fields and then there's Big Steve, the resident farmer.
At The Farm Camp you can enjoy the simple life, reconnecting with nature and each other, welcome to go on an adventure through the woods or take refuge from the hustle around our campfire.
With our superb location and endless things to do in the area, we can guarantee an experience to remember. With the Kennet and Avon Canal close by there are opportunities for bike hire, walking, wild swimming.
As we are on a working sheep Farm, we offer Farm/Woodland activities, which include sheep herding, farm tours, fire lighting, den building and many more depending on the season. These need booking in advance.
We are also just 5 miles away from the beautiful city of Bath and with a superb farm shop, cafe and the village pub a short walk away, you’ll feel secluded yet within easy reach of civilisation. Bradford on Avon is 2 miles away
Run by cousin Tom, Hartley Farm Shop (01225 864948) offers a delicious range of home grown and locally produced goods. Located only 1 mile away, Tom has kindly agreed to offer a 10% discount for camp guests and some catering packages are also available.
The village shop (3/4 mile) has a selection of food and drink items, with an off-licence, newsagent and post office also available. It's also situated next to your closest bus stops to Bath and Bradford on Avon.
The Seven Stars (01225 722204) is an award winning village free house in the village of Winsley. Food is homemade on the premises and ingredients are locally sourced from the West Country. The seasonal menu changes frequently as the seasonal fruit and vegetables become available, and there’s a wide range of local cask ales, fine wines and continental lagers. Be sure to take a look at the daily specials board.
The Castle (01225 865657) is another great, local pub with good food and a welcoming atmosphere. Further afield, there’s a plethora of dining options available in both Bradford on avon and Bath.