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Reviews of Thistledown Farm Camping
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PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Thistledown Farm Camping
Tinkley Lane
Nympsfield
Stroud
Gloucestershire (Browse area)
   
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Pitches:
Rating: 
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 No Tents |
 No Caravans |
 No Motorhomes |
 No Campervans |
 No Glamping Units |
 No Statics for Hire |
 No Statics for Sale |
 No Seasonal Pitches |
 No Electric Hookups |
 No Hardstandings |
 No Fully Serviced Pitches |
 Show Full Facilities |
| Who's it for |
 Families Welcome |
 Not Members Only |
 No Rallies |
 Not Naturist Site |
 Dogs Welcome |
 No Dogs Allowed |
 Groups Welcome |
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| Facilities |
 No Toilets |
 No Showers |
 No Washing Up Area |
 No Bathroom |
 No Baby Changing |
 No Laundry |
 No Drinking Water |
 Disabled Friendly |
 No Chemical Disposal |
 No Battery Charging |
 No Gas Exchange |
 No Recycling Facilities |
 No Kitchen Facilities |
 No Freezer / Fridge |
 No Motorhome Point |
 No Wifi Access |
 No Shop |
 No Bar |
 No Restaurant |
| Activities |
 No Playground |
 No TV Room |
 No Games Room |
 No Evening Ents |
 No Fishing |
 No Wild Swimming |
 No Indoor Pool |
 No Outdoor Pool |
 No Horse Riding |
 No Cycle Hire |
 No Golf |
 No Tennis |
 No Beach |
 No Watersports |
 No Boat Launch |
| Other Features |
 No Sea Views |
 Not Working Farm |
 No Campfires Allowed |
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 No Waterside Pitches |
 Public Transport |
 No Dog Walk |
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Reviews:
50 in total, now showing 31 to 40
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| Date of Visit: May 2011 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Markphelan |
19 reviews from this member |
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 Visited Thistledown for a weekend break. We arrived on Friday evening and decided it would be easier to pitch our tent in the Orchard.
The site's owners were friendly and we were soon setup and had a fire going in one of the pre-dug firepits using logs that we were able to buy from them.
The Orchard pitches are near the entrance so you can hear cars passing along the road, but it's not a busy stretch and has hardly any traffic overnight.
The layout of the orchard means that you feel like you're on your own as other tents can't really be seen. We were only sharing the area with another 3 or 4 tents but it was nice to have some privacy and feel that you had the whole place to yourself!
The 2nd pasture had a large group in over the weekend so we avoided that field. The 3rd pasture was a lovely place, with lots of secluded spots for tents.
Although it was quite busy there was still lots of space, but having driven down on a Friday night we didn't have the energy to cart all our kit down in the (rather large) wheelbarrows.
Having said that, the field is not a huge distance away and apart from a short descent at the end of the track it's only about a 3 minute walk to the entrance. Sadly that descent becomes an *ascent* on the way back out, so keep that in mind if you have a lot of kit to take back to the car (we have a canvas tent and a stove!)
The facilities in the Orchard are basic - 'events' toilets and a drinking water tap. The toilets were kept nice and clean and didn't smell at all though.
In the 3rd pasture there is a washing-up hut with 3 sinks and although we didn't use it there was plenty of space here.
We did use the shower block and the showers were great. Nice and spacious, with a good flow of hot water and all kept in good condition.
Next time we hope to pitch up in the lower fields where the views are better, the facilities are closer and there is a bit more shelter from the wind but we had a really nice stay here and would recommend it to anyone.
The location is great - just a short drive off the M5 and it's definitely worth popping to Stroud on a Saturday morning to visit the farmers market! 
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: MartinaCara |
1 review from this member |
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We were greeted by Ryan and Richard and made feel very welcome. The were so helpful and friendly throughout our 4 days in the campsite.
We were helped by Richard to bring our 'kit' down (recommended as there is a steep hill) to the lower field where we pitched near the toilets. The toilets were cleaned twice each day and it did not smell.
The showers were amazing and wow the handbasin is made from a carved piece of wood.
We loved having a proper campfire and on exploring the fields around I was waiting for a Hobbit to pass by! I cant wait to come again.
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| Date of Visit: September 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Pickledrabbit |
2 reviews from this member |
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We have just spent a lovely weekend at Thistledown as a party of three tents in the lower pasture. The site was busier than expected but still made for a wonderful experience.
Kids enjoyed going through the woods and making dens, charging about the place looking for interesting places to hide. A little boy's paradise.
Eco toilets were surprisingly hygienic and washing up area was really clean - will definitely be coming again.
We used the firepit and wood provided - and managed to keep the fire going all night.
Definitely ask for the lift in the jeep for all your stuff, particularly when packing up.
Went for lunch in the Rose & Crown which wouldn't recommend as food was less than mediocre.
Parents stayed in the B&B above the Rose and Crown - said it was ok but lousy coffee. Would definitely visit Thistledown again but maybe will research the local pubs more thoroughly.
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
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| Reviewer: Lightningrider |
7 reviews from this member |
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We visited this camp site as a group consisting of 2 adults, 2 teenage children and a dog. The fire pits were a real bonus as was the log delivery. Total peace and quiet, lots of opportunity for star gazing and the only noises we heard were animals, going about their business in the surrounding trees.
There's a pub just down the road and facilities for groceries in Stroud. Also, it's a great spot to venture out from to explore the Cotswolds, visit Slimbridge and sample the scenery along the Severn.
Top site, top people and a very good time was had by all :-)
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
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| Reviewer: Alicebird |
1 review from this member |
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Had a great stay here recently and loved it.
We were a big group with children from new born to 7 years and it isn't always easy to find something that suits everyone, but everyone agreed it was the best spot we've all stayed at yet.
It is peaceful, pretty and individual.
They were great when we were booking and answered all queries and recommended a spot that suited us perfectly.
There are badgers out each evening to watch, other animals on site, beautiful views, privacy, great showers and compost loos complete with views and geraniums!
Definitely a place to go back to.
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
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| Reviewer: Richard + Betty |
1 review from this member |
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My daughter and I spent a Saturday and Sunday night in early August and both thought it was absolutely fantastic and refreshingly different to anywhere we have camped in England. We were cycle camping on a tandem and will definitely return but next time (probably in a car) with my wife and other daughters.
For us the best things were:
1. The setting and naturalistic design if the site
2. The opportunity to have a camp fire
3. The low density and variety of informal pitches
4. No cars (at least in the 3rd pasture)
5. Nice people and the 'getting away from it all atmosphere'.
On arrival we were caught out as there was no shop in the village and we didn't fancy a long uphill cycle back from Nailsworth. We therefore ate in the Rose and Crown which was very enjoyable and fairly busy, mainly with locals.
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
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| Reviewer: Actweaver |
2 reviews from this member |
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Now this is camping in the raw but a great joy nonetheless. They have only recently opened and facilities are very basic. Our section of the site had one portaloo and nothing else however we were sited amidst elderberry trees and beneath a gentle wind turbine. Just 10 mins from the M5 and we were in complete cotswold tranquility. The upper site allows you to park and camp together but we'd recommend (and will visit next time) the lower fields which are park and walk. Even more peaceful and rural with a collection of well fed and well bred animals filling up the landscape. Really hope they do well and will be visiting again in the future.
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| Date of Visit: August 2010 |
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| Reviewer: Talie and tribe |
2 reviews from this member |
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Arrived back after four nights at this site today still unsure as to whether we liked it or not.
This is real camping, for organised people or people without kids in the group.
The owners will take your things up/down to the lower site for £2.50. Well worth the money it's harder than it looks. We wish we knew this before we took everything down.
There are no shops near to the site, sainburys is the nearest in Sylsley village. About a 10-15 minute drive. Medium sized store selling everything you need food wise and womens clothing.
Some things are brilliant. We all loved the fire pits. Richard drives round each evening selling barrow loads of wood for £10 or half a barrow £5. There are plenty of pits and half oil drums to contain your fire.
The site is huge. There are lots of walks, rope swings, animals, flowers. Plenty to see and do. It's all very hands on. Going in to the animal enclosures to have a stroke or offer a carrot is encouraged and the animals seem very tame and used to the attention.
The family really want to help, nothing is too much trouble.
You can walk through the site over to a near by national trust property with a lake, it's a long walk but lovely.
Unfortunately the whole thing isn't quite there.
We did stay for the bank holiday, so it was very busy. The site is spread out over a large area with a few toilet areas to see to.
However the toilets were literally over flowing several times. With no toilet roll or sawdust (for the composting loos) The composting loos would have been fine if the doors locked and were stocked. They could do with some soap and hot water.
There is no lighting anywhere, inc toilets and showers. They do have transparent roofs or windows for day light/moon light.
The showers were very hot but there were only two of them. Not the solar showers stated (thankfully) It was lovely to have a hot shower after muddy walks and feeding pigs.
There is only cold water to wash up. People were using showers to wash up which clogged the showers and lengthened the queue.
The walk from the car park to the lower camp site is quite steep. Not suitable for injured / elderly / toddlers. This made it really difficult to get our things down to the site. Barrows were provided but it was very muddy and raining when we arrived. We all struggled and all of the kids fell. It put a huge dampner on our first day/evening.
Saying all this the place does have a charm rarely seen. If your fit, enthusiastic about the environment and looking for somewhere very different you should try it out.
I'm looking forward to going back but I may be alone.
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| Date of Visit: July 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Papamet |
2 reviews from this member |
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Quite simply the loveliest site we have ever used. The owner and his son are amazingly helpful and friendly. The children can be children and enjoy playing in the woods and have great fun (we only saw ours when we checked on them or they were hungry!)
I think someone in a previous review said there are no warning signs around but in my humble opinion it would ruin the ethos of the whole site, you just have to use common sense and be responsible for your own children.
The upper orchard site may be more appropriate for those who don't want to go camping but prefer 'glamping' but personally I think the basic camping adds to the charm and adventure of the Thistledown experience.The other thing I must point out, that when it comes to rubbish there is one of the most extensive recycling centres I have ever seen just a couple of miles away from the site and if you are generating that much rubbish you're sure to pass it on your stay when you visit one of the charming local villages so I do not see that as an issue.
We are afterall looking at an eco-friendly site and not a glam, noisy and expensive commercial site, if you have a problem with such things you only have to ask the owner and he'll take it away for you when he is doing other jobs like cleaning the loos, delivering firewood or assisting people moving their kit.
The showers are up and running and are fantastic and the very clean and non-smelly compostable toilets are perfect. Having a proper campfire makes this such a special place. This is our second visit to Thistledown and we have yet another planned for later this summer, can't wait.
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| Date of Visit: July 2010 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: MikeyBlondie |
1 review from this member |
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We had a lovely weekend here and will return. This recently opened site has a great sense of spacious Gloucestershire countryside/wooded valley, and is well located for enjoying green England at its best. There is also a super pub along the road in Nympsfield called the Rose and Crown, apparently under new management recently, and it served us very good food both lunchtimes, the Eton Mess was to die for.
The campsite is passionately run by a father and son who really seem to have their hearts in what they are doing, to the point where there is a slight sense of utopia at the expense of some more serious practical detail like efficient recycling/disposal of the vast amount of rubbish generated on a site this big (that was hopeless on our w/e); selling eggs (no food in sight on our w/e), providing more barrows for schlepping kit (people waiting); teaching the toddlers to use the funny loos properly so wood shavings don't go all over the place; plus. There is no demarcation of pitches so it's a bit of a free for all, which is fine if numbers are restricted and everyone is sensible about where they pick a spot, but is a bit unnerving if you have a vast space next to you but think a family of 15 could arrive at any moment. I very much had the sense that the whole set up is a work in progress; it's wonderful, but could be even more wonderful, and it will be interesting to see how the place evolves once more people have found it!
I must stress that I'm very positive about the place compared with many other campsites overall. The showers on our lower area were fantastic by the way, hot and free, although sshhh rumour has it they're not entirely solar powered, never mind, I loved them. The wildlife is super, pheasants outside our tent, and plenty of birds although some turned out to be local gliders drifting about!
My final point is to beware young children running off into the woods at the bottom, there are watery ponds in there, green on the surface, and rope swings, and I sincerely hope that is not just an accident waiting to happen, there are no warnings and it all looks so safe down there whilst you're pre-occupied with the tent.
Looking forward to the next visit.
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