‘Locally sourced’ is more than just a buzzword at Tilbury Farm in West Somerset. In fact, there’s so much provided right on the doorstep of this 50-acre farm that you can enjoy the rare privilege of never steeping foot inside your car. The local pub – a warm, low-beamed boozer – is within easy walking distance and there’s a good farm shop and butchers in the village. Morning papers can be delivered to your door (best mulled over beside the remains of last night’s campfire) and, as for things to do? Well, in the heart of the Quantock Hills, unfurling in a patchwork of greenery all around, there are footpaths and bike tracks galore.
On the south-facing slopes of Lydeard Hill, Tilbury Farm is home to Jenny, Matt and their three children, who together tend to the farm’s animals – sheep, pigs, ponies and chickens – as well as a couple of self-catering cottages. The real pièce de réistance, however, is their newest offering, a trio of beautiful shepherd’s huts with views down the slope and out across Somerset and Devon beyond.
In keeping with the setting, the huts are locally built and feature the likes of Somerset woollen blankets and sheepskin throws, while the attention to detail means everything you need is covered. Inside, the comfortable double bed disappears into the wall by day, revealing a dining area where you can enjoy your complimentary breakfast hamper, while, at the other end, there’s a plush en-suite shower room where even the water is local – straight from the farm’s own bore-hole. There’s a wood-burner for cooler evenings and a compact kitchenette, with a sink, fridge, hobs and plenty of storage. Outside, a wooden deck has chairs and a fire pit for summer evenings enjoying the view.
It’s a short stroll to the top of the hill above the farm, where whitethroats, willow warblers and yellowhammers attract the local birdwatchers (there are bird books and guides in the shepherd’s huts). Kestrels frequently hunt over the area too. From here you can follow the spine of the hill and continue up to Wills Neck, the highest point in the Quantocks, and enjoy views north to the Bristol Channel. Just next door to Tilbury Farm there’s a trekking stables that can take you out into the hills on horseback if you prefer (much recommended by Jenny and the kids), while in Bishops Lydeard, three miles away, there is also a station on the rather romantic West Somerset Steam Railway that can puff you out to the coast. So, when you do finally get back into your car, you might just find that driving isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
For walkers and mountain bikers, Tilbury Farm is a boon. The farm has secure bike storage and a hose-down area and can also help arrange bike hire if you haven't brought your own. Some of the best trails in the Quantock Hills are right on your doorstep, taking you east towards Hawkridge Reservoir or north-west towards Wills Neck, the highest summit in the Quantocks and one of the highest points in Somerset. On a clear day it is possible to see Exmoor, the Mendips and Blackdown Hills and even as far as the Brecon Beacons across the Bristol Channel. It's about a 3 mile walk (6 miles there and back) from the farm. If you don't fancy doing the work yourself, pony trekking is available at the neighbouring trekking stables (07595 446252) or hop on a train: The West Somerset Steam Railway (01643-704996) has a station at Bishops Lydeard (10 minute's drive; 3 miles away), where you can take trips out to the coast at Watchet and Minehead. Kilve Beach is the closest (great for fossil hunting and walking), with a good tea room (Chantry Tea Rooms; 01278 741457) on the waterfront.
