Botswicky

A perfect summer camping/glamping glade for outdoor enjoyment

Bounded by ancient woodland on one side, thick hedges elsewhere, a stream, plus a couple of bridges over it, this old undulating uncut organic hay meadow offers a very private 5 acres to pitch a tent, use the shepherd’s hut or the old poultry house; have a hot bath in the field, cook and eat, shower and poo in glorious but discreet outdoor comfort!

The shepherd’s hut sleeps two, three if you’re keen; the poultry house two; and there are pitches for a further 8 tents scattered across the field boundary, almost invisible from each other. An old pig arc has some bales for sleeping in if you’re an enthusiast for that sort of thing, but can also be a covered children’s play room, or storage. You choose.

This is a perfect place for a group of friends, or a large family gathering, to enjoy themselves in an uninhibited way — possibly as many as 20 of you at any time. Or for several unassociated folk to enjoy while being almost invisible from each other. Use it as a regular campsite, or use it as a private party zone.

The bath is heated by wood fire at one end; the shower is warm while the sun plays on the water pipes; the compost loos are sturdy, comfortable, user friendly and aesthetically reasonably appealing. The kitchen area has sinks and table and chairs, if you need protection from Wiltshire’s burning sunshine. And tropical showers. Otherwise, eat outside. There’s plenty of space. A large central firepit, plus fire bowls at each pitch.

Other facilities include the Royal Oak Pub, only 20 minutes walk away, should you want someone else to cook for you – or preorder a Breakfast or BBQ box from the farm shop (adjacent to the Royal Oak) when booking. The farm shop has a great selection of dairy, meat, veg and organic groceries plus ice cream by the scoop, snacks and baked goods from the pub kitchen (and loo roll too), if you need supplies.

Prices & booking

For the three night stay, for a group booking, we will charge £500 per stay, plus any wood you might need to buy off us. This includes using shepherd’s hut and poultry house.

Overnight stays in the shepherd’s hut are £70. Bed/beds fully made up.

Overnight camping rates are £25/pp—does not include shepherd’s hut etc.

Notes:

We have 28 days remaining to let this venue this year, 2023
We have no bookings after July 3 currently (because we’ve kept it a secret till now)
We’d prefer stays to be Thursday to Sunday, or friday to Monday, but we’re flexible. Just talk to Tim or Jo, 01793 790481, at the pub we also run on our organic farm
You are about 0.75 miles from the pub, Helen Browning’s Royal Oak, easily walkable across open fields, very little road walking
We are about 1.5 miles from The Ridgeway, one of England’s best known walking trails, littered with ley lines, burial chambers and Iron Age forts
Car parking at the entrance of the field; then use a wheelbarrow to move your bits and pieces
The gate is easily locked — you are secure
If you book, we meet you at pub and lead you down there
Beware the entrance/exit to Botswicky, on a slightly difficult bend
During times of very dry weather, we are cautious about open fires, so we provide a gas BBQ for you.