Located in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Thistledown Farm has been owned by Richard Kelly for almost 30 years and has been managed organically and sustainably throughout this time. Thistledown offers an alternative approach to camping: green values are emphasised, campfires are encouraged, the lower fields are car-free and we have no allotted pitches.

Our farm offers more than just a spot to pitch a tent. Footpaths wind their way through 70 acres of ancient meadow and woodland; past streams, woodland ponds, Roman troughs, animal paddocks, picnic spots and land art. In our café we offer great coffee and homemade cakes as well as wood-fired food including sourdough pizza evenings. Our small shop also sells local meats, milk, breads and other essentials from local suppliers.

The farm has a rich and varied history. We have found neolithic hand tools, a rare iron age storage pit, the remains of various roundhouses, and evidence for Roman occupation. In later centuries, the farm was part of the Woodchester Park Estate. You can still see the remains of the seven mile-long deer wall that enclosed the valley. After purchasing the farm in the 1990s Richard re-instated the green-top organic dairy and also established the largest elderflower orchard in the world in partnership with Bottle Green Drinks! The old pastures are now car-free camping fields, whilst clearings are mown into the elderflower orchard for campervans and those who prefer to be near their car. Our focus is now primarily on camping and environmental education and management, and we no longer accept day visits from the general public. We are keen to establish more courses using the land, and we are also a wildlife receptor site, rehoming species that have been disturbed by development.

You can learn more about the history and natural environment of the farm by visiting the pages in this About section. To find out more about our shop and café please see the section on the menu bar. If you have any questions then please do get in touch. Our contact details are on the Directions & Contact page.