Feather Down Farm Days (Lower Rodhuish Farm)

We are the Thomas family: Paul and Charlotte, and children Elsie, Harry and Daisy. Paul is the third generation of the Thomas family to farm here since his grandfather took over Lower Rodhuish in 1929.

Our courtship started at the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, where we both once worked, an organisation dedicated to providing environmental and conservation advice to farmers. We’re both passionate about biodiversity on our farm and were particularly pleased when an RSPB survey revealed that there are 52 species here, including barn owls, yellowhammers and linnets.

The six Feather Down tents are spread across two cosy paddocks behind our 17th-century farmhouse. Climb a few minutes further back up the slopes and you’re in a paradise for child’s play, with kite flying and pond dipping all possible on your tent’s doorstep. You can also picnic in a grassy hollow up there whilst enjoying marvellous views out across the sea to Wales and the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm.

Unfortunately we can’t accommodate pets at Lower Rodhuish Farm as the tents are located close to our sheep.

Being Feather Down’s first farm on Exmoor, we’re uniquely in a national park and close to the coast – it’s a three-mile, 10-minute drive down country lanes to the Blue Anchor Bay’s pebble beach.

Our location up the hills off the A39 is pure picture postcard, and from here you can also make your holiday an active adventure, as vigorous walking routes are a short drive away; serious mountain bikers can plan to bring their steeds; and water sports galore are to be enjoyed at Wimbleball Lake.

Lower Rodhuish is a mixed farm that is half in the Crown Estate and half family owned. Our 850 acres are part arable and part livestock, with 150 lambing sheep – North Country Mules and Suffolk Crosses – and 50 Devon Cross cattle. We also keep pigs, chickens, turkeys and beehives and grow wheat, oats, barley, peas and beans, all of which you’ll be able to see on the farm tour.

Our farm larder is stocked with sausages, eggs and honey from the farm and with produce such as meat and ready meals from other excellent local food producers. The west county is renowned for its delicious food, on a hot day you will be able to enjoy Styles ice cream made on a neighbouring farm or relax in the evening with an Exmoor Gold beer.

Paul and Charlotte Thomas