The camping and glamping at Intake Farm has a fantastic location, just a ten-minute drive from the Peak District National Park and 20 minutes from Alton Towers. But, in spite of this, plenty of people who stay here say the biggest attraction is Intake Farm itself. Or should we be clearer and say: the residents of Intake Farm? Welcoming hosts David and Maria are likely to be the first you’ll meet – but it won’t be long until you get to know the others. They include cows, horses, and llamas, sheep, chicken, and ducks.
Twice a day, there’s the chance to help at feeding time. It makes this place especially popular with kids – but don’t let them have all the fun. Intake Farm is as good for adults as it is for children with year-round almost-wild camping in the woods and glamping accommodation that works as well for couples as it does for families.
The Greatest Showman, a 1950s’ circus wagon, and White Cloud, a colourfully-painted converted bus, both sit in their own private areas on the farm. Each offers accommodation for up to four that’s kitted out and warmed by a log burner; White Cloud is slightly more spacious. Both are off-grid like the site’s five camping pitches, which are tucked away in Wudu Woods. These have their own shared facilities nearby (compost loos, hot showers and an outdoor washing-up sink). Campfires are allowed in off-ground fire pits, which you can hire on site and logs are for sale alongside Intake Farm’s own bacon and eggs. If you’re glamping, the ingredients for a Staffordshire breakfast are part of the deal for day one.
Either way, we’d recommend it as a hearty local breakfast could fuel walking, climbing, and cycling adventures in the Peak District National Park, a day out at nearby Alton Towers or a visit to the Peak Wildlife Park. For something more sedate, there are country walks to nearby pubs, an RSPB reserve, and a heritage railway too; all of these within five miles. But whatever you decide to do, we predict you’ll be itching to get back for feeding time at Intake Farm.