East Shilvinghampton Farm

Escape to a simpler life with Joby and Martin What could be more idyllic than staying on a working farm on the Dorset coast? East Shilvinghampton has been a part of the Bartlett family for over 80 years and meeting Martin and Joby’s cows, goats and hens will be one of the highlights of your holiday. Their son Henry looks after the alpacas and you can take them on a walk for a small fee. Your canvas hideaways are situated close to the farmyard and offer panoramic views across the valley. It's the ideal spot for a family holiday in Dorset.

Life on the Dorset coast The abundance of nearby beaches will leave you spoilt for choice. These include West Bay, famous home of the Broadchurch TV series and Chesil Beach, part of the Jurassic Coast world heritage site. Throw in Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Hive Beach and Ringstead as well and you can enjoy a different beach each day. If you tire of the beach then pop into regal Weymouth, the favourite of King George the Third or ten minutes down the road is Abbotsbury with its medieval monastery and swannery. In the summer, Camp Bestival is nearby so the farm provides a great base.

What to do at East Shilvinghampton There’s always something going on at East Shilvinghampton Farm. Where else can you wake up in the morning and walk a drovers trail, build a den or explore the farm while walking an alpaca? Farmer Martin is happy to stop by and chat and answer any questions you have about farming life when he is making his regular rounds. Children can play and roam freely on site within earshot while you relax by your canvas hideaway trying to spot deer, hares and owls. If you feel like cooking up a hearty stew, the farm’s honesty shop is well stocked with lots of local produce, beef and pork – or you can pre-order a wide range of enticing home cooked goodies from Joby.

Note that you can charge your electric car with your lead into a regular three pin socket (there's a small charge). If you are coming by train, Weymouth, Upwey and Dorchester stations are a taxi ride away.