Thistledown Farm
Thistledown Farm
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
Thistledown Café and Campsite - award-winning camping and wood-fired food set in 70 acres of Cotswold AONB
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
69 within 3 miles
Attractions
44 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
262 reviews
Excellent
203
Very good
37
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
3
samanthalbird
Tring, UK50 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I’ve visited a lot of camp sites in both the UK and European and have to say this one has blown me away. It’s great for groups as there are little nooks to camp together, the toilets and shower blocks are so clean. It’s not noisy & the kids have a great time exploring.
Some great walks to the pub! Shop is well stocked & the cafe is open with ample seating to enjoy the views
Almost don’t recommend it so that it doesn’t get over run!! Such a gem
Some great walks to the pub! Shop is well stocked & the cafe is open with ample seating to enjoy the views
Almost don’t recommend it so that it doesn’t get over run!! Such a gem
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rossana V
1 contribution
Jul 2022
I am a 63 years old woman who has not been camping for ages. I booked 3 days at the Elderflower Orchard just as a trial experince. I ended up staying 6 days as my expectations were superseded. Kate and Richar are incredible nice people who made me feek looked after and vere always available with a smile. Iwas bitten by an insect and had a bad reaction, Richard came every so ofter that day to check how I was and gave me his phone number to call him any time of day or night if needed! This attitude and professionalism is priceless. The site is absolutelly beautiful and very well kept. It did not matter not to have a cafe as camping is about cooking by the fire. The toilets and showers were spotless and in good orfer. Other campers were ver friendly and polite. I am certainly coming back again and my friends, who came for a day visit, were impressed too and will come also.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SunflowerLou
Nympsfield, UK74 contributions
Feb 2020
I am such a fan of this place that I have to write a second review. Honestly, it is so refreshingly different and a relaxing place to be. I love the fact that it is dog friendly so you can go for a walk locally and then pop in afterwards. The food is superb, so fresh and original. I love the fact that everything is locally sourced and that they only cook with food that is in season. Lovely Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, beautifully presented, so virant and appetising. They do have more traditional burgers but accompanied by wonderful, tasty and unusual salads. They prepare delicious flat breads, sour dough and popadums. Choice for everyone, vegans included. I always find it hard to know what to choose but I have never been disappointed. The staff are very knowledgable about the food and so if you're not sure they explain exactly what something is. The cakes are homemade and so much choice, I like to pop in for just coffee sometimes because I rarely have room for a cake after having lunch there. I would say booking is essential, this place is incredibly popular. The staff are really friendly and efficient and they do run a strict table allocation/booking system so you can't just turn up and expect to have your food order taken straight away. When you arrive do wait to be seated, so they can allocate you a table. They do explain that because everything is cooked fresh and they have many pre-bookings they have a specific order in which the food is served. The wait can sometimes be a little longer than other places but it really is worth it, the food is so good. I like the fact that you can see it being prepared in the kitchen whilst you wait. I recently witnessed one of the staff having to deal with some very rude and impatient diners on a very busy Saturday who had just sat themselves down at a table without informing anyone they were there or even if they could sit there and then assumed they would be served immediately, they seemed to complain about everything. The waitress was so professional and polite and seemed able to diffuse the situation, I'm not sure I would've kept so cool and calm in that situation, I thought their behaviour was so unnecessary, why are people so rude?
The setting of the cafe/bistro is lovely and another thing to note is that you can buy some local produce. i have bought fresh sour dough loaves to take home, fresh eggs, coffee beans and milk.
On my last visit 2 days ago, I had a light lunch of beetroot and horseradish pate which came with soughdough and picked vegetables, it was delicious. I also had a herbal tea and carrot cake which really was the best carrot cake I have ever tasted, so moist. My friend chose the rhubarb crumble cake which she raved about. You are basically spoilt for choice.
The setting of the cafe/bistro is lovely and another thing to note is that you can buy some local produce. i have bought fresh sour dough loaves to take home, fresh eggs, coffee beans and milk.
On my last visit 2 days ago, I had a light lunch of beetroot and horseradish pate which came with soughdough and picked vegetables, it was delicious. I also had a herbal tea and carrot cake which really was the best carrot cake I have ever tasted, so moist. My friend chose the rhubarb crumble cake which she raved about. You are basically spoilt for choice.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanellaW
Stroud, UK5 contributions
Feb 2020
I had lunch here last Sunday with my husband, his brother and his little boy and we were STARVING when we arrived (we didn't have a reservation). The staff found us a table and were very honest about the fact that they were busy and would only take our order when they knew we could be catered for. They got us drinks in the meantime and one waitress even brought us a flatbread to share and keep hunger at bay. It wasn't long before we ordered and our meals came very quickly. The food was really good and we will definitely be returning. Such a beautiful setting too!
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz Bingham
London, UK17 contributions
May 2021 • Family
This is a very special spot. If you had to imagine the perfect peaceful camping place you’d invent Thistledown, which is what I think the owners have done. Huge pastures that undulate away from each other allow for all sorts of ‘hidden’ nooks and crannies, no cars at pitches and a host of sensible guidelines mean that you feel genuinely removed from the world, snaking quiet walks and a huge natural wonderland means that no corner looks the same and the adventures can be endless. and the charming caring staff make the whole place delightful. Throw in serious eco credentials to the excellent facilities and you have a really fantastic experience. There is a glorious cafe (make sure you have the pizzas), a well stocked shop selling everything you’d need and wood for the fire pits delivered to your pitch. We sat by the fire and chatted, we played cricket in the fading sunshine, we roamed the woods and foraged for wild garlic and happened on bluebells, all on a damp and blustery weekend in May. We’ve travelled to all sorts of great campsites (but we don’t count ourselves as pros) but if you ever needed converting to the joys of camping Thistledown will do it. We don’t ever want to go anywhere else!! Thank you.
Written 23 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzBerkshire
Taplow, UK42 contributions
Jul 2020
We've just got back from a lovely long weekend at Thistledown Farm, staying in the Elderflower Orchard. We chose that particular area as it was cheapest, and because it allows car access to make things a bit easier when setting up and packing away.
It's a lovely spot - nice cafe on site (although I had to wait 40 mins for a takeaway coffee), and perfectly adequate, clean showers in the other two fields which we never queued to use even though it was a fairly busy weekend.
The only improvement I would make is to provide a washing up area in the orchard, as it's a bit of a trek to the next field with all your dirty pots and pans, but I understand that it's also the most basic area of the site, and that does add to its charm.
The local pub is great - lovely food and great service.
All in all, a lovely site, that I'd love to go back to
It's a lovely spot - nice cafe on site (although I had to wait 40 mins for a takeaway coffee), and perfectly adequate, clean showers in the other two fields which we never queued to use even though it was a fairly busy weekend.
The only improvement I would make is to provide a washing up area in the orchard, as it's a bit of a trek to the next field with all your dirty pots and pans, but I understand that it's also the most basic area of the site, and that does add to its charm.
The local pub is great - lovely food and great service.
All in all, a lovely site, that I'd love to go back to
Written 29 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
volcanictonga
Hawarden, UK27 contributions
Jul 2021
A peaceful campsite in beautiful surroundings. Being able to have an open fire was a great experience, especially when paired with some local cider and sausages from Stroud farmer's market. There's a great walk (probably more but we only did the one) through the woods and around the ponds. Kids can roam safely and they very much enjoyed the garlic flatbread on offer up the hill (I only got a small piece and it was very good).
The compost toilets were an interesting novelty (in the 2nd pasture the left trap is the best - there's a step), though the water temperature for washing/washing up was a bit inconsistent (didn't bother me though).
Parking at the top and barrowing your gear down, or using the mule, is absolutely fine, though when the weather's not great it can be a pain not being able to just sling your stuff directly into the car.
The compost toilets were an interesting novelty (in the 2nd pasture the left trap is the best - there's a step), though the water temperature for washing/washing up was a bit inconsistent (didn't bother me though).
Parking at the top and barrowing your gear down, or using the mule, is absolutely fine, though when the weather's not great it can be a pain not being able to just sling your stuff directly into the car.
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JaneD162
Stroud, UK81 contributions
Mar 2020
This delightful farm is just outside Nailsworth and the drive there is spectacular, with lovely views. The walk into the cafe is delightful. There was a fence of twisted hazel with pussy willow just coming out and daffodils lining the way. Inside the modern building is cosy and warm, with light everywhere and fabulous views of the orchards. My friend had the beetroot and horseradish pate with yogurt, sourdough and house pickles and I had the charred cauliflower salad, a cauliflower tikka with hummus, crispy chickpeas, leaves, tahini and pomegranate molasses. We both had elderflower cordial. We went for smaller plates to leave room for cake. My charred cauliflower salad was the best thing I have tasted in ages. The cakes afterwards and the coffees were also fab and lots of gluten-free options. Service was delightful too and everyone who worked there looked happy and as though they were really enjoying it just as much as we were. It's all a bit zen too, very calming.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simeon S
4 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
A lovely setting and very family friendly. Service was very good and smiley. It was a bit disappointing to only have one meat option as a main course. We had a table of 8 and 6 had beef burgers which were very good although they came with a small salad instead of chips?! Maybe we didn't fit the demographic as it seems to be setup more for the alternative types with vegan options prominent.
I felt the need a leave a review as it was a afternoon well spent however may be suited more to vegans/vegetarians who would most likely get the most from the place.
I felt the need a leave a review as it was a afternoon well spent however may be suited more to vegans/vegetarians who would most likely get the most from the place.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
james w
bearsted17 contributions
Aug 2021
Great campsite with plenty of room. Myself and my family stayed for three days in August which we thoroughly enjoyed. We were with three other families and there was plenty of room for the children to run about. The pitches were enormous and well spread out. The staff were a great help with getting our equipment up and down the slopes....we stayed on field three and not easily accessible if you are physically impaired.
The composting toilets were as expected.
Only negative would be the showers however having chatted to the owner they are in the middle of resolving this issue.
We would thoroughly recommend.
The composting toilets were as expected.
Only negative would be the showers however having chatted to the owner they are in the middle of resolving this issue.
We would thoroughly recommend.
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there - I wouldn't think that this campsite would be at all suitable for mobility scooters. The restaurant might be manageable though and the car park is right next to it.
Written 9 July 2018
Moving about the cafe itself and getting there from the carpark will be fine. there is a relatively extensive flat/accessible area immediately around the cafe buildings. I would go to Thistledown if I were organising a visit for someone with mobility requirements. Hope this helps and that you enjoy your visit.
Written 13 July 2018
Showing results 1-2 of 2
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing