Activities & Facilities

Whether you enjoy nature rambles and picnics, birdwatching, relaxing in beautiful settings, cooking or just soaking up the atmosphere you will find something to enjoy without even having to leave the farm. There are plenty of activities to do from the sedate pastime of croquet, bird watching or using the outdoor chess board through to an exhilarating ride on your bike, running through the avenue lined woodland to a game of table tennis in the games room.

Nature watching

Heath Farm offers a wealth of natural interest in all seasons. All the conservation work that has been done since the late 70’s certainly seems to suit the wildlife as we regularly see around 50 bird species, and have even had nightingales. It provides habitats for species that we never saw in the past, such as buzzards and red kites which are now commonplace. The woodlands and wildflower meadows are host to rabbits, hares, badgers, squirrels, roe deer and muntjac. In summer, wild cherry plums grow in abundance and in autumn, nut bushes galore provide rich pickings for wildlife and visitors alike. We have bird books and lists in the cottages for guests to try and spot any new species. Tree identifier signs are dotted around the farm, see if you can find them all!

Please make the most of your holiday at Heath Farm by exploring all that we have here and enjoy finding and watching everything that nature has to offer. Do tell us if you see anything exciting or unusual and whether there is anything you think we should do to improve your enjoyment of our piece of rural Oxfordshire.

Picnics & BBQ

There are some amazing spots in the stunning 70 acres of woodland and meadows. We provide a hamper in every cottage equipped with cutlery, plates, glasses and a blanket to facilitate the perfect picnic.

Diving into a BBQ at Heath Farm Holiday cottages

The Lake

We have a lake at the foot of the hill below the cottages. It has recently been dredged and re-built. The lake is spring water fed and is great for wild water swimming (tested monthly), boating and fishing. There are 2 sets of steps, one on the jetty (plus diving platform) and also a set on the other side of the lake where there's a shallow area which has a gravel bottom to make it easier to get in and out. It has also been stocked with Rainbow Trout which you are welcome to feed (food by Jetty) or catch and cook in your cottage or on the BBQ! We allow up to 2 fish to be caught and kept per set of guests. We do ask that you inform us if you have caught any so that we can keep the lake stocked ready for the next guests. Use of the boat and paddle board by children is only allowed with adult supervision. All children must wear a life jacket when near the water, which are located in the boat house.

Drying room & guest freezer area

Next to the Games Room is our drying room area for cyclists and walkers to be able to leave wet & muddy boots and clothing. We also have our own selection of wellies, overalls and umbrellas you can use. Space is provided to hang wet kit out to dry. The guest overflow freezer for Hazelnut, Beechnut & Chestnut and BBQ equipment are also located here.

360º View

Indoor Games Room

Situated just past reception opposite Walnut & Chestnut entrances is our games room. Equipped with table tennis table, pool table, darts board, exercise bike, yoga & exercise mats, musical equipment, sound system and computer. WiFi and plug in point available. Lounge seating from which you can watch a movie using the projector. There’s a wide selection of toys, games, DVDs and books to borrow. There's even an easel for artists to paint and there's also books on nature and a selection of maps, walking and cycle routes.

360º View

Games Lawn

Beyond the garden and orchard you’ll find the games Lawn. A terraced area with stunning views is the setting for you to relax or play to your hearts content. There’s a games shed packed full of equipment for you to enjoy. Activities include, Croquet, Boules, Skittles, Badminton, Volleyball , Swingball and Giant Jenga. There’s also a 14ft trampoline plus a woodland stage and dance/yoga floor behind the hedge. There's even an outdoor shower and compost loo just behind the trampoline in the woods.

Cycling & Bike Shed

For cyclists wishing to bring their bikes we have a secure bike shed available to use. As part of the‘Cyclists Welcome’ scheme, we offer secure undercover storage for bikes and access to basic tools for repairs. We have facilities for washing and cleaning bikes, clothing and boots/shoes, indoor space for drying outdoor clothes and boots/shoes and information on local bike hire and shops. Please see Green Tourism pages for further info.

Heath Farm welcomes all cyclists – from those who would just like a gentle ride around our fields and woods to the more adventurous planning to link on to long distance cycle routes or tour the Cotswolds (do check our Out and About or Green Tourism sections). Children are very safe and welcome to ride around our grounds .The top half of the farm is relatively flat and there’s a multitude of avenues in amongst the 70 acres of woodland to discover.

Outdoor Chess

Enjoy playing chess soaking up the atmosphere in the top corner of the courtyard on our custom made large chess board which was part of the integral design of the courtyard. For those wishing less of a challenge there is also a drafts set. Please be mindful that Beechnut's bedroom window is right next to this area.

Walking in the woodland at Heath Farm Holiday Cottages an idyllic retreat for couples

Walks & Runs

Heath Farm has 70 acres of stunning woodland & meadows split into various different tree sections including apple, cherry & nut orchards all with mown avenues to explore. The cottages are situated at the heart of the farm with extensive areas to explore in all directions. If you're in the woodland you're on our land! Maps of the trails & walks available in your cottage. We also have an extensive library of local walks and routes in the neighboring countryside available in the games room. Full details of walks and runs are available HERE

Model Aircraft and Drone holidays in the Cotswolds at Heath Farm Holiday Cottages

Kite Flying and Model Aircraft strip

Below the Orchard and Games Lawn and nestled in the middle of a wildflower meadow you’ll discover the kite flying and model aircraft strip. Used by the boys of our family it has even been used in the past for launching hot air balloons! There are kites you can borrow, located in the games shed by the Games Lawn.

Feel free to bring your own equipment, safe storage will be provided. Please note only electric powered flight is allowed to minimise noise.

Yoga

Yoga Sessions with Sasha Buckman Barbour

Sasha focuses on linking breath to stretching, helping you to improve flexibility, build strength, quiet a busy mind, and calm the body. Energised, relaxed and happier all in one package – what’s not to love!

She completed her 200hr training with The House of Yoga, and is a HUGE advocate of teaching without judgement. Sasha teaches mostly in Oxford in a variety of styles including Vinyasa, Power, Flow to Restore, Hot Yoga and Yin.

1-2-1 £80 p/h

for classes of 5 students and over £80 p/h + £10 for each additional person

Yoga at Heath Farm on the woodland stage

Spa & Wellbeing

You can book several therapies when you visit us, including massages and yoga. More details on other therapists and spa treatments nearby can be found under Info, Local Guide.

Massage

Enjoy a massage in the comfort of your cottage! Our visiting masseuse Rheya will bring her own treatment table and kit. She's a massage therapist originally from Bangkok, Thailand and has mastered skills in Tradition Thai massage and has helped to alleviate many of her clients conditions. She constantly strives to learn and develop new techniques in order to advance her skills further. Having acquired skills in Hot Stone and Deep Tissue Massage technique, she has combined this technique with traditional Thai massage and developed her own unique style which she is utterly passionate about.

You can book massages as a booking extra when you book your cottage or using the Manage My Booking facility after booking, at least 7 days before arrival.