The Paddock Ramsbottom
Lancashire
Farm camping and glamping above Ramsbottom, around twelve miles north of Manchester
About The Paddock Ramsbottom
The Paddock occupies part of a working farm at Shuttleworth, on the hillside above Ramsbottom, where the West Pennine Moors begin to lift out of the Irwell valley. Pitches are on grass and non-electric, spread across a field with long views towards Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower, and the site deliberately keeps things simple for tent campers. Alongside the pitches are yurts with proper beds and wood-burners, camping pods, safari tents and domes, several with private kitchen areas containing a gas stove and cool box.
Facilities are well kept rather than extensive: power showers with plenty of hot water, clean toilets, and a water point with a sink and solar-heated supply for washing up. An honesty shed covers snacks, drinks, marshmallows and firewood. Campfires and barbecues are encouraged rather than tolerated, which is unusual enough in England to be worth noting, and dogs are welcome. The season runs from around Easter until the end of October.
Ramsbottom is five minutes down the hill and is the main reason people choose this side of the city. The former mill town has turned itself into a serious eating and drinking destination, with the East Lancashire Railway running steam services from its station, a chocolate festival in the spring and a good weekly market. Walkers can climb Holcombe Hill to the Peel Tower directly from the village, or follow the Irwell Sculpture Trail south. Manchester is roughly half an hour by car, or take the tram from Bury for a day in the city without moving the tent.