Overview

Chigborough Farm offers a delightful retreat for families amidst the picturesque countryside. Families can immerse themselves in rural charm and create lasting memories together with spacious accommodations and a range of onsite activities, including fishing, nature walks, and farm tours. The farm’s friendly atmosphere and idyllic surroundings provide the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable family getaway.

Activities

Chigborough Farm offers a wide range of activities and facilities for families. It has rowing boats and pedalos that provide a fun and scenic way to explore the farm’s tranquil lakes and waterways. You can try stand-up paddleboarding, a thrilling activity that offers an exciting workout while enjoying the beauty of nature from a unique perspective. Bike hire is available onsite so you can explore the countryside on two wheels and discover hidden gems and scenic routes. Guided nature walks give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning countryside, spot local wildlife, and learn about the natural environment. You can also take informative farm tours to learn about agriculture and animal husbandry. The farm’s playground maze features slides, climbing frames, and tunnels for hours of adventurous play. The pottery studio lets children create ceramic masterpieces using paints and a kiln for a unique and artistic experience. Educational workshops covering farming, environmental conservation, and pottery are also available to foster a love for learning and exploration. The shared games room is equipped with a pool/snooker table, table tennis table, and a selection of board games and books, providing indoor entertainment for the whole family on rainy days.

Food

At Chigborough Farm, guests are treated to a delectable array of food options both onsite and nearby. Upon arrival, guests receive a thoughtfully curated welcome pack featuring a selection of locally sourced treats. Indulge in savoury delights like Lambton & Jackson smoked cheese, complemented by a small bottle of wine for a toast to your countryside escape. Enjoy comforting cups of tea or instant coffee, creamy milk, sugar, and various biscuits for a delightful snack. Enhance your meals with a touch of local flavour using a small tub of Maldon salt and a jar of Wilkins Tiptree jam or sauce. A mini bottle of hand sanitiser gel is also provided for your convenience.

Adjacent to the Games Room, guests can access a communal outdoor washing-up area and kitchen equipped with a fridge, electric kettle, and toaster. The wood-fired pizza oven adds a touch of culinary adventure to your stay. Guests are welcome to use the large oil drum BBQ at the fishery lodge. While charcoal and firelighters can be purchased from the farm cafe from Thursday to Sunday, guests are encouraged to bring their own if planning to use this facility.

There is a local deli and shop, offering a range of hampers, including breakfast, BBQ, and smoked food options. Guests can also purchase Lambton & Jackson smoked salmon directly from the farm at the central Fishery car park. Paul Bloss also operates a fresh fish and seafood stall on Fridays and Saturdays, where guests can find Lambton & Jackson smoked salmon. For locally sourced sausages, bacon, and ham, guests can visit Wicks Manor Pork, a short drive away.

The Farm Cafe is located in the courtyard of the farm, offering guests a delightful dining experience with a wide range of tasty dishes and treats. For those who want to explore other dining options, there are several nearby pubs and restaurants to choose from. The Chequers is a traditional pub located just 2 miles away, where you can enjoy real ales and picturesque views of a Norman church. The Cricketers is situated 2.5 miles from the farm and is known for its excellent Sunday roasts as well as serving fish & chips on weekends. A little further away is The Jolly Sailor, which can be reached by taking a 30-minute walk along the sea wall. This pub is located alongside the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal Lock and offers a beautiful scenic backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Accommodation

Chigborough Farm offers a range of accommodations designed to provide guests with a comfortable and unforgettable stay:

The Raft:
Floating on its private lake, The Raft offers a peaceful and relaxing hideaway for up to 4 guests.
Fully equipped with modern amenities, guests only need to bring food, drink, and personal belongings. Features include a private hot tub, W.C. and shower facilities, solar-powered lighting and charging points, and a spacious deck for unwinding and enjoying the serene lake views. A cosy double bed on the mezzanine floor offers picturesque lake views, perfectly balancing luxury and nature.

Birdsong Camp:
Nestled in a secluded clearing of trees, Birdsong Camp offers a luxurious Safari tent experience for up to 5 guests. Guests can enjoy a private hot tub, W.C. and shower facilities, and a relaxing garden area. Guests will find two bedrooms inside the safari tent, a country-style snug with a gas fire, and a fully equipped rustic kitchen. A welcome hamper including local treats such as Chigborough smoked cheese and Tiptree chutneys adds to the delightful experience.

Woodpecker Pod:
Located at the edge of the campsite, the Woodpecker Pod offers modern comforts for up to 4 guests. Features electricity and water, with campsite W.C. and shower facilities nearby. Guests will find a cosy double bed, bunk beds, a lounge area, and a small kitchen space. Panoramic views of the surrounding greenery can be enjoyed from the private terrace, complete with a BBQ for outdoor dining.

Hobbit Cottages:
Escape the chaos and unwind in one of the cosy, unforgettable Hobbit Cottages. Modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay without sacrificing the magic of the experience. Each cottage features a comfortable double bed, and space for additional campers in tents and camper vans—private gardens with BBQ. Facilities are perfect for enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Carpers Cabin:
Designed for coarse and carp anglers and their families, Carpers Cabin provides a luxurious base for fishing enthusiasts. Features include solar lighting, USB charging points, and panoramic views of the private fishing lakes. Thoughtfully designed with warm wood accents and tasteful decor, the cabin offers a cosy retreat after a day of fishing adventures. Completely off-grid, Carpers Cabin gives guests an immersive and authentic fishing experience.

Grass and electrical hook-up camping pitches are available for camper vans and caravans, both members and non-members, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Nearby

Chigborough Farm is ideally located near several family-friendly attractions, providing a memorable and enjoyable stay for everyone. Maldon Town, just a short distance away, boasts a charming promenade and a family-friendly splash park that offers hours of fun for both kids and adults. Colchester Zoo is located 13 miles away and promises a wild adventure where you can explore various habitats and encounter animals from around the world. From Komodo dragons to African plains, there’s plenty of excitement at every turn. The Combined Military Services Museum is only 2.2 miles away and is home to a fascinating collection of militaria that offers an engaging and intriguing experience. Barleylands Farm Park, located 20 miles away, is perfect for a fun-filled day of farmyard activities, where kids can interact with animals, explore play areas, and enjoy scenic walks, and train rides. If you want to delve into centuries of history, look no further than Colchester, Britain’s first city and former capital of Roman Britain. From historic landmarks to vibrant streets, this culturally rich city has plenty to offer.

Summary

Chigborough Farm is a haven for families seeking a delightful countryside retreat. Its serene surroundings and an array of family-friendly activities nearby offer an idyllic setting for an unforgettable holiday. From the charming town of Maldon with its splash park to the adventures awaiting at Colchester Zoo, there’s never a dull moment. The farm’s proximity to historic sites, outdoor excursions, and leisure facilities ensures that every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, can create cherished memories together. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of attractions, Chigborough Farm truly epitomizes family-friendly hospitality at its finest.