Pond Farm

The Farm and Surroundings
The region of Suffolk is one of England's hidden gems and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. People choose Suffolk for a variety of reasons, such as golfing or its walking and cycling network to enjoy the countrylife with its beautiful trails and places to visit. Boasting miles of unspoilt coastline, tranquil countryside, high quality arts, outstanding food and enchanting towns and villages, Suffolk makes an ideal choice for spending your holiday.

In this rural part of England the coastline with its sandy beaches is never more than half an hour drive away. However, by far the most popular way to discover Suffolk’s countryside is by bike or on foot. In the area of the farm there are many walking and cycling routes to enjoy to explore the countryside, or simply take you to the local swimming pool or family pub. You can rent adult and children's bicycles from the farm.

History of the region and town
Pond Farm is located near Worlingworth, a quiet rural village situated approximately 8 miles north west of Framlingham, with its well preserved castle. 6 miles north-east you find Debenham, a picturesqye 15th Century wool town. The Worlingworth Church of St Mary rears its 15th Century head above the pretty cottages. At the centre of the village is “The Swan”, a thatched public house where a warm welcome is guaranteed and the local Adnams beers are served.

The village is surrounded by farmland which produces many crops including wheat, barley, sugar beet and oil seed rape. As the year passes the landscape changes from shades of brown to green, yellow and gold. Harvest time for the wheat and barley in the summer provides wonderful photo opportunities. The sight of the combine harvesters gathering the harvest being one of them.

Framlingham Castle
Over eight centuries old, Framlingham Castle was the first curtain-walled castle in East Anglia. It is an enchanting castle offering spectacular views over Framlingham and the charming reed-fringed Mere. Throughout its colourful history it has been a fortress, an Elizabethan prison, a poor house and a school. Walk along the wall walk, explore the outer courts and don’t miss the 17th century former poorhouse with its stone sculptures and interesting temporary exhibitions.

Framlingham is also the home of St Michael’s Church which is over six centuries old and contains the finest tomb sculptures in Europe.

Woodbridge
The village of Woodbridge, situated 19 miles from Worlingworth is a beautiful ancient market town on the River Deben and the many pretty villages surrounding it. Combining a long and rich history with a large choice on boutiques, shops, restaurants and attractions for all ages and interests, it is little surprise that Woodbridge has long been one of East Suffolk's most desirable places to visit. In the early 7th century the Woodbridge area rose in importance, under its Wuffing ruler, Redwald of Rendlesham. During the period in the reign of Elizabeth I, Woodbridge industries prospered along with the wool trade; weaving, sail-cloth manufacture and rope-making. The Port was enlarged and ship-building and the timber trade became the most lucrative, requiring a customs house to be established in 1589. The churchyard of St. Mary's was another centre of business, despite official disapproval and in 1583, due to the volume of trade and the proximity of many inns, a urinal was built against the west wall of the church.

Pond Farm

The farm owners Sophie and Steven welcome you at their 16th century farm, which gets its name from the ponds that are still on the farmyard, now the home of many species of fish and water plants. Many generations of farmers have lived on this farm as it passed on from generation to generation. The farm has a rich history. It has been tastefully restored and many details from the 16th century have been preserved. Ancient silver coins were found during a restoration and the “mortgage” documents date back to a time when the farm was sold for less than 10 pounds sterling.

Pond Farm used to be a dairy farm and the fresh milk was transported directly to London by the old railway line, which passed by at the rear of the farm. Remains of the old railway line and the station are still there.

Animals on farm
Pond farm is home to Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle, horses, a few pigs, sheep and free range chickens. There are three dogs; two Labradors and a Shelty who are all very friendly natured. All animals on the farm are selected on their good nature, the cows, the horses and even the bull is very friendly and allowed to roam the fields freely as part of the herd. Several animals on farm are orphans, which means that they are bottle fed and therefore very used to humans. The resident cat-mum called Lilly is a foster mother to two orphaned kittens, which were rescued after being buried and almost smothered in a pile of hay and the dogs and cats all sleep in the same bed. Pond farm houses little animals and calves all year round so there are always good natured animals to cuddle and play with, and the children will not want to leave them!

The Pond Farm Family
Sophie’s children, Nicola, Louise and William are very much “into horseriding”. They compete in venting, jumping, dressage, cross country, and look after their horses very well. They practice on the farm, which is interesting to watch and when they are finished you can help feed the horses and look after them. If you like horses this is the place to be, a riding school is only a 5 minute walk from the farm and on the farm you can also stable your own horses in our guest stables.

The Location of the Feather Down Farm Tents
The FeatherDown tents overlook the Suffolk countryside and are in a half shaded area, ideal for sun lovers and also people that prefer to relax in the shade. Behind the tents you will find the play area, animal pasture and chicken coop. The area is mainly grassy which is ideal for a family game of rounders. The ponds on site are on a safe distance from the tents and in one of the ponds it is possible to fish. Remember to bring your fishing gear!

Dogs Welcome
Guests are welcome to bring their well-behaved dogs – kept on leads in the areas of animals and other guests.

Flora and Fauna
There is wildlife in abundance with nearly ten thousand rights of way and with large areas of Suffolk classified as 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. While enjoying a relaxing walk, woodpeckers are often seen and heard in trees. Deer, owls and foxes also add to the variety of wildlife.

Nearby National Parcs
Located approximately 7 miles away, you will find The Pennings Local Nature Reserve, consisting of water meadows adjacent to the River Dove. This nature reserve and picnic site is on the edge of the town of Eye on the banks of the River Dove. It is a traditional water meadow with views to the church and castle. There are walks along the riverside and is an excellent place to view wildlife.