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Fordhall Farm Yurts is a collection of four cosy and comfortable yurts set on a working organic farm in the Shropshire countryside. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, enjoy the fresh air and the farm animals, and explore the nearby market town of Market Drayton. Each yurt has its own private deck, fire pit and barbecue, as well as access to a shared kitchen, bathroom and lounge area. You can also order delicious home-cooked meals from the farm’s café, or join one of their events or workshops. This is glamping with a difference: a chance to experience life on a community-owned farm that has been in the same family for over 300 years.
What makes Fordhall Farm Yurts stand out is the ethos behind it: this is a farm that is owned by over 8,000 shareholders who have invested in its future and its mission to promote organic and sustainable farming. The farm is also home to rare breeds of livestock, such as Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Longhorn cattle and Shropshire sheep, as well as a variety of wildlife and plants. You can learn more about the farm’s history and vision by visiting the on-site museum, taking a guided tour or browsing the farm shop. You can also get involved in some of the farm activities, such as feeding the animals, collecting eggs or helping out with the gardening.
The yurts are located in a secluded field surrounded by trees and hedgerows, overlooking the rolling hills of Shropshire. The farm itself covers 140 acres of pasture, woodland and wetland, and is crossed by the River Tern. The farm is also part of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscape project, which aims to create a network of habitats for wildlife and people. The nearest town is Market Drayton, a historic market town with a weekly street market, independent shops and cafés, and attractions such as the Dorothy Clive Garden and the Hodnet Hall Gardens. The farm is also within easy reach of other places of interest, such as Ironbridge Gorge, Shrewsbury and Chester.
The yurts are spacious and stylish, with wooden floors, colourful rugs and cushions, and cosy beds with feather duvets and pillows. Each yurt has its own theme and décor, inspired by different aspects of the farm: The Pigsty (pink and piggy), The Henhouse (yellow and chickeny), The Cowshed (blue and cowy) and The Shepherds Hut (green and sheepy). The yurts are also equipped with wood-burning stoves, solar-powered lights and USB sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee. The shared facilities are housed in a converted barn, which has a rustic-chic vibe with wooden beams, exposed brick walls and vintage furniture. The barn has a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a lounge area with sofas and books, and two bathrooms with showers.
Sustainability
Fordhall Farm Yurts is committed to sustainability in every aspect of its operation. The farm is certified organic by the Soil Association, which means it follows strict standards for animal welfare, biodiversity and environmental protection. The farm also uses renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and biomass boilers, to power its buildings and facilities. The yurts are made from natural materials, such as wood, canvas and wool, and are insulated with sheep’s wool. They also have low-impact features, such as compost toilets, rainwater harvesting and recycling bins. The farm also minimises its waste and carbon footprint by using local and seasonal produce, composting organic waste and selling surplus food to the community. The farm also encourages its guests to travel sustainably, by offering discounts for public transport users and cyclists. By staying at Fordhall Farm Yurts, you are supporting a social enterprise that is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Fordhall Farm Yurts is not only a place to stay, but also a place to learn, share and contribute. The farm is owned by the Fordhall Community Land Initiative, a social enterprise that was set up in 2006 to save the farm from being sold and developed. The initiative raised over £800,000 from more than 8,000 people who bought shares in the farm, making it the first community-owned farm in England. The shareholders have a say in the management and direction of the farm, and also benefit from discounts, newsletters and invitations to events. The farm also runs educational programmes for schools and groups, as well as workshops and courses for adults on topics such as beekeeping, cheese making and herbal medicine. The farm also hosts volunteer days, where anyone can come and help out with various tasks and projects.
Rooms
The yurts can accommodate up to four people each, with a double bed and two single futons. They are ideal for couples, families or friends who want to enjoy a relaxing and authentic glamping experience. The yurts are furnished with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including bedding, towels, crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. You can also request extras such as cots, high chairs, firewood and marshmallows. Each yurt has its own private deck with chairs and a table, where you can enjoy the views and the sounds of nature. You also have your own fire pit and barbecue, where you can cook your own meals or order from the farm’s café. The yurts are available all year round, except for January and February.
Food and drink
You have several options for food and drink at Fordhall Farm Yurts. You can cook your own meals in the shared kitchen or on your barbecue, using ingredients from the farm shop or the local market. You can also order breakfast baskets, picnic hampers or evening meals from the farm’s café, which serves delicious dishes made with organic produce from the farm and other local suppliers. The café also offers hot drinks, cakes and snacks throughout the day. Alternatively, you can dine out at one of the nearby pubs or restaurants, such as The Red Lion or The Four Alls Inn.
Things to do
Feeding and petting the farm animals
Collecting eggs from the chickens
Helping out with the gardening or other farm tasks
Taking a walk around the farm trails
Playing games in the field or on the swing
Having a picnic by the river
Stargazing at night
Joining a game drive or a boat cruise on the Olifants River (at an extra cost)
Taking a yoga or meditation class (at an extra cost)
Wider region
Fordhall Farm Yurts is a great base for exploring the wider region of Shropshire and beyond. You can discover the rich history and culture of the area, from medieval castles and churches to museums and galleries. You can also enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife of the area, from hills and valleys to rivers and lakes. Some of the highlights include:
Ironbridge Gorge: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. You can visit 10 museums that showcase the history and heritage of the area, such as Blists Hill Victorian Town, Enginuity and Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron.
Shrewsbury: The county town of Shropshire that boasts over 600 listed buildings, many of them dating back to Tudor times. You can wander around the historic streets and alleys, visit the castle and abbey, explore the museums and gardens, and shop at the independent boutiques and markets. You can also follow the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who was born and educated in Shrewsbury.
Chester: A charming city that combines ancient and modern attractions. You can admire the Roman walls and amphitheatre, the medieval cathedral and the Tudor-style rows. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the cultural events and the shopping opportunities. You can also visit the famous Chester Zoo, which houses over 21,000 animals from 500 species.
Snowdonia National Park: A stunning natural wonderland that covers over 800 square miles of mountains, lakes, forests and coastlines. You can hike, bike, climb or kayak your way through the diverse landscapes, or take a scenic train ride to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. You can also discover the rich history and culture of the area, from castles and mines to slate villages and steam railways.
Kids
Fordhall Farm Yurts is a family-friendly place that welcomes children of all ages. The yurts can accommodate up to four people each, and cots and high chairs are available on request. Children will love meeting and feeding the farm animals, collecting eggs from the chickens, playing games in the field or on the swing, and having a picnic by the river. The farm also offers educational programmes for schools and groups, as well as events and workshops for children throughout the year. The nearby town of Market Drayton has a playground, a swimming pool and a cinema for rainy days.
Getting there
Fordhall Farm Yurts is located in Market Drayton, Shropshire, about 40 miles from Birmingham and 50 miles from Manchester. The nearest train station is Stoke-on-Trent, which is about 15 miles away. You can take a taxi or a bus from there to Market Drayton. The nearest airport is Birmingham Airport, which is about 50 miles away. You can take a train from there to Stoke-on-Trent, or hire a car and drive to the farm. The farm is signposted from Market Drayton town centre.
- Actively reduces consumption
- Certification
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Community led or owned
- Nature
- Foodies
- Rural
- Restaurant
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Tented camp
- Hiking
- Yoga
