Lower Shaw Farm

Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, a stimulating weekend of new experiences, or wanting to learn a new skill, we look forward to welcoming you to Lower Shaw Farm! Lower Shaw Farm offers weekend breaks, events and courses for adults and for families.

Lower Shaw Farm was once a dairy farm deep in rural North Wiltshire and home to seventy black and white cows. There are no cows now, but the farm has another life: as a three-acre oasis in an area of 1980s development. The farm has kept a character and atmosphere of its own.

It is a friendly place, environmentally-aware and active, with organic gardens, many native trees, living willow structures, ponds, poultry, sheep, pigs, an outdoor cooking area with clay oven, and play areas both for children and adults.

In May, the annual Swindon Festival of Literature takes place, with the farm as its home base. In 2009, Lower Shaw Farm won the Observer Ethical Garden Award. There are opportunities for volunteering in the organic garden, and around the farm. Yoga studio, meeting rooms, and accommodation are available for hire by groups and small conference organisers.

The farm is a valued resource for the local community but also has many visitors from further afield, from all over the UK and from overseas. The farm outbuildings have been converted into meeting rooms, workshops, and simple accommodation. This includes chalets, caravans, and farmhouse rooms, which comprise single, double, and shared bedrooms.

Full vegetarian board is provided and we can cater for special diets. The prices quoted for residential events include all meals, accommodation, and tuition. Facilities are basic but homely and generally user-friendly for all people. We like to work and play, make discoveries and make friends, be serious and also frolic. We like organic and local food and enjoy good talk, or music-making and storytelling round the fire in the yard, by the woodstove, or in the Circle Garden.

We reckon that today’s stranger is tomorrow’s friend and that life is for learning! Lower Shaw Farm is a welcoming place. Its outer ramshackle appearance masks an inner order and warmth. It is currently run by farm residents Andrea, Matt, and family, and a phenomenal team of helpers from near and far. We hope that you find a reason to visit us. And we look forward to welcoming you!

Please get in touch with Lower Shaw Farm from the Contact box on the right.