When I wrote my 2021 camping plans I wanted to spend time in Rutland. Living so close it’s an area that I don’t visit often and it’s a shame. It’s a beautiful part of the country and personally I have roots there too. My Dad was born and raised in Oakham. So we took the boys camping to a working farm, Cuckoo Farm Campsite Rutland.
I tried looking for reviews on Facebook and on google before our visit however there were not that many and certainly none that showed photos of the facilities or what to really expect. So I thought I would write a review of our stay.
Cuckoo Farm Campsite Rutland
Cuckoo Farm Campsite Rutland is a family run campsite set within an organic working farm. There are 50 grass pitches with 20 of those having electrical hook-ups as well as 2 May Fly Lotus belle tents. Finding the campsite can be a little tricky however the owners do send a instructions, including a link here to Google Maps.
The road into Cuckoo Farm is horrendous! It’s a working farm so I expected some uneven roads however there were so many potholes. It was like a rollercoaster driving along, even at 5mph! My top tip would be to take it slow, so slow! Once you have driven down the road you enter the campsite. We pulled up just outside the facilities block and popped into the shop to sign in.
As we do not use an electric hook up we were able to pitch up anywhere along the outside of the road within the site. Within the circular road is where the electric hook ups are as well as a few more dotted around the edges.
Facilities
Cuckoo Farm Campsite has a toilet block, washing up sinks and a farm shop. Throughout our stay they remained immaculately clean, I was actually impressed with how well kept it was.
Farm Shop
The Farm shop stocks a range of farm produce such as organic eggs, chicken, lamb, venison, pork, sausages and burgers. As well as being able to buy a range of different coffees to takeaway you can also buy a range of other items you would expect to buy in a farm shop. I am not entirely sure of the shops opening times as they always seemed to be open even at 7am on Saturday morning!
Washrooms
The washroom is split into block A on the far left and block B on the far right. In between both toilet blocks is an accessible toilet as well as a room with a small chest freezer and 2 standing sinks. As well as 2 more standing sinks on the outside of the washroom block. The toilets are open throughout the stay with regular cleaning and the showers are closed for deep cleans.
Things to do
Farm Tours/Animals
As Cuckoo Farm Campsite is a working farm there are plenty of things to do from farm walks to tours where you can meet the animals. At the moment the tours are not happening however hopefully when restrictions are lifted they will be back. The owners have however where possible housed the animals closer to the campsite so children and guests are able to see them.
Stream
On site there is a stream for children to play in and explore. It’s a pretty fast moving stream and with water it’s important to remain cautious and vigilant especially with children. Hanging in the middle of the stream is a swing that can be used too! As you can expect, especially in warmer weather the stream is a popular part of the campsite.
Covid procedures
Hopefully when restrictions ease so will the covid procedures in palce. However like with everywhere else there are some procedures everyone needs to follow when camping at Cuckoo Farm Campsite.
There are no early/late arrivals – Check in is between 2-8pm. I don’t actually know what time check out is as it isn’t anywhere on the website and we weren’t told. However most people seemed to leave before 11am.
Washroom and Shower Slots – The toilet blocks pre covid was male/female however they are now unisex and split into block A and B. Whichever block you choose is the one you use throughout your stay. As well as choosing a toilet block the showers are all pre-bookable. They are closed several times during the day for a deep clean and slots are booked in 25 minute time slots for the family.
Social distancing – social distancing needs to be adhered to at all times as well as ensuring there is a minimum of 6m between tents, households and/or bubble with any adjacent tents. Masks and gloves are not mandatory anywhere other than the farm shop.
Local Area
Rutland Water – Just 4 miles from Cuckoo Farm Campsite is Rutland Water which is free to enter. There are parking charges and additional activities you can pay to access.
Rutland Zoo – Adults – £7.50, Children 3+ £6, Under 3 – Free. You don’t need to book your visit and its open daily between 10am-5pm but please check their Facebook page.
Burghley House – The House is open every Wednesday to Sunday and the Gardens are open daily. Pre-booking your time slot is essential prior to your arrival in order to maintain safe social distancing. Admission to the House & Gardens is valid with House & Gardens or Gardens Only ticket. Your ticket is valid for 365 days, allowing you to return as many times as you like from the date of purchase.
Fineshades Wood – Fineshade Wood provides a picturesque setting for your next adventure. Whether you want to have a leisurely wander through the trees, get the kids to let off some steam at one of the exciting play areas or go on a bike ride, Fineshade Wood is bursting with opportunities to explore the great outdoors
Sacrewell Farm – There is plenty to keep your family entertained, with animals to meet, outdoor spaces to discover, a recently restored 18th century watermill and a large indoor soft play centre.
Aqua Park Rutland – Come and take on the UK’s tallest obstacle: The Rutland Mammoth. Plummet from the giant slides or experience free fall with its staggering 5 meter drop!
Show off your flips and tricks from the Tornado Tower and explore the course that features climbing walls, trampolines, slides, and some of the biggest blast bags making it the ultimate day out for groups, families, adults, children age 6+ and adrenaline junkies alike! Slip, slide, splash and share a lifetime of laughs.
Oakham Castle – The Great Hall of Oakham Castle is the finest surviving example of Norman domestic architecture in Europe. It was built between 1180 and 1190. The surviving structure is the impressive Great Hall of the Castle, where banquets and courts would have been held.
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