College Farm, Aldeby, Norfolk.

The farm and surroundings

College Farm is a mixed arable and beef working farm, nestled in the beautiful Waveney Valley within The Norfolk Broads. Technically, the Norfolk Broads are not actually a National Park, although they have equivalent status. The Broads are best known as a boating centre, and rightly so. They are made up of a multitude of broad, shallow lakes lying along five major rivers.

The River Waveney meanders through the southern broads and along the southern boundary of the farm, over looked by and within short walking distance from the tents. Both the river and the mile of lakes on the farm provide visitors with the opportunity to both canoe and fish.

Educational and historical
College Farm itself has an educational and historical back ground in that in the late 1800's it served as the agricultural college to Kings College Cambridge. College Farm lies within the Norfolk Broads with all it has to offer: walking, boating, fishing, bird watching, big skies and not forgetting the flat easy cycling!. The surrounding area is rich with small food producers, and the nearby fishing harbours provide some of the best locally caught fresh fish in the country.

The Farming at College farm

We have a herd of cattle of mixed breeds which calf out in the open fields. The cattle also help to keep the marsh land closely grazed which in turn encourages wild flower growth and other associated wildlife species.
Within the farm yard we have two horses, two pigs, chickens, guinea fowl and a pet cow called 'Dolly'...and then there's all the dogs...!!

The Family at College farm

The Daniels family have farmed here for over 20 years, although the farming gene goes back some four generations. Rick and Heather live in the farm house and farm in partnership with their daughter Lucy and son-in-law Marcus who live in the barn conversion in the farm yard. The day to day running of the farm is very much a family affair although it is Lucy and Marcus who look after the Feather Down Farm visitors.

Pets not allowed

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.

• Activities for hire
Canoes and boats are available to hire.
Bikes - The village of Aldeby is also on a national cycle route that travels around the Southern Broads and into Suffolk, and remember, the cycling is easy round here!
Fishing equipment is available on the farm.

• Slow Food - Farmers Soup or Stew from the Open Fire
£27.50 (soup) / £32.50 (stew)
Not only is it delicious but it’s also a great stress buster... Slooow Food at Feather Down is the real thing with real ingredients, great taste and unexpected flavours that you just couldn’t capture at home. You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe and cooking utensils to prepare a delicious Farmers Soup or Stew at your tent enough for four people.

• Private Chicken Coops

A great opportunity for the kids (and you) to feed and take care of the chickens, which is both educational and fun. In return the chickens (if they are willing!) will leave some eggs for you. You can rent a private Chicken Coop for £10 per weekend/midweek break and £15 per full week. The Private Chicken Coop needs to be booked at time of reservation.

• Canoes
if you want to experience the broads in the most peaceful way possible, canadian canoes and kayaks can be hired. If you fancy taking it a bit more easy then you can also hire a motorised boat. Family canoe hire up to 3 hrs - £20; 3-6hrs - £30. Single canoe hire up to 3 hrs - £15; 3-6 hrs £25.

• Fishing
Fishing rods are available to hire on the farm. Up to 3 hrs - £5; 3-6hrs £7. Bait is available from the shop.

• Bikes
The village of Aldeby is also on a national cycle route that travels around the Southern Broads and into Suffolk, and remember, the cycling is easy round here! Please speak to 'reservations' for prices.

• Picnic Box

• Breakfast Hamper
This hamper of local food will provide a hearty breakfast to feed a hungry family and set you up for the day!

• BBQ Box

• Communal BBQ area, or individual BBQs can be hired for more privacy

• Premier Service

• Arrival Night Suppers

>> Click here to make a reservation at College farm.

Things to do in the area
• The nearby historic market towns of Beccles (5 miles) and Bungay (8 miles) are worth visiting for their lovely little old streets and buildings, fascinating history museums and leisure facilities.
• With beaches every bit as beautiful as the better-known North Norfolk sites and genteel coastal towns such as Southwold and Aldeburgh - which boasts a splendid range of independent retailers and renowned restaurants - all within striking distance, there's seaside fun for all the family
• Wildlife watchers can head for the nearby bird reserves of Minsmere, Dunwich and Orford Ness.
• You can also pull on your walking boots and follow one of the many waymarked walking routes within the Waveney Valley which make this whole region one big adventure playground - Bramerton Common, Surlingham Church March, Wheatfen, Lound Lakes and Cantley Marshes to name but a few.
• The region is home to unique churches and significant historical sites such as The St Olives Priory dating back to the 13th century, as well as magnificent stately homes such as Somerleyton Hall, an impressive house dating from 1846 with gardens and a maze.
• For the younger generation there is plenty on offer such as Lowestoft's Pleasurewood Hills, Kessinglands Africa Alive and Pettitts Animal Adventure Park at Reedham which houses both exotic and domestic animals and birds.
• Norwich, on the River Wensum, is closely connected with the Broads in both history and spirit.  With its medieval lanes and alleys and more medieval parish churches than any other city in northern Europe.  Two cathedrals, a Norman castle which houses the city museum, beautiful 18th century architecture, great shopping, eating out and entertainment.
Or just spend time here with us; we are happy to take you around the farm explaining how it all works and giving our own wildlife walks.  Wander the marshes, take a picnic to the river, help us to move and check the cattle, and assist in looking after the lambs and pigs, and don't forget to collect the eggs! 
We look forward to welcoming you here and hope you fall in love with this lovely part of The Norfolk Broads as we have.

>> Click here to make a reservation at College farm.