Has anyone tried Featherdown Farms camping holidays yet?

[Soapbox]

here?

Would be interested in any feedback!

[happycampers]

Soapbox - yes, just got back from one. It was great. In fact we (two families) enjoyed it so much that almost didn't post - to keep it our 'secret'!!

We too are too drippy for proper camping (last traumatic attempt c1983) and wanted cosy beds, a loo in the tent and showers - all lived up to expectation. Think safari tent, with a retro feel, rather than ridgepole. If you do proper camping then, yes, it will probably be too twee and a bit Bodenesque, but suited us perfectly.

The tents are well spaced apart so there is privacy. Our site was all based in one field. The kids (ranging from 3 months to 6 years) loved collecting the eggs from the hen house, collecting mini beasties and getting mucky. The canopy beds were a huge hit for the kids and the stove perfect for warming our toes and the mulled wine at night!

It might be a bit tricky if you have a crawler or early toddler as the stove is in the middle of the tent and can't really be protected, but if the weather is fine they'll be mostly outdoors.

Looking forward to going back!

[willow2]

Which one did you go to?

[soapbox]

Thanks happycamper - was it spidery at all?

[willow2]

bumping for happycamper

[willow2]

bump

[happycampers]

Sorry, been away so just seen this.

Soapbox - can't recall any spiders or many beasties in the tent. I'm sure DD1 would have alerted me with a piercing shriek if there had been. I wouldn't have liked it either. Bizarrely, quite a few very tiny snails, but outside only and mostly in shells. Honestly was very civilised, lots of cream retro enamelware and the duvets were toasty. Sitting round the stove in evenings with a mug of mulled wine.......

Willow2 we went to Lochhouses in Scotland. Only been running a few weeks, farmer was lovely and enthusiatic. Was a v short walk over the dunes to a fab beach, so perfect outing with no hassle.

Take cheapy candles with you as you will need the light.

Are either of you going to go?

[dramaqueen]

We are booked to go to the Lincolnshire one over August bank holiday. Dh is not the camping type (I usually take the dc on my own camping) so this looked like a win-win thing for us. I am looking forward to a proper bed and no leaks.

[triplets]

I spotted this in a mag at the hairdressers the other day. Sounds fun and more my type of camping than the two day struggle last year with the trailer tent, never again! I have sent for the brochure, but feel that I would only want to go in the summer, not a hardy camper at all!

[happycampers]

Oh yes, it really is soooo easy but does give the feel of camping and being outdoors - 'glamping' I think it's called, g-lamourous camping! If you've done the trailer tent thing then this will be heavenly for you, just pack your bag and a few food bits and off you go.

Agree it wouldn't be quite the same if very cold and wet, but think they only operate over the summer. The wood burning stove does make it nice and cosy though.

[AbbyMumsnet]

Going to the Cornish one soon. Any tips on what to take, HC?

[happycampers]

Just spotted this. Ummm....probabably not a lot as most things are either provided or you can buy for reasonable price in the honesty shop. But handy things include:
a torch per bedroom, maybe a stock of candles to save buying when there, some easily cooked food (M&S tinned spag bol went down well!), loo roll, antibacterial hand gel for when you have no hot water, some ice packs to supplement the one provided.

Wish we'd taken a cafetiere as using the coffee filters and a pot was a bit of a faff. Mulled wine also goes down a treat in the evenings when gathered round the stove but will perhaps be a bit warmer in Cornwall in August. Would be hard keeping white wine or beer cold enough, though there was some space in the fridge in the honesty shop, just make sure you label it!

Be aware the wax drips everywhere so don't put you food under the candelabra! Will post again if think of anything. When are you off, am very .

[SpiritualKnot]

Re: Feather down farm holidays. I cringe at this type of thing. Spent every summer at my grandma's farm, outside loo, warm milk from the cows, mice in the kitchen yuk! And yet it was fantastic really..being woken up by cows and cockerels, picking blackberries and raspberries..it's all down to the weather for me.

Wouldn't like to go when it's not sunny. Think it's soooo expensive too. Could stay at the Hilton for cheaper.
SK

[happycampers]

aah, but this has an inside loo and no mice! Agree can be expensive but couldn't get a family of five in the hilton for that price - collecting scrambled egg from under a heater isn't quite the same as a warm egg from a hen's bottom. This simple life don't come cheap y'know!

[WhatKindofFool]

Just found this old thread. I'm thinking of going to featherdown in the Lakes this summer. Can anyone share experiences please?

[ubik]

To experience true al fresco dining - and cooking! - take delivery of everything to prepare and cook from scratch, an extremely hearty soup or stew for four to six hungry people. Receive the firewood, ingredients, cast iron pot, and every utensil required - all direct to your tent. The cost is £27.50 for the soup or £32.50 for the stew.

£30! For some veg and a bit of wood.

[hermioneweasley]

My brother went. It was shit. We went to centre parcs the following year for half the price.

[WhatKindofFool]

I certainly wouldn't buy the soup kit!!!

[NettleTea]

can I blow our trumpet as an alternative?? here

[AuntLucyInPeru]

We did the 3 day weekend break last September in Kent and absolutely loved in. Ds was 5 and Dd 2. Going back with extended family in July.