Life at Lydeard Farm started for us in January 2023 when we moved in and took over the lodges and bush camp that had formally been in the great hands of Michael & DD Kingscote.
Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & Lodges was established (previously known and Outposts) and all hands on deck followed as Spring arrived but not before and un-expected dumping of snow in early March and 4 rounds of sledging in one day!
It was soon time to get the water connected at the bush camp ready for opening which coincided with the grass growing and boy does the grass grow quick in Somerset! We quickly fell in love with the bush camp surroundings, the peace and quiet, the scenery, the wildlife, the stars. The list is endless! The bush camp is open seasonally usually from Easter
The bush camp shelter is a cosy indoor space. The furniture is very adaptable meaning it can be set up as guests please for dining, relaxing or partying. We even had a silent disco! The indoor wood burner is perfect for cooler evenings and we always ensure there is a good selection of wood to get started for our guests. When guests arrive we always do a welcome briefing to familiarise with all the kitchen equipment, recycling arrangements and and of course lots of local points of interest.
Lydeard Farm Bush camp & Lodges is located in an area of outstanding beauty in the Quantock hills. It is part of the Quantock Gateway.
Myself and my husband each year also take part in our charity challenge and this year it was a Race to the Sun one day event in the Brecon Beacons where we had to walk, cycle and canoe from sun rise to dusk. In preparation for this we donned our walking shoes and headed off from the farm entrance on the surrounding footpaths. we never walked the same route twice! There are many circular routes you can take. All are suitable for those with low to moderate fitness and offer stunning views towards the Severn Estuary or in the opposite direction towards the Blackdown Hills.
This picture is from us on our charity challenge.
Here is one of the local routes we did from Lydeard Farm. Just look at the view!
In the welcome folder within the bush camp shelter we provide ample maps for our guests to use to explore the area. Just ask and we will tell you our favourites!
Our land also adjoins the Fyne Court, a National Trust estate. Lots to explore plus a handy little coffee for snacks and hot drinks. There is also an area where you can explore the history of Broomfield village.
One of our first bookings on the farm were a group of friends for a weekend stay. They also booked activities with Steve who has been running team building activities at Lydeard Farm for many years. We have several activity stations on the farm. They can be adapted based on children or adults plus a fun orienteering course which again can be adapted on difficulty. For our school residential trips Steve will be present for the duration and will camp out at the bush camp. He will help organise a fun and safe program around your needs. There are also other local activities such as a high ropes course surging walking distance from Lydeard Farm. Seeing the children when they arrive a little apprehensive and home sick and they quickly settle into the routine and they are having fun from the moment they arrive. They are actively encouraged to help run the bush camp from clearing tables to washing up and competitions on the tidiest room. Activities are the perfect addition to a hen or stag party that we welcome at Lydeard Farm. Corporate bookings are welcome too for team building.
Some of our race horses came to the farm for their Summer holidays. The horse riding is as equally good as the walking and I was lucky enough to ride my horse From The Heart aka Pablo. Some rides we were covering 8 miles on and off road across the bridleway network. We also have an all weather arena and stabling so we are able to offer horsey b&b with turn out if required. Perfect for a group of friends for a short break in the lodges.
The majority of our bookings are self catering where guests bring their own food and use the kitchen at the bush camp shelter or the large outdoor bbq area.
Within the kitchen is a 5 ring gas oven, fridge freezer, microwave, large toaster, kettles, hot water ern and all the crockery, cooling equipment and cutlery you will need for up to 56 guests. If you would prefer a catered options we can advise of options. This is popular for our school or corporate residential trips.
Early Summer the nice weather allowed us to give a coat of paint to the bush camp shelter and exterior of the lodges. We also topped up the bark. The painting really freshens up the look of the bush camp with out changing the feel
There are 5 lodges at the bush camp. They are all named after local Somerset villages. The bush camp is accessed via a secure main farm entrance and is located in its own hidden valley. There is a drop off space by the bush camp shelter then the lodges. The car park is then located at the far end of the lodges.
The lodges each have 2 to three bedrooms. I have to say having stayed over in one lodges the beds are very comfy! The bedrooms are all configured slightly different and can sleep between 2-6 per room. Where required they can be designated girls and boys. There is a bathroom in each lodge accessed via the front porch with 2 sinks, two lockable toilets, 2 lockable showers and plenty of hot water. All the lodge bedrooms also have individual locks. For cooler nights each room has a radiator. You can view the lodge rooming list here.
What’s special about the bush camp is our exclusive use approach. Regardless of numbers (minimum group size 8) the bush camp is yours to enjoy and you will be the only guests here. You will be allocated the number of lodges based on your group size and of course your grouping preferences.
The grass didn’t stop growing until mid October, and that’s not a typo! We also have some lovely hay for the Winter that was cut on the farm. Whilst we are a farm we are not a full time working farm. There will be animals grazing in some fields and we just say if the gate is closed that means no entry.
Before we knew it November arrived and we are draining down the bush camp for the Winter. We will be opening for 2024 on 1 April.
Please do contact us if you have any queries or enquires for a booking for 2024. We will be happy to provide you with a customised quote. We will happily send you any additional pictures or videos or talk through options with you.
Our first year on the farm has been a busy one. Lydeard Farm is a beautiful place during all seasons the wildlife flourishes, the fauna changes and the smell from the bbq and campfire tells us our guests are having great time.
We look forward to welcoming you to Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & lodges.
Comments