This place is GORGEOUS. A spectacular piece of farmland has been made even more beautiful by beautiful sculptures, curious farm animals and interesting facts about the countryside.

We visit Thistledown several times with our kids each summer and love it. Do take your camera as there are numerous spots here that deserve to be on your wall/monitor/phone. I half-expected fairies to come dancing from the trees, it was that magical.

Our favorite spots include the animal paddocks where delightfully friendly pigs come galloping towards you to snort "hello". Wear comfortable shoes and bring a picnic.

'GetMoving' - Tripadvisor

Just to say what a fantastic time we all had this weekend at Thistledown. It is such an unspoilt spot, we felt as it we were in the middle of nowhere not 5 miles up the road from home! It was great to be somewhere where the children could be 'free' and safe; they had so much fun building the den in the woods, that we only saw them when they got hungry or needed something. They really enjoyed being able to interact with the animal feeding too. As for the grown ups, sitting round the campfire in a beautiful spot with good friends was fab too! We look forward to returning.

many thanks

Natalie via email

Dear Richard and Ryan

I want to thank you for a lovely weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed camping on your farm. Your lower field is probably the loveliest place we've ever camped at and it was wonderful to get up in the morning, wipe the sleep out of your eyes and see that wonderful view across the valley of Woodchester Park.

It will be good when you've set up the composting toilets and the more permanent shower facilities, but please preserve the back to basics sort of camping. It was refreshing to have the feeling of getting away from it all.

We will be back, and next time we will take up your offer of the mule to carry our gear down to the lower field. I know we refused your hep when we arrived but that was because we thought the 'mule' had four legs!! We laughed about it afterwards.

Kind regards

Alan and Irene via email

Shhh! Don't tell. This one is a gem.

A farm turned over to visitors centre, turned over to campsite. If you don't mind basic facilities it's great.

£47 for 2 adults/3 children for 2 nights, including firewood and tractor-ride to our pitch. That's expensive for no shower, but the site makes it worthwhile.

Beautiful setting with fields dotted down the slopes of a hill, the main camping area an amphitheatre between clumps of woodland, and tents spread out into little separate settlements over many acres giving a feeling of more space.

The kids get umpteen acres to wander into - a totally different experience from most campsites' 2 minutes run to the swings. The farm is dotted with (modern) henges, animal bones, springs. We saw hares and foxes but think the tales of big cats may be exaggerated. Deep fire pits and masses of wood to burn.

The enthusiastic and welcoming owner Richard, after years of sustainable farming, is planning many things, first up being solar-powered showers. The new composting loos are so solidly built they are better than many sites' conventional shower blocks. It's all part of a vision.

There's never silence, but given the noise comes from the wind turbine on the hill 1/2 mile away, hey, that's the future. The motocross that meets next door 4 or 5 times a year is more of an issue, partying at night & scrambling from 9am. You can check on www.Amca.Uk.Com whether the Dursley Motocross is planning a meet at the Tinkley Lane, Nympsfield site on your chosen weekend.

Will be back, hopefully with a few more facilities ready next year to make for a longer stay.

Toby - UKCampsite

We have just returned from a very special weekend camping at Thistledown. The site was peaceful and secluded. This is real camping, with the benefit of a flat area for the tents. We spent the evenings around our campfire looking at the stars, and during the day exploring the farm with its woodlands and wild flower meadows. This is 'wild camping' The composting toilets were being built whilst we were there and everything is developed with minimal imapct on the environment. It is a project that is still being developed and we will definitely be back next year.

'TranquillityEngland - Tripadvisor

Lovely campsite with basic amenities in a very peaceful, tranquil spot with beautiful woodland outlook. The kids enjoyed the few animals and the woodland trails and the helpful advise given to them on what to look out for. The surrounding area provided us with good friendly pubs and good facilities / eg shops. We stayed a short time but we shall be back to enjoy this place for a little longer.

Mary-Ann - UKCampsite