We have just returned from a long weekend at Midgham Farm, a
Featherdown Farm in the New Forest. Despite the cold and the ever-present threat of rain, I couldn't recommend this type of holiday enough. We were two families with six boys under 7 between us and I think we found
boy heaven!
Situated in an idyllic bluebell wood, surrounded by small streams, the boys spent endless hours den-making, engaging in pretend army battles and jumping in mud!
The farm owners were fabulous hosts, taking us on a tour of the farm and introducing us to all the animals. The children fed the pigs, patted the alpacas, groomed the horses and gave bottles to the newborn lambs. A particualar highlight for the little ones was visiting the chickens every morning to collect freshly-laid eggs for breakfast.
The ample canvas tents were very well designed with lots of interesting touches; a cupboard with peep holes for little ones to sleep in, antique crates for shelving and a wall-mounted coffee grinder. The gorgeous enamel cooking pots and utensils I would have loved to have in my own kitchen and proper beds with thick duvets allowed for a proper nights sleep. The wood burner in the centre of the tent was easy to light and fun to cook on although a constant hazard for our toddler.
At the end of each day we all enjoyed the simple pleasure of collecting wood and building the camp fire. Evenings were spent with relaxed converstations with other campers around the fire, glass of wine in hand.
Featherdown is expensive for "camping" but it does feel
exclusive (there are only 5-8 tents per site), you do really get the farm experience and not having the hassle of bring you own stuff is a huge help. It works really well if you are a few families wanting to holiday together. The sites give children the freedom to run off and play together but also allow the adults a bit of privacy and time together in the evenings safe in the knowledge that the kids are sleeping only a stone's throw away.
For more information or to book visit: www.featherdown.co.uk
