Stay With Us
Special places to stay with impeccable eco-credentials
Our Accommodation
There are two special places to stay at Sheepdrove, both with impeccable eco-credentials. Surrounded by two thousand acres of organic farmland and situated in North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sheepdrove’s Woodend and Boathouse are set in a twenty acre estate of landscaped naturalistic grounds that include an aromatic herb garden, a wildlife pond and a long lake with pontoon. This is the perfect place to decompress and just be, and, as you follow the three mile private road to the farm, you won’t believe you’re less than two hours from London.
Woodend is a renovated farm building set around a sunny courtyard with nine ensuite double bedrooms that comfortably sleeps up to eighteen. There is a large private garden with an ample lawn for barbecues, games and relaxation.
Sheepdrove’s secluded Boathouse in the tranquil setting of the long lake, is a truly memorable spot for a romantic retreat, an off-grid escape with friends, or a cosy family weekend.
Woodend at Sheepdrove
Ideal for family gatherings and get togethers with friends, the nine en-suite rooms all share a farmhouse communal kitchen and dining area complete with log burner for an inviting cosy atmosphere in the winter months. There is a plenty of outdoor space to enjoy when the sun shines with the sheltered connecting courtyard for alfresco dining and a large lawned private garden. Woodend is mixed age group friendly with no steps or changes in level (please enquire for further details) and your beloved dog is also very welcome. If you are planning a larger family and friends celebration, please enquire about the Dining Hall in our Green Events Venue at Sheepdrove; a list of local caterers is available on request.
Woodend Facilities at a Glance
- 1 ensuite kingsize bedroom with sofa bed
- 1 en-suite kingsize bedroom
- 1 en-suite twin bedded room
- 6 en-suite double bedrooms
- Bed linen and towels provided
- Fully equipped communal kitchen and dishwasher
- Indoor log burner
- Long wooden dining table and 10 chairs
- 1 two seater sofa
- 3 armchairs
- Free WiFi throughout property
- Television in every bedroom
- Alfresco wooden dining table and 4 chairs in courtyard
- Large private secure rear garden laid to lawn
- 4 A frame picnic tables to seat 16 in garden
- BBQ outside for your use
- Plenty of free parking
- Electric Car Charger in Car Park
- Tea, coffee, sugar & milk
- Dog friendly
Getting Here
1 ¼ hours drive from Heathrow
20 minutes from M4 Junction 14
40 minutes train journey 2 stops from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway with 35 minutes taxi
Easily accessible from London and Bristol
Located on M4 corridor in between Swindon and Reading
Things to See and Do
The perfect base to explore the North Wessex Downs, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Discover things to do and see during your stay with us in West Berkshire.
Discover places to eat and drink during your stay with us in West Berkshire.
Other Facilities
If you are planning a larger family get together, please enquire about the Dining Hall at Sheepdrove; a list of local caterers is also available on request. Please note that guests have exclusive access to Woodend and its garden only.
Ideal for nature lovers, Woodend is surrounded by Sheepdrove Organic Farm’s two thousand acres of green pastures, wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and fields of heritage grains. The building is 100% carbon neutral and all energy needs are generated on site through two wind turbines and 900 solar panels. All waste water is treated ecologically onsite through our reedbed water filtration system. We help you reduce the carbon footprint of your stay by recycling and composting all waste. Nature lovers and bird watchers will enjoy the rich tapestry of wildlife that flourishes on our organic farm while ramblers will find Woodend is the perfect base to explore the North Wessex Downs, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
We are thrilled to have achieved a Green Tourism Gold Award and so proud to be part of the Green Tourism community of businesses that are taking action to reduce carbon emissions, cut waste, choose local sourcing and promote biodiversity. Since 1997, Green Tourism, who are a not-for-profit organisation, has promoted a greener, cleaner environment for people, places and our planet by recognising and supporting the eco-friendly achievements of hotels, holiday lets and tourism businesses with their internationally respected sustainable tourism accreditation that is in fact the only national certification process endorsed by the UK National tourism agencies.
Visit Green Tourism Website
Sheepdrove Walking Trails
With over 8 miles of public rights of way that criss cross the farm, Sheepdrove is superb walking country. Do look out for the sign featuring a map of all the walks around the farm in the visitor car park; click here to download in advance of your stay. So please don’t forget to pack your walking boots so you can enjoy the many miles of stunning scenery on the beautiful Lambourn Downs, while off road cycling enthusiasts should bring their bikes to take advantage of the network of routes and trails, including the Ridgeway and the Lambourn Valley Way. And, if you are blessed with a clear night during your stay, don’t miss going out to see the stars for a truly magical experience; learn more at https://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/stargazing/
Horse Drawn Excursions
Why not get in touch with our very local neighbours Horse Drawn Occasions for a horse drawn excursion across the Lambourn Downs to a local country pub during your stay at Sheepdrove? Ness and Jon have a variety of carriages and horses (Shires, Fresians and Suffolk Punches) to suit all kinds of events, celebrations and outings and are based just beyond Sheepdrove on the road to South Fawley. Their covered wagonette with a removable centre table with drink holders can accommodate up to 10 people. They can offer two circuits – The Lambourn Valley Pub Run or the Lambourn Downs Pub Run. Hands On Days are also available. To know more, please call 01488 639398 or visit http://www.horsedrawn-occasions.co.uk/
Explore Sheepdrove
During your stay at Sheepdrove you have access to the private estate at the heart of the farm. Why not take a wander through Nut Wood (with perhaps a bit of forest bathing) and along the reed bed to the rushy lake, tuning in the to the sights, sounds and rhythms of the natural world? As an organic farm, we have an abundance of wildlife with plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy wildlife spotting – hares, red kites, deer, all manner of farmland birds, and, at twilight, barn owls – are easily visible for the most inexperienced of wildlife spotters. Your stay at Sheepdrove helps us to preserve the nature-rich heritage landscape which makes your getaway memorable, with revenue generated by the farm stays contributing to our nature conservation projects.
The Boat House at Sheepdrove
Sheepdrove’s Boathouse is a unique lakeside hideaway in an idyllic off-grid location with its own private swim spot. Nestling in a small valley, this quirky house delivers simple comfort with a cosy bedroom and shower and a small but functional kitchenette that leads to an open plan light filled living space with beautiful views across the still waters of the long lake. A stay here can be a cosily soothing rustic retreat of privacy and seclusion or a rural adventure of muddy hikes. Please note, there’s a 15-minute walk from the car park to reach the Boathouse; we advise traveling light and choosing practical and sturdy footwear!
The Boat House Facilities at a Glance
- 1 en-suite double bedroom (shower and separate toilet)
- 1 sofa bed sleeps 2 in living space
- Cosy country-style interior
- Open plan kitchen with 2 electric hobs & single electric fan oven with electric grill setting
- 1 fridge supplied with milk and bottled water
- Tea, coffee & sugar provided
- Bed linen, towels & hot water bottles provided
- BBQ outside for your use
- Plenty of free parking
- Torch & head torches provided
- Bookshelf with assorted books and games
- Wild swimming (at guests' own risk)
- Your beloved dog is also very welcome
Getting Here
1 ¼ hours drive from Heathrow
20 minutes from M4 Junction 14
40 minutes train journey 2 stops from London Paddington to Didcot Parkway with 35 minutes taxi
Easily accessible from London and Bristol
Located on M4 corridor in between Swindon and Reading
Things to See and Do
The perfect base to explore the North Wessex Downs, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
Discover things to do and see during your stay with us in West Berkshire.
Discover places to eat and drink during your stay with us in West Berkshire.
Escape the Hustle and Bustle
Enjoy an escape from the digital world – your phone won’t ring and your emails won’t ping as there is no WiFi or phone signal at our Boathouse. This lakeside haven benefits from minimal light pollution and, as day turns into night, the light on the water fades and the night sky provides all the evening entertainment that you need.
Off the Beaten Track
The Boathouse sits right at the water’s edge of the rushy lake. Spending time in blue space is now recognised as being profoundly restorative. Whether you simply sit at the water’s edge and tune into the natural world, feed the ducks or carp, or, more adventurously, go for a bracing dip, we hope your Boathouse stay helps you feel present, less stressed and more connected. While you are welcome to wild swim in our lake, please bear in mind that all swimmers must be solely responsible for making their own assessment as to the risks involved in any particular swim. You may also fish during your stay at the Boathouse but you must catch and release and use only barbless hooks or nets; no gorge bait. You must hold a current NRA licence and standard UK fishing rules apply. Please get in touch to ask for our fishing rules before your stay as it is important to us that inexperience or thoughtlessness does not lead in wildlife being harmed.
Go Green with Eco Stay
The building is 100% carbon neutral, heated by an air source heat pump, and all energy needs are generated on site through two wind turbines and solar panels. All waste water is treated ecologically onsite through our reedbed water filtration system. We help you reduce the carbon footprint of your stay by recycling and composting all waste. Nature lovers and bird watchers will enjoy the rich tapestry of wildlife that flourishes on our organic farm while ramblers will find the Boathouse is the perfect base to explore the North Wessex Downs, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
We are thrilled to have achieved a Green Tourism Gold Award and so proud to be part of the Green Tourism community of businesses that are taking action to reduce carbon emissions, cut waste, choose local sourcing and promote biodiversity. Since 1997, Green Tourism, who are a not-for-profit organisation, has promoted a greener, cleaner environment for people, places and our planet by recognising and supporting the eco-friendly achievements of hotels, holiday lets and tourism businesses with their internationally respected sustainable tourism accreditation that is in fact the only national certification process endorsed by the UK National tourism agencies.
Visit Green Tourism Website
Sheepdrove Walking Trails
With over 8 miles of public rights of way that criss cross the farm, Sheepdrove is superb walking country. Do look out for the sign featuring a map of all the walks around the farm in the visitor car park; click here to download in advance of your stay. So please don’t forget to pack your walking boots so you can enjoy the many miles of stunning scenery on the beautiful Lambourn Downs, while off road cycling enthusiasts should bring their bikes to take advantage of the network of routes and trails, including the Ridgeway and the Lambourn Valley Way. And, if you are blessed with a clear night during your stay, don’t miss going out to see the stars for a truly magical experience; learn more at https://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/stargazing/
Horse Drawn Excursions
Why not get in touch with our very local neighbours Horse Drawn Occasions for a horse drawn excursion across the Lambourn Downs to a local country pub during your stay at Sheepdrove? Ness and Jon have a variety of carriages and horses (Shires, Fresians and Suffolk Punches) to suit all kinds of events, celebrations and outings and are based just beyond Sheepdrove on the road to South Fawley. Their covered wagonette with a removable centre table with drink holders can accommodate up to 10 people. They can offer two circuits – The Lambourn Valley Pub Run or the Lambourn Downs Pub Run. Hands On Days are also available. To know more, please call 01488 639398 or visit http://www.horsedrawn-occasions.co.uk/
Explore Sheepdrove
During your stay at Sheepdrove you have access to the private estate at the heart of the farm. Why not take a wander through Nut Wood (with perhaps a bit of forest bathing) and along the reed bed to the rushy lake, tuning in the to the sights, sounds and rhythms of the natural world? As an organic farm, we have an abundance of wildlife with plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy wildlife spotting – hares, red kites, deer, all manner of farmland birds, and, at twilight, barn owls – are easily visible for the most inexperienced of wildlife spotters. Your stay at Sheepdrove helps us to preserve the nature-rich heritage landscape which makes your getaway memorable, with revenue generated by the farm stays contributing to our nature conservation projects.
Things to See and Do
The perfect base to explore the North Wessex Downs, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Discover Things to See and Do during your stay with us in West Berkshire.
Find a Route
Ramblers
Ridgeway
North Wessex Downs
Slow Ways
Road Cycling Routes Around Lambourn
komoot.com
cyclingweekly.com
National Trust Ashdown
Lambourn RG17 8RE
Unusual Dutch-style house on the Berkshire Downs
Vale & Downland Museum
Wantage OX12 8BL
Lots to offer for an interactive family day out with galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, an Artist/Craft Exhibition space, a Visitor Information Hub, Gift Shop and a excellent Cafe, a delightful terrace and garden offering delicious home-made fare.
Hungerford High Street
Hungerford RG17 0NF
Picturesque market town renowned for its many antique shops, arcades and emporiums.
Hungerford Wharf
Hungerford RG17 0DN
Once a busy industrial canal wharf, Hungerford Wharf is now a picture of tranquility. And a great place to start exploring the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal.
Kennet Horse Boat Company
Hungerford RG17 9UY
Family-run business that operates traditional canal barges for public boat trips and private charters.
Welford Park
Newbury RG20 8HU
Country house and estate with a fabulous snowdrop collection not to be missed in late winter.
Highclere Castle
Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9RN
Country house built in 1679, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The main location for the historical drama series Downton Abbey (2010–15) and the 2019 film based on it.
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2TA
Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway - a railway network that, through the pioneering vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was regarded as the most advanced in the world.
Wilton Windmill
Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 3SW
Built in 1821 and set high in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wilton Windmill is the only working windmill in the Wessex region.
English Heritage Donnington Castle
Newbury RG14 2LE
Twin-towered gatehouse of ruined 14th century Donnington Castle built on the crest of a hill overlooking the market town of Newbury.
National Trust Great Coxwell Barn
Faringdon SN7 7LZ
Beautiful 13th-century stone tithe barn built by the monks of Beaulieu Abbey which at that time held a monastic grange (a farm worked for the abbey's benefit) at Coxwell.
Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot OX11 7NJ
Take a trip back in time to the golden age of railways. Open throughout the year, the centre has a unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons and workshop buildings including an original 1930s engine shed. There are locomotive running days when you can experience the thrill of steam travel and explore the workshops, museum and shop. Thomas the Tank Engine is also a regular visitor along with his friend the Fat Controller.
Lydiard Park
Swindon SN5 3PA
Historic estate with Palladian House, Church and Walled Garden, set in 260 acres of parkland. The children's play area, cafe & tea rooms, events and education programmes make Lydiard Park a great destination for a family day out.
The Merchant's House
Marlborough SN8 1HN
Constructed by prosperous silk merchant and restored to its former glory, this magnificent seventeenth century timber and brick building is a landmark in the historic market town of Marlborough.
English Heritage Avebury Stone Circle
Marlborough SN8 1RF
Ancient stone circle, museum and manor house in the heart of the Avebury World Heritage Site.
English Heritage Silbury Hill
Marlborough SN8 1QH
The largest artificial mound in Europe, probably completed in around 2400 BC, part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Oxford Museums and University
Oxfordshire OX1 3TD
Home to Britain’s oldest university and a wealth of other historic attractions including Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum.
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock OX20 1PP
Historic House, Gardens and World Heritage Site with over 300 years of History and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family.
The Museum of English Rural Life
Reading RG1 5EX
MERL is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.
Vale & Downland Museum
Wantage OX12 8BL
Lots to offer for an interactive family day out with galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, an Artist/Craft Exhibition space, a Visitor Information Hub, Gift Shop and a excellent Cafe, a delightful terrace and garden offering delicious home-made fare.
Kennet Horse Boat Company
Hungerford RG17 9UY
Family-run business that operates traditional canal barges for public boat trips and private charters.
Coate Water Country Park
Swindon SN3 6AA
Facilities to keep all members of the family entertained, including nature reserve, lake, café, play area, pitch and putt and splash park.
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2TA
Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway - a railway network that, through the pioneering vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was regarded as the most advanced in the world.
Wilton Windmill
Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 3SW
Built in 1821 and set high in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wilton Windmill is the only working windmill in the Wessex region.
The Watermill Theatre and Restaurant
Newbury RG20 8AE
One of the UK's most successful regional producing theatres set in a beautiful building in a lovely setting. This small, intimate theatre, in which you often feel you are right in there amongst the actors, has a nice bar and restaurant and lovely staff.
Northcroft Leisure Centre
Newbury RG14 1RS
With facilities such as a 25m swimming pool, learner pool, sports hall, squash courts, indoor soft play area with colourful toys and activities plus a popular 71m outdoor swimming pool, families will find plenty of things to do.
The Living Rainforest
Thatcham RG18 0TN
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest. Our three glasshouses are home to over 850 types of rainforest plants and animals – including rare and endangered species of global conservation value.
Millets Farm Centre
Abingdon OX13 5HB
Family attraction with Farm Shop, Garden Centre, Falconry Centre, Play Barn, Animal Walkway, Phoebe Wood, Playground and seasonal activities throughout the year including Beach and Maze Maize in the summer, PYO fruit and vegetables and also features independent retail outlets on site and a Carousel ride. Dog Friendly site.
Rockstar Climbing Centre
Swindon SN3 4WH
Wiltshire's premier dedicated indoor climbing centre with Fun Walls adventure climbing arena, High Walls and Bouldering.
Swindon Karting Arena
Wroughton Airfield SN4 0QJ
Covered kart track plus rodeo bull, laser shooting, mini-quad and digger course. Minimoto bikes are available for hire plus the centre is home to the Scott Redding Young Riders Academy, teaching children as young as 5 years old to ride a mini-moto.
Didcot Railway Centre
Didcot OX11 7NJ
Take a trip back in time to the golden age of railways. Open throughout the year, the centre has a unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons and workshop buildings including an original 1930s engine shed. There are locomotive running days when you can experience the thrill of steam travel and explore the workshops, museum and shop. Thomas the Tank Engine is also a regular visitor along with his friend the Fat Controller.
Stanton Country Park,
Swindon SN6 7SF
Park and nature preserve with open green space, woodlands, meadows, a series of ponds and streams, wooden sculptures and tree swings.
Roves Farm
Swindon SN6 7QG
Farm fun near Swindon with animal feeding and handling, Pets Corner, tractor and trailer rides, den building, play areas, an indoor playbarn and events.
Lydiard Park
Swindon SN5 3PA
Historic estate with Palladian House, Church and Walled Garden, set in 260 acres of parkland. The children's play area, cafe & tea rooms, events and education programmes make Lydiard Park a great destination for a family day out.
Oxford Museums and University
Oxfordshire OX1 3TD
Home to Britain’s oldest university and a wealth of other historic attractions including Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, Museum of Natural History and the Pitt Rivers Museum.
Finkley Down Farm
Andover SP11 6NF
Children's park with a hands on farm, play barn, restaurant, crazy golf, zip wire and trampolines.
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock OX20 1PP
Historic House, Gardens and World Heritage Site with over 300 years of History and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family.
The Museum of English Rural Life
Reading RG1 5EX
MERL is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust Seven Barrows
Lambourn RG17 8UH
Nationally important for its archaeology as well as its wildlife, this ancient and atmospheric site has a wonderful variety of chalk grassland flowers and butterflies.
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust Watts Bank
Watts Bank RG17 7RT
Watts Bank is a sunny, chalk grassland slope that provides ideal conditions for wild flowers, butterflies and at least 16 different species of grass.
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust Letcombe Valley
Letcombe Regis OX12 9JU
A lovely mix of chalk stream, woodland and chalk grassland creates a tranquil haven for wildlife and local people.
National Trust White Horse Hill
Uffington SN7 7QN
Ancient rolling downland, home to an enigmatic chalk hill etching of the Bronze-Age Uffington White Horse, seen leaping across the valley at the northern end within the Ridgeway escarpment.
National Trust Wayland's Smithy
Ashbury SN6 8NX
Chambered long barrow in an atmospheric historic site about a mile's walk along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse.
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust Snelsmore Common
Newbury RG14 3BQ
Everyone can escape the busy-ness of life by exploring the network of paths across this beautiful and varied heathland that contains a range of habitats including heathland, wet mires and woodland making it home to nationally rare bird species including nightjar, woodlark and tree pipit.
National Trust The Coombes
Hinton Parva SN4 0DH
The Coombes is a steep-sided dry valley formed from ocean chalk. This botanically rich area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and also preserves a large area of medieval strip lynchets cut into the western flank of the valley side.
Coate Water Country Park
Swindon SN3 6AA
Facilities to keep all members of the family entertained, including nature reserve, lake, café, play area, pitch and putt and splash park.
Stanton Country Park,
Swindon SN6 7SF
Park and nature preserve with open green space, woodlands, meadows, a series of ponds and streams, wooden sculptures and tree swings.
Lydiard Park
Swindon SN5 3PA
Historic estate with Palladian House, Church and Walled Garden, set in 260 acres of parkland. The children's play area, cafe &tea rooms, events and education programmes make Lydiard Park a great destination for a family day out.
English Heritage Avebury Stone Circle
Marlborough SN8 1RF
Ancient stone circle, museum and manor house in the heart of the Avebury World Heritage Site.
English Heritage Silbury Hill
Marlborough SN8 1QH
The largest artificial mound in Europe, probably completed in around 2400 BC, part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
National Trust Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene
Marlborough SN8 4EQ
Unique sarsen boulder streams which are a rich and diverse natural habitat for insects, birds, flower and lichens. These two special places are remnants of a much larger sarsen stream landscape but they still have a wonderful other-worldly feel about them.
Savernake Forest
SN8 4NE
Special Site of Scientific Interest located a few miles south of the historic town of Marlborough, the Forest has thousands of veteran oaks including the Big Bellied Oak.
Walbury Hill
Hungerford RG17 9EH
The highest chalk down in England at 297 metres above sea level, the highest point in Berkshire and the summit of the North Wessex Downs. Ringing the crest is a large Iron Age hill fort and rom the summit there are lovely views of the Kennet valley.
Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust Bowdown Woods
Thatcham RG19 8DE
Stretching from the vast heathland at Greenham Common down to the River Kennet, this reserve forms part of the West Berkshire Living Landscape, a wildlife trust project to create space for wildlife and people together. The footpaths through the trees are all surfaced, making it great for accessibility, and yet Bowdown Woods is completely off road and so ideal for dog walking and a day out with the kids.
Moor Copse Nature Reserve
Pangbourne RG8 8HE
Beautiful ancient woodland popular with walkers and nature spotters. Three wet woodland copses, a small meadow and a chalk stream. Well served by footpaths and rides connecting the copses and fields.
Chimney Meadows National Nature Reserve
Bampton OX18 2EH
An ancient landscape and a vital refuge for wading birds, Chimney Meadows is the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust's largest nature reserve in Oxfordshire. The Thames Path National Trail runs through the reserve along the river.
National Trust Basildon Park
Lower Basildon RG8 9NR
Enjoy a walk in 400 acres of parkland and woodland, take in the breathtaking views and enjoy the changing colours of the landscape throughout the year.