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Intake Farm

98%
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· Alton, England
5 acres hosted by Maria H.
2 glamping pitches · 5 tent pitches
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Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Maria is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Quirky glamping and nearly wild camping on a farm in Staffordshire

The camping and glamping at Intake Farm has a fantastic location, just a ten-minute drive from the Peak District National Park and 20 minutes from Alton Towers. But, in spite of this, plenty of people who stay here say the biggest attraction is Intake Farm itself. Or should we be clearer and say: the residents of Intake Farm? Welcoming hosts David and Maria are likely to be the first you’ll meet – but it won’t be long until you get to know the others. They include cows, horses, and llamas, sheep, chicken, and ducks.

Twice a day, there’s the chance to help at feeding time. It makes this place especially popular with kids – but don’t let them have all the fun. Intake Farm is as good for adults as it is for children with year-round almost-wild camping in the woods and glamping accommodation that works as well for couples as it does for families.

The Greatest Showman, a 1950s’ circus wagon, and White Cloud, a colourfully-painted converted bus, both sit in their own private areas on the farm. Each offers accommodation for up to four that’s kitted out and warmed by a log burner; White Cloud is slightly more spacious. Both are off-grid like the site’s five camping pitches, which are tucked away in Wudu Woods. These have their own shared facilities nearby (compost loos, hot showers and an outdoor washing-up sink). Campfires are allowed in off-ground fire pits, which you can hire on site and logs are for sale alongside Intake Farm’s own bacon and eggs. If you’re glamping, the ingredients for a Staffordshire breakfast are part of the deal for day one.

Either way, we’d recommend it as a hearty local breakfast could fuel walking, climbing, and cycling adventures in the Peak District National Park, a day out at nearby Alton Towers or a visit to the Peak Wildlife Park. For something more sedate, there are country walks to nearby pubs, an RSPB reserve, and a heritage railway too; all of these within five miles. But whatever you decide to do, we predict you’ll be itching to get back for feeding time at Intake Farm.

Natural features
Forest
Field
Farm
98%
55 Ratings · 38 reviews
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Shelly T.recommends
September 5, 2024
The Greatest Showman
A hit with the Greatest Showman
My Sister and I, along with her 2 dogs (Ralph and Cooper), had a fantastic time exploring the Peak District using the Greatest Showman Caravan as a base camp. Unfortunately we didn't take advantage of feeding the farm animals during our stay but were very privileged to be visited by sheep, goats, chickens and the friendly pooches on site. This was the first time camping for Cooper, a high energy lurcher, so we were a little nervous but there was nothing to worry about as the working farm proved a great leveler for the dogs who were continuously curious - they loved the holiday as much as we did. The van was clean and had everything we needed (to my delight this included a cafetiere) and the compost toilet was the most clean, best presented which I have seen so far on my camping travels! I would definitely stay again if back in the Peak District. The position of the caravan overlooking the field of cattle made it feel like were were alone among the animals - what an enriching experience.
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Maria D.recommends
August 25, 2024
Wudu Wood
Fabulous stay!
Absolutely loved our stay, we camped in the woods which was very private and relaxing. At 9am Maria invited us all to feed, groom and pet all the animals on the farm; lamas, horses, goats, pigs, cows etc which was an unexpected bonus!! Would highly recommend to anyone who was a peaceful time away x
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Timothy D.recommends
August 17, 2024
The Greatest Showman
We loved the caravan and the animals! Feeding time was lots of fun.
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Matthew S.recommends
August 17, 2024
Wudu Wood
We all had a great time camping, our hosts were very friendly and brilliant with the kids when feeding the animals, I would definitely return.
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Katie C.recommends
August 16, 2024
Wudu Wood
Great little place to stay.
Maria and David were exceptional hosts. Quaint and secluded campsite. My boys of 11 and 15 were not "too old" to feed the animals and learnt a lot from Maria. I was very impressed.
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Tina R.
August 12, 2024
White Cloud converted bus
Overall we enjoyed our 2 night stay. Only booked the day before we arrived. The breakfast items were lovely and Maria was there to welcome us. Very peaceful location and beautiful sunsets (we were very lucky with the weather!) Beds were clean and comfy. Plenty of kitchen items. However there was no hot water and the USB ports were not working. Also the oven wasn't working properly but Maria did explain the inner glass had been broken and they were waiting for a replacement. We were told the next day by David that they had been having problems with the hot water but we could use the shower behind the bus as noone was staying there. He didn't seem aware that none of the USB ports were working so then went and fetched us a portable charger. Also I feel like the bus needed a deep clean. I get that it's rustic, quirky and unique and it was. But it just felt a bit grubby. For example, we got a chopping board out and it was mouldy. All the blinds needed a good clean. I don't want to put anyone off from staying here. We did have a good time. But for £130 a night I expected a bit more.
Location
Alton, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Maria H.

Joined in May 2022
From the host
We have unique and quirky glampsite consisting of a converted bus and a 1950’s showman’s wagon. We have nearly wild camping in the woods and a flat space for conventional camping. We are a quiet site, suitable for romance, family and pets. We are close to the Peak District and Alton Towers, have footpaths and RSPB sanctuary's close by
Nearby attractions

Helping to feed the farm animals at Intake Farm is a big attraction in itself and if you (or your kids) are animal lovers, there are more to meet at Peak Wildlife Park which is just four miles down the road. It’s four miles in the other direction to the woodland nature reserve, RSPB Coombes Valley and about the same to the edge of the Peak District National Park where the chances for outdoor adventure are plentiful. The area is particularly good for walking, cycling, caving and climbing. Head for The Roaches (12 miles) for a scenic walk on top of a rocky ridge that’s typical of the Peak District or head underground at Poole’s Cavern (17 miles), where a cave full of crystal stalactites is a popular tourist attraction. The thrills and spills of Alton Towers are just nine miles from site and the Trentham Estate with gardens, woodlands, treetop adventure and a calendar of events is about 15 miles away. The steam trains of the Churnet Valley Railway offer a more sedate ride and you can hop aboard at Froghall Station, three miles from site.

Food and drink

Intake Farm’s own local produce is perfect camping fodder with fresh farm eggs, bacon and sausages for breakfasts as well as burgers for cooking on the campfire – although the produce for sale can vary seasonally. The good news for glampers is that the ingredients for a cooked breakfast are included for the first morning of your stay and a continental breakfast is provided for the day after. It’s about half a mile from Intake Farm to the centre of Ipstones village where there's a small grocery shop for any additional supplies. The village is also where you will find the dog-friendly Marquis of Granby pub which serves good food Wednesday to Sunday and The Old Red Lion with its menu of pub grub and real ales. Other nearby pubs, which come recommended by your hosts, are the canalside Boat Inn, three miles from site in Cheddleton, and The Black Lion on the banks of the nearby River Churnet. It’s a cross-country walk of a couple of miles but the route along the roads is less direct; a circuitous seven miles.

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