An electricity-free eco farm where the kids meet the animals, the fire pit is communal and the stars are properly dark.
Our verdict
Book it for the farm life, the shared fire pit and the dark skies, not for hotel-grade washrooms.
| Distance from SN7 | 26 miles |
|---|---|
| County | Oxfordshire |
| Price band | ££ what the bands mean |
| Open | May to September |
| Tents | Yes |
| Campervans & motorhomes | No |
| Electric hook-up | No |
| Campfires | Yes |
| Swimming pool | No |
Willowbrook is a working eco farm run by the Radwan family, and camping here feels more like being welcomed onto the land than checking into a site. Pitches sit in a secluded spot behind the trees, there is no electricity anywhere on the campsite, and evenings gather around one communal fire pit where kids toast marshmallows and swap stories with other families. With no light pollution the stargazing is properly good, and the farm's own well water is yours to drink.
Daytimes look after themselves. There is a pondside menagerie of farm animals to visit, footpaths and bridleways in every direction, and a weekend café serving 11am to 3pm alongside the farm shop's own beef and lamb. The River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal are close by, lovely for a towpath amble towards Thrupp, but keep small children within reach near the water and the farm pond. Note it is an alcohol-free site, open May to September at £12.50 to £15 per person.
Why children love it
- Under-5s camp free and campers get the run of the farm all day, animals and footpaths included
- One big communal fire pit instead of private ones, so kids end up making friends with other families after dark
- Time your stay with an Open Day and campers get discounted tickets for the family farm activities
Days out nearby
- Hampton Gay's atmospheric ruined manor house, a short walk across the fields
- Blenheim Palace at Woodstock, about 15 minutes by car
- Oxford city centre, a short bus ride from neighbouring Kidlington
Know before you go
- Bring rubbish bags and sort your recycling carefully; at last check unsorted general waste was charged at £10 a bag
- There is no electricity at all, so pack battery packs, torches and a cool box for anything perishable
- Check-in windows are strict with a £10 late fee, so message the farm on WhatsApp if your plans slip; café and farm shop hours are limited and worth checking before you rely on them
The honest bit
The compost loos and eco showers are genuinely basic, and recent reviewers grumble about cleanliness and patchy hot water.
Camping weather this week
Live 7-day forecast for Hampton Gay, straight from Open-Meteo.
Quick answers
Are campfires allowed at Willowbrook Farm?
Yes. Campfires or fire pits are part of the experience at Willowbrook Farm. Follow the site's current fire rules, keep fires off the grass where asked, and check ahead in very dry spells.
Does Willowbrook Farm have a swimming pool?
No. The nearest pool site in this guide is Diamond Farm Caravan and Camping Park, about 1 miles away. Willowbrook Farm makes up for it outdoors.
How far is Willowbrook Farm from Faringdon and Oxford?
Willowbrook Farm is about 26 miles from Faringdon (SN7) and roughly 8 miles from Oxford city centre. Distances are approximate road miles.
When is Willowbrook Farm open?
Willowbrook Farm is typically open May to September. Dates shift a little year to year, so confirm with the site before travelling.
Kids Under Canvas is an independent guide and takes no commission. Details last checked July 2026; facilities and opening dates change season to season, so always confirm directly with the campsite before travelling. Photography is illustrative, not of the campsite itself.
