Dimpsey Glamping
UK England South West England Somerset Ilminster
Dimpsey Glamping, Beetham Farm, Combe St Nicholas, Chard, Somerset TA20 3PY
Dimpsey Glamping is British at its best. Far away from anywhere (you disconnect to reconnect), with sheep and geese on the farm, the owners bring you local produce to cook on the stove or on the firepit. The Blackdown Shepherd Hut that is Dimpsey is beatuifully crafted and has so many nooks and crannies you don't know what you'll find next. The bits and bobs inside are all vintage inspired and the provision of games and sheepskin rugs, this is peace and tranquility glamping.
Our favourite spot
Glampers only. Tents, campervans, caravans, dogs and pets – no.
The local area
Walking and cycling routes surround the campsite and other activities (horse-riding, clay pigeon shooting, fishing trips and more) can be arranged on request. There are tourist attraction leaflets in the drawer above the fridge and they also provide an OS map of the local area. There is a lovely 3 mile circular walk, which starts and ends at the driveway. If you want to stretch your legs further then driving the 35 minutes to the coast is always a safe bet. Walk the beaches of Lyme Regis, explore Charmouth fossil beach or try Burton Bradstock. The National Trust properties of Barrington Court (01460 242614), a fine 16th-century Tudor Mansion, and Montacute House (01935 823289), Elizabethan and with exceptional gardens, are both well worth a visit.
Best local places to eat and drink
Subject to availability you can buy a selection of food direct from the farm including burgers made from their own Dexter beef, sausages from their pigs, lamb burgers and, of course, farm fresh eggs. Just ask what's available during your stay – or pre-order by email. Top pubs include the gastro stylings of The Candlelight Inn (01460 234476), a mile away, and one of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s canteens, River Cottage (01297 630314), 23 minutes away in Axminster. For something different try Mark Hix Oyster & Fish House (01297 446910) overlooking the harbour in Lyme Regis, or Mint and Mustard (01823 330770) – innovative Indian cuisine not far away in Taunton. There's a farm shop (5 minutes) while Ilminster is a lovely market town about 10 minutes away and has a fantastic butchers and delicatessen, as well as a Co-op and large Tesco.
Why stay with us?
The shepherd's hut is 18ft long and includes full en-suite facilities, including shower, flushing loo and bottles of bathroom products, right down to handmade soaps from Cornwall. The hut is sheep's wool insulated and has a log burning stove with a free, unlimited supply of wood. The double bed (linen and bedding provided) can be folded into the wall if more space is required, there is a long sofa, a practical area with gas hob, fridge, sink and all the utensils and cutlery you will need, plus a hand built oak table and benches for 4–6 people. Games, books, a radio, telescope, OS maps and star maps are all in there too. Outside there's a BBQ and campfire area plus ht and cold taps for washing up. Dimpsey is a small, mixed farm with 15 Dexter cows, 10 Jacobs sheep and 2 Tamworth pigs. 15 acres are a designated SSSI too, so expect plenty of varied wildlife and a blissful dawn chorus.
