College Farm (Feather Down Farm)

You’re not, strictly speaking, ‘camping’ at a Feather Down Farm. You’re staying in ‘tented accommodation’. It’s a small distinction, but it acts as a good indication of what you can expect at this mini-chain of boutique campsites. This is Luxury Camping in roomy three-bedroom pre-erected tents, perfect for the ‘not sure about this camping lark’ section of the community, who might baulk at the idea of trying to put up a tent in the rain. Or for families looking for a good-value alternative to renting a holiday home. Or, indeed, for just about anyone, really – these tented palaces are cool, comfortable and fun. 

 Feather Down Farms recruit farmers with excess, redundant land, then they transport and erect their high-spec, custom-designed tents at the farm, organise the marketing and reservations, and let the farmers take care of the day-to-day management. The Feather Down team and the farmers share the proceeds appropriately; and everyone’s happy. The guests have a glorious time at College Farm. Slap bang in the middle of the Norfolk Broads, many are happy to sit out in front of their south-facing tents and watch the pleasure craft pootling up and down the River Waveney, past a field of swaying sunflowers. Those of a less lazy disposition enjoy the horse-grooming and safe cycling up and down the field. Others go native and end up staring through binoculars at the wild birds, messing about in canoes and boats with oars and fishing rods, or taking day trips to the back streets of Beccles, Southwold and Aldeburgh. 

The owners love getting to know all their guests, because they want each one to have a Feather Down experience that they’ll remember for a lifetime. On the Farm Tour guests meet and feed the cattle and lambs, collect chicken eggs and become immersed in the daily life of the farm.