Our farm can be found in the pretty hamlet of Prestwood on the Staffordshire Derbyshire border, nestled into the side of a hill overlooking the Churnet valley. The valley, downhill to the west, with its winding river, mature woodlands, ancient pasture, rocky outcrops and traffic free greenway is the perfect place to explore and enjoy a peace filled getaway. To the north it is an easy uphill walk to the top the Weaver Hills, from which there are breathtaking views of the White Peak and three counties; Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire. Ellastone, found a mile's walk downhill to the east, has a rich artistic history; it is the location/inspiration of a novel by George Elliot as well as being the place where Handel composed his Water Music.
10 minutes drive away from Ashbourne, the Gateway to Dovedale and the Peak District.
10 minutes drive from Alton Towers.
Easy walking distance to the neighbouring villages of Denstone and Ellastone (1 mile).
Cycle down the traffic free greenway to Alton and Oakamoor.
Award winning farm shop 1 mile away in Denstone with a large supply of different foods and a cafe.
Cycling/long walking distance from Croxden Abbey.
10 minutes drive, 30 minutes traffic free cycle from Dimmingsdale.
Things to do
From the campsite, you can easily explore the beautiful, undiscovered Churnet Valley, either by bike or by foot. The stunning scenery and hidden lakes are home to abundant wildlife. You may well catch sight of a kingfisher down by the river, or even spot the allusive green woodpecker.
In the bottom of the valley, an old railway line serves as a perfect, quiet greenway for walkers or bikers. Sections of the disused Caldon Canal (which is currently undergoing restoration), and the River Churnet, run along side the track as far as Oakamoor.
Known as 'Little Switzerland' Dimmingsdale, can be found at the end of the greenway, and with it, the Ramblers Retreat, a really special place that serves as the perfect spot for refuelling before you make your way back to the campsite, for your evening by the fire. For anyone in to their rock climbing, this area has a wealth of crags within walking distance/a short drive, the nearest of which is Ina's Rock. This buttress is definitely worth exploring for artists/non-climbers too, as it is so unusual geologically. The pebbly layer of the ancient river bed can be seen clearly in contrast to the yellow sandstone, making it a really striking landmark.
The surrounding areas boast many National Trust properties, the most local of which is Sudbury Hall. This late 17th century mansion is home to the Museum of Childhood, and is only 15 minutes away by car.
The impressive English Heritage property, Croxden Abbey (dating back to the 12th century) is just over 5 miles away, and although in ruin, much survives with some walls standing at up to 60 ft tall.
Alton Towers is just under 3 and a half miles away by car, meaning that we get none of the noise, but great accessibility. (We'll even let you in on the secret of the beautiful, hidden lane that takes you right to the entrance, avoiding all the traffic...)
For those of you wishing to venture further afield, there is the Peak District to explore, with Ashbourne (the gateway to the Peaks,) only 10 minutes away by car.
The old kilns and Potteries of Stoke on Trent are a great option on a rainy day, and the brilliant Monkey Forest at Trentham Gardens comes highly recommended as a great day out for both children and adults.
For those that don't feel the need to go further afield there are plenty of beautiful local walks and bikes are available for hire from the farm, or you may just choose to hook your cooking pot over the campfire, borrow a book from the mini onsite library (found in the shower room) and sit back and just enjoy the beautiful space that is Farm on the Hill.