Is Lydeard Farm Right for Your Group? A Quick Guide
- Sarah Spottiswoode
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Finding the perfect venue for a group getaway can be challenging. Whether you’re organising a family celebration, school residential, sports tour, retreat, or camping weekend, you need somewhere that offers enough space, flexibility, and facilities to keep everyone happy.
Lydeard Farm Bush Camp & Lodges, located in the beautiful Quantock Hills of Somerset, has built its reputation around welcoming groups of all sizes. But is it the right fit for your group? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
Best For Groups That Want Exclusive Use
One of Lydeard Farm’s biggest selling points is that every booking comes with exclusive use. That means your group will be the only guests on-site during your stay, allowing you to relax, celebrate, and socialise without sharing facilities with strangers. This applies whether you’re booking the lodges, the camping area, or a combination of both.
For many organisers, this level of privacy makes all the difference.
Ideal for Family Celebrations and Reunions
If you’re planning a milestone birthday, anniversary, engagement, wedding celebration, or family reunion, Lydeard Farm offers accommodation for between 8 and 56 guests across five lodges, with additional camping available for larger gatherings. Guests can enjoy evenings around the campfire, outdoor BBQs, and quality time together in a peaceful countryside setting.
The relaxed atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for families who want to spend time together without the formality of a hotel. Stag and hen parties welcome.
Great for Schools, Scouts, and Youth Groups
Schools, scout groups, and youth organisations are well catered for. Residential stays can range from one night to several days, with accommodation for up to 56 guests and opportunities to arrange activities such as archery, air rifle shooting, and team-building exercises through qualified third-party providers. Catering can also be included to include home cooked meals and a BBQ in a relaxed informal setting.
The location within the Quantock Hills also provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor learning and adventure. It is possible to walk to National Trust Fyne Court and for a day of high ropes and paddleboarding down the hill.
Located 20 minutes from the motorway for ay children not wishing to stay overnight our location offers a flexible option where required. We proudly hold the LoTC badge a rubber stamp for schools.
A Good Choice for Sports Teams and Clubs
Sports tours and club weekends are another popular option. The farm offers extensive outdoor space, including a large grass sports field known as “Wembley,” while its location between Bridgwater & Taunton makes it a good spot for travelling for games in these towns or to Minehead. Where else do you know that you also have a grass practice pitch? and you don't have to share the space with other teams!
Perfect for Group Camping
Unlike many campsites that restrict group bookings, Lydeard Farm actively welcomes family groups, scouts, guides, sports teams, Duke of Edinburgh groups, and even small festival-style gatherings. Groups booking the camping area enjoy exclusive use of the site, freedom to choose where to pitch, access to the indoor Bush Camp Shelter, kitchen facilities, BBQ areas, campfires, showers, and toilets. You can also add some lodges for any non campers or hire one of our patrol tents which will be up and ready for when you arrive.
This exclusive-use approach is particularly appealing, as many campers report that finding campsites willing to accommodate larger groups can be difficult.
Consider Before Booking
Lydeard Farm is intentionally off-grid. There is no Wi-Fi and mobile reception can be limited in some areas. For many groups, that’s part of the attraction, offering a genuine opportunity to disconnect and spend time together. However, if constant connectivity is essential, this may be worth considering before you book
The accommodation is also designed for groups who enjoy the outdoors. It’s comfortable and practical rather than luxury-focused, with a strong emphasis on shared experiences, outdoor space, and community.
Our prices do not change in school holiday periods so another attractive reason for family groups to visit.
Included in all bookings
Private exclusive use - your group is the only group here.
Cooking facilities in the Bush Camp Kitchen including a 5-ring gas cooker with large oven, basic kitchen utensils and cutlery. Toasters, electric kettles, small microwave, 1 large fridge, small deepfreeze.
Exclusive use of the Bush Camp Shelter indoor space with tables and wood burner.
Outside BBQ & camp fire (basic implements) with bag of charcoal and box of firelighters.£25.00 worth of logs for the fires.
Cleaning sprays, mop and bucket, broom for sweeping, squeegee for the lodge bathrooms; paper towels and toilet paper.
Re-cycling of all waste.
Sole use and the access to Lydeard Farm.
Grass Football/ Games pitch with footballs.
Car Parking.
Free games subject to a small deposit (indoor skittles and large jenga) outdoor rounders kit.
So, Is Lydeard Farm Right for Your Group?
If you’re looking for a private venue where your entire group can stay together, enjoy the outdoors, and make use of communal spaces for dining and socialising, Lydeard Farm is well worth considering. It is particularly suited to family celebrations, school trips, sports teams, youth groups, church groups, activity retreats, and exclusive-use camping events.
For groups that value privacy, flexibility, and a countryside setting over hotel-style facilities, Lydeard Farm offers a unique Somerset experience that brings people together.
What is the booking process?
Pop Sarah an email on sarah@lydeardfarm.co.uk and we will provide you with a custom quote. You can view guide prices and availability here. To confirm the booking 25% of the total value of the booking is required to secure the dates. If you aren't sure of your numbers should book for your lowest expected number. Final numbers and the remaining balance is then due 4 weeks before arrival.
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