Osbaston House farm, Near Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.

The farm and surroundings

Osbaston House farm is a delightful family farm in Leicestershire, on the edge of the breath-taking Charnwood and National Forest’s. Leicestershire is a quintessential rural county, England at its best; the countryside is characterised by gentle rolling hills and picturesque, timeless villages. Less than two miles from the farm, along pretty lanes, lies the charming small market town of Market Bosworth. Within an easy drive of this fascinating rural England of battlefields, castles, ancient priories and steam railways is a world of theme parks, Thomas the Tank Engine and animal kingdoms. The farm promises families the ideal combination of ancient and modern - a perfect platform - propelled from the past on a springboard to a modern-day adventure. Located only 8 miles off the M1, Osbaston House farm is easily accessible and just 90 minutes away from London.

Near historic battle ground

When Richard III cried out ‘my kingdom for a horse’ but lost his crown and his head to Henry Tudor on August 22, 1485, it ushered in the most significant royal dynasty in British history. The Middle Ages had ended and the children of Henry VII shaped Britain for the next 500 years. Today a battle still rages over the siting of the most famous conflict at Bosworth Field, one thing is for certain the troops from both bloodied armies trod the fields of Osbaston House Farm en route to the Battle of Bosworth.

The farming at Osbaston farm

Osbaston House farm is a working dairy farm of about 250 acres. Four generations of Earp’s have worked their farm for 100 years, John, is today’s farmer. In 2002, the farm successfully diversified to become one of a handful of specialist goat farmers in the UK, milking approximately 1000 goats daily; early in the morning and mid-afternoon. Fall in love with the farm’s friendly herd of milking goats, inquisitive free-range chickens and delightful Shetland ponies.

The farm grows wheat and maize crops with the grassland used to make hay. Osbaston has plenty of nesting boxes as well as a number of luxury barn owl ‘houses’. Several bird species on the farm fall into the ‘high conservation of concern group’; the linnet, reed bunting, skylark, song thrush and yellow hammer. A strong emphasis is placed upon conservation and as a result there is an abundance of wildlife in the area such as badgers, hares, foxes, buzzards, barn owls and horseshoe bats.

The goats

The most important part of the farm is the goats. They are full of character and all bred from the best of three breeds: British Saanen, British Toggenburg and British Alpine, goats are very entertaining, affectionate and inquisitive animals. During the breeding season the farm is home to hundreds of baby kid goats. A pedigree herd of hard working male, Billy goats reside on the farm too.

The Osbaston House farm family

You will receive a very warm welcome at Osbaston House farm from John and Sharon. Sharon is renowned for her cooking skills, she makes the most delicious farm suppers; all the suppers are 'farmer' portions! Whilst John tends to the goats and the farm, Sharon looks after her horses, Shetland ponies, dogs, ducks and lots and lots of chickens!

The location of the Feather Down tents

The tents, grouped together with families and privacy in mind, nestle beside woodland with panoramic views of a countryside unspoilt for centuries. You can touch the battlefield, see and smell the steam train smoke and watch the children play to their hearts content.

Pets allowed

Pets are welcome, but please keep them under close control near livestock. Your horse or pony is welcome. You can bring your horse or pony with you to Osbaston House farm. There is good accommodation to stable them available for £12.00 per night. Please indicate at the time of booking.

NEW for 2010 on Osbaston House Farm

We are passionate about our goat herd. Visit the new milking viewing gallery at Osbaston House farm and watch the characterful goats being milked & getting their daily treats!

What’s special at Osbaston House farm?
Osbaston is home to a herd of gorgeous Shetland ponies, all the foals, fillies, junior and senior mares are ‘kept in check’ by the resident stallion Joshy. They adore attention and you will have the opportunity to meet them in person. Spring time is always special as this is when the foals arrive, this season there are four foals due to be born.

Beatrix Potter bunnies on the farm!
Flopsy, Mopsy & Benjamin Bunny are dwarf lop rabbits, Peter Rabbit is a Netherland dwarf and Cotton Tail is a rare old English spot! Thumper is the boss of the gang and the eldest at six months – a very pretty grey fluffy lion head. The rabbits live together in the feather down paddock in their ownhome alongside the hens and are cared for by the feather down children whilst they holiday on the farm.

EXTRA IN 2010

• Camp fire facilities (wood provided)
Gather your friends and family together for an evening beside the camp fire telling stories and toasting marshmallows!

• Goat Milking Experience (Complimentary)

Open daily; a ‘birds eye’ viewing gallery in the milking parlour, ideal for guests to drop in and watch the afternoon milking operation. Open 4 – 5.30pm daily.

• Bring your horse on holiday

Bring your own horse with you and stable it at the farm for the duration of your stay (£12.00 per night and must be pre-booked).

• Group booking a speciality
Osbaston is an ideal location for a group booking. The farm hosted a beautiful summer wedding in 2008 and many group bookings. Tailor made catering is available, simple outdoorsy food or homemade farmhouse pies….hog roasts, fresh pizza’s and lots of children’s specialities….cup cakes, brownies, fruit wands, and more.

• Private Chicken Coop
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.

>> Click here to make a reservation at Osbaston House farm.

Things to do and discover in the area

• Battle of Bosworth Battlefield - In Leicestershire on an August morning just over five centuries ago the armies of Richard III and Henry Tudor faced each other on Ambion Hill. The battle that followed - Richard’s last stand in the Wars of the Roses - gave England a new king and saw the end of the medieval period. The Battle of Bosworth, fought on the 22nd August 1485, is one of the best known and was one of the most influential of English battles.
• Twycross Zoo – with its 50 acres of parkland, the zoo houses nearly a 1000 animals, most of which are rare and endangered species. Its world famous primate collection ranges from the tiny Pygmy Marmosets (smallest of all the monkeys) to the huge Western Lowland gorillas.
• National Space Centre - the award winning National Space Centre is the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space.
• Drayton Manor - everyone's favourite theme park, packed with a host of great rides and attractions set in 280 acres of lakes and parkland. Drayton Manor features some of the biggest, wettest and scariest rides around! Thomas Land. For the first time, Thomas and his friends will have their very own home at Drayton Manor Park. It's full steam ahead to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor Park!
• Conkers - Heart of the National Forest Visitor Centre Conkers - the award winning attraction at The Heart of the National Forest, a unique mix of both indoor and outdoor experiences. Adventure activities through to our restaurant, cafe and coffee shop, Ranger activities and the National Forest Art Gallery. The Discovery and Waterside Centres are linked by the Conkachoo train which regularly travels between the centres.
• Bosworth Water Trust - 50 acre Leisure Park with 20 acres of lakes for dinghy, boardsailing and fishing.
• Market Bosworth market town - Market Bosworth, was recorded in the Domesday Book and has been an important market town since the middle ages.
• Ashby de la Zouch market town - Ashby developed into a town in the 19th century, it has a long wide main street, with fine Elizabethan half-timbered houses and delightful bow fronted Georgian shops.
• Ashby de la Zouch Castle - Tour the impressive ruins of a grand medieval castle within extensive and beautiful grounds.
• Belvoir Castle - the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland for one thousand years. Currently the family home of the 11th Duke, Duchess and their young family.
• Warwick Castle - Warwick Castle was built on the orders of William the Conqueror in 1068. Over the centuries the castle became an important seat of power and was the home for the Earls of Warwick who played an important role in shaping the history of England.
• Alton Towers – escape to the fabulous world of the Alton Towers Resort – there’s so much going on, the fun never stops!

>> Click here to make a reservation at Osbaston House farm.