Dolphinholme House farm, Dolphinholme, Lancashire.

The farm and surroundings

The unusual name of the village of Dolphinholme derives from an ancient Scandinavian settlement and has nothing to do with the marine mammal!

In 1784 the first mechanised worsted spinning mill was established here, and a factory village grew up around this early industrial site. That mill closed in 1865, but another, Corless Mill, continued working until 1926. The village is split into two parts - a higher village and a lower part situated on the River Wyre and many of the houses in Lower Dolphinholme are the existing mill buildings and dwellings. The river is the boundary between the Lancaster and Wyre districts, with the part in Wyre designated as a historic conservation area. The village is on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. The Forest of Bowland, also known as the Bowland Fells, is an area of barren gritstone fells, deep valleys and peat moorland. The area is nationally and internationally important for its upland bird populations. The name 'forest' is used in its traditional sense of 'a royal hunting ground', and much of the land still belongs to the British Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. In the past wild boar, deer, wolves, wild cats and game roamed the forest.

The farming at Dolphinholme farm

Dolphinholme House farm is a family run dairy farm, on the western edge of the Trough of Bowland, which is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty (A.N.O.B.). The farm is a traditional dairy farm milking goats, while sheep graze the permanent pastures. You can get involved in the milking twice a day, a unique experience for the young (and old). Other inhabitants of the farm include pigs, pony's, hens, dogs, cats and rabbits with ducks leisurely cruising up and down the river.

The farm is currently being assessed for it's prestigious 'Green Tourism Award'.

The Dolphinholme family

The Gorst family have farmed at Dolphinholme House farm for over 70 years. Father and son, John and Mark, farm in partnership with John's wife Barbara. You will receive a warm welcome on arrival at Dolphinholme House farm from us, together with our Spaniel dogs (which we breed and train) and a lot of 'kids' and 'teenagers', which is what young milking goats are referred to as.

The location of the Feather Down tents

The tents are sited on the edge of woodland and a 10 acre field that is bounded on two sides by the river Wyre and on two sides by 35 acres of ancient deciduous woodland, being a semi ancient heritage site owned by the Gorst family. The woods offer safe play for older children and the river at the other end of the field offers pools deep enough to swim in. We also offer a 'play barn' where the children can play traditional games on the bales of straw and hay. Also included here (under cover) are a swing, sandpit and giant slide, which can become a water slide if the weather is war enough! Board games are also available for family entertainment.

A hairdryer and washing machine are also available for use.

Pets allowed

Pets are welcome, but please keep them under close control near livestock.

Special on Dolphinholme farm

John is passionate about the history of the 18th & 19th century wool industry in this area. They used the power - (with the biggest wheel at that time) - of the river to industrialize the treatment of wool. In 1784 the first merchandised worsted spinning mill was established here.

EXTRA IN 2010

• Slow Food

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.

• Farmers Soup or Stew from the Open Fire - £27.50 (soup) / £32.50 (stew) 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.

• Smoke Barrel hire arrangement - £39.50

You will receive all the ingredients, including fire wood, the recipe, instructions and a smoke barrel, to smoke your own fish or chicken at your tent for four people.

These Slow food arrangements are best pre-booked at reservation as availability is limited.

• Pre-ordered Food
Have a delicious hot meal waiting for you on your arrival night.

• Hotpot supper

• Indoor Play
Indoor Play Barn with trampoline, tyre swing and straw bale castle with slide (great for wet weather play)

• Help Farmer John
Help milk the goats with Farmer John



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


Things to do and discover in the area of Dolphinholme farm:

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