Private Events

We have a number of different sites available for private hire and events. All sites have firepits, UV filtered water points and fire points. Prices given below are for Monday – Thursday hire and include camping for up to 150 guests and help setting up/ decamping with our 4×4 mule. We cannot privately hire sites for single nights at the weekend (although this may be possible during the week – please enquire). We take a 20% deposit and require a signed site agreement in advance (we will email this to you). We arrange most private events by early February; if you are interested in hiring a site then please enquire before this, as from this date onwards we start taking general camping bookings.

The 3rd Pasture

The most popular site is the 3rd Pasture, which can accommodate up to 150 camping guests. This site is in a sunny but sheltered position, surrounded by woodland. It is vehicle free: guests use large, lightweight stable barrows, found at the lower camping car park, to carry their belongings down to the camping (this takes a couple of minutes). The 3rd Pasture has four composting toilets and two warm showers. There are two hot washing-up sinks and one hot clothes washing sink. The 3rd Pasture’s camping area comprises a large, flat pitch easily able to accommodate large marquees and many tents; the ‘Badger Site’, a slightly separate field with space for 15 tents (and a badger-watching hide); and the ‘Spring Site’, ‘Pheasant Bank’ and ‘Shady Covers’, which extend along the woodland margins. These separate areas give a sense of space and seclusion. The price depends on the time of year, holidays and Bank Holidays, but is between £1000 and £3000.

The 2nd Pasture

The 2nd Pasture is also available for private hire. It is similar to the 3rd Pasture but receives more evening light and has fewer separate areas. This site has two composting toilets and two warm showers. There is a large flat area at the top of the 2nd Pasture, suitable for marquees/ games, and many flat pitching areas extending down the hill which are great for tents. Prices start from £800.

The Elderflower Orchard

The Elderflower Orchard is our most basic, but most accessible, site. There are no composting toilets or showers, so events toilets are required (and portable showers, if necessary). There is a large flat area suitable for marquees and games, and individual glades mown amongst the small elder trees for tents. All parts of the Elderflower Orchard are accessible by vehicle. Prices start from £800.

Details…

There are a number of points to consider before booking a private event. None of the sites has access to mains electricity; a generator will be necessary if power is required. The vehicular access to the 2nd and 3rd Pastures is limited and steep. Please make sure that your suppliers (generators/ caterers/ marquee etc) are happy with this. We can help in some circumstances, and we do have a list of companies that have been to Thistledown a number of times. We can also hire events toilets if required. If you privately hire a site, we allow amplified music on one of the nights, but it must be at a reasonable volume and cannot continue after midnight. We allow acoustic music afterwards, but no drum circles or loud instruments! We can supply firewood by the barrowful (£10) or load (£80); collection from the woodland is not allowed as we leave fallen timbers to rot down and provide habitat, hibernacula and nutrients. We have an extensive recycling contract and will collect waste, but please do keep it organised and tidy. Your guests are welcome to explore the 70 acres of Thistledown, and make use of the footpaths and information boards. There is easy access into Woodchester Park for longer walks (donations to National Trust).

If you are interested in privately hiring a site then we recommend that you come for a walk and a have a look at the sites, and please don’t hesitate to ask us questions (email is best).