The Farm and surroundings.
Set in 300 acres of rolling Somerset countryside Moores Farm lies between the villages of Holcombe and Stratton on the Fosse approximately 10 miles south of the Roman city of Bath. Managed as a traditional English estate and spread over three valleys the farm mixes arable land and open pasture with ancient woodlands and a number of lakes making this one of the most picturesque farms in the area. Holcombe is an old village which even has a mention in the Doomsday Book. In1348 the Black Death

affected nearly all the inhabitants of thevillage but those who survived buried their loved ones and moved to a new settlement further up the hill where the present village of Holcombe stands today. All that remains of the old village is the tiny Norman Church of St Andrew now surrounded by fields in the middle of the farm. It is also believed that the name of the local pub, the Ring O’Roses, derives from the nursery rhyme ‘Ring a Ring of Roses’, also thought to be connected with the Black Death. Stratton on the Fosse is best known for Downside Abbey which dominates the village and a small number of monks still inhabit the monastery alongside the school.

The Farming at Moores Farm.
The farm is mainly arable with some beef cattle. Strong emphasis is placed upon conservation and as a result there is an abundance of wildlife in the area such as deer, badgers, foxes, buzzards, barn owls and horseshoe bats. An exciting addition to this are the otters which were sighted on a number of occasions last year. Rare species of orchids also grow in the fields above Church Lake. The farm is registered with the Countryside Stewardship Scheme which promotes conservation and correct environmental management. We will be happy to walk you round the farm if you are interested to see and learn more. There are three lakes on the farm – these Monastic lakes have been restored in recent years but were originally dug by the Monks of Keynsham in the 12th Century for the purpose of keeping fish for food reserves.

Pets allowed.
Pets are welcome up to the end of August, in September and October dogs are not allowed on Moores Farm. Please keep your dog under close control and check on arrival to find out if there are any places where dogs should not be walked.

The Moores Farm Family.
Katherine and Nigel Dawe-Lane together with their four-year old twin boys, Hugo and Rafe are the ones you will meet when visiting Moores Farm. Their extended family consists of the two black labradors, Jasper and Biff and Jock the border terrier.

The location of the Feather Down Tents.
The tents are sited in a field surrounded by trees on a hilltop overlooking the beautiful valley towards Downside Abbey. They are perfectly placed to enjoy the unlimited views over the most stunning Somerset countryside. Children will revel in playing in the surrounding woodland or constructing ‘waterworks’ in the stream below the farm.

Jack & Jill went up the Hill.
Another nursery rhyme is believed to have its roots in this area and you can do the hill yourself. The village of Kilmersdon in Sommersethas a long tradition ofassociation with the nurseryrhyme Jack & Jill. It has been demonstrated that the surname Gilson probably originated in this area and could have been derived from 'son of Jill'.