Feather Down Farms revisited

Moore's Farm, North Somerset

Just 10 miles from Bath, Moore's Farm in North Somerset is situated in lovely rolling hills, and the view from the campsite itself was (in April at least) of distant farmland and fields glowing with the bright yellow of rape. Just six tents have been situated close to out-buildings that house the standard Feather Down Farm honesty shop and shower block, and the essential wheelbarrows (for bringing your luggage to your tent).

I particularly like the idea of an honesty shop where you diligently make a list of what you 'buy' to be added to your bill when you leave. And farmers Nigel and Katherine, pictured here with their children, already understand their chic, urban clientele making sure that they never run out of at least six varieties of locally produced apple juice and a full range of Green & Black's organic chocolate.

The field itself needs some 'growing in' – near-drought conditions has meant that the freshly laid grass seed had yet to 'take' so the ground had been prepared using wood chip, perfect for the hens to scratch around. And the main area of planting around and about is a new collection of saplings which, when grown, will provide wonderful shade from the summer sunshine.

Life on a working farm

The farm itself is set out along traditional lines with a mix of arable crops, beef cattle and sheep. Pheasants were often to be found roaming the thicket behind out tent and during the summer months partridges and ducks are added to the livestock. Nigel is really into conservation which has made this a bit of a haven for wildlife.

An early walk down to the grave-yard just outside of the farm boundaries, was disturbed by the appearance of a young deer and the night had been disturbed by the persistent hooting of an owl which seemed to be coming from a tree not too far from our resting heads.

After a breakfast of fried eggs and bacon – a treat we don't tend to allow ourselves at home - we decided to explore the area on foot. We had been advised that The Talbot Inn at Mells was a superb pub so we drove a village further on and set off on the path alongside the river for the 'half hour' walk to the pub where we hoped to reward ourselves with a traditional Sunday lunch.

Ah, the great outdoors...

All I can say is never, ever head off for a ramble without a map. After nearly an hour of some, admittedly very pretty, woodland pathways and swishing through fields following the footpath we realised that the half an hour was either an old fashioned countryside 'half an hour' or we had somehow diverted from our intended path…

Time was running short and this being Britain we knew that lunch would stop being served at 2pm sharpish. Back to the car at top speed and a drive into the appropriate village we found the 'pub' was in fact a Michellin Star restaurant, they needed a reservation and yes, they had just stopped serving lunch. Feeling like very foolish townies we headed off in search of suitable Sunday fare and were lucky enough to stumble across one of the many country pubs serving food – and just in time for last orders!

Great ideas for things to do in the area

Plenty for families – check out Longleat Safari Park, Horseworld and Cheddar Gorge & Caves; all a short drive away. Nigel will also help to organise riding and pony trekking near Bath, clay shooting for small groups and fly fishing tuition and there are also bikes for hire so there is no reason to be too idle.

Alternatively visit Stonehenge or Wookey Hole caves all suitably atmospheric and educational too.

If country towns are your thing, the 14th-century town of Frome is worth a visit and beautiful Bradford on Avon is not too far. For a more cosmopolitan experience don't miss out on the cathedral towns of Bath and Wells.

Moore's Farm is one of a collection of farms across the countryside which have joined Manor Farm in this exciting venture. Visit www.featherdown.co.uk for further details.

Read all about Debbie's first visit to a Feather Down Farm