Poet's Cottage at Ashford Farm

06/05/2018

The bluebell woods are always beautiful but, especially, in the glorious sunshine we're experiencing. Both Stansted Park and Hinton Ampner are in easy driving distance from Steep.

Did you know that almost half of the woodland in the South Downs National Park is considered to be ancient? Here soils have been left undisturbed for hundreds of years, allowing great mobs of bluebells to thrive. With thoughts of a bank holiday ahead of us we asked South Downs Woodland Officer Bob E...

06/04/2018

I’m often asked by guests for recommendations for days out and Arundel is always at the top of my list. It’s about 45 minutes from Poet’s but we love both Arundel Castle and The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the latter home to a huge collection of resident and visiting waterfowl.

The first Greylag goslings had hatched when we visited yesterday and the next month or so will bring forth a plethora of ducklings! Take a tranquil boat ride around the marshes and look out for the water voles or just follow the trails and see how many species you can spot!

13/02/2018

Lovely day yesterday at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. We went bowling and then had lunch overlooking this view. Gunwharf has a cinema, loads of restaurants and a fabulous selection of shops. The highlight is the Spinnaker Tower. Choose a clear day and you can see for miles! Well worth a visit and next door to the Historical Dockyard too.

09/02/2018

Fabulous to see our very own Ashford Hangers Nature Reserve and Steep featured on All 4's Walks With My Dog last night! Phil Spencer explored the area including walking up the Shoulder of Mutton to Edward Thomas's Poet's Stone and, of course, stopped for an obligatory pint at our local, The Harrow! We stil have some mid-week availability for half term next week so if you fancy walking in Phil's footsteps, bring the dog(s) and your wellies and we would be delighted to welcome you!

01/11/2017

Followers of this page will know that we love Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, so I can't resist sharing their post about Christmas at Paultons. Their Santa's Grotto is fabulous. I'm assuming it hasn't changed from previous years when you walked through a winter wonderland of animated animals, elves and Santa's workshop before meeting the man himself. The kids love it. Opening is limited and places need to be booked so do check out their website and, of course, Paultons is only a 45 minute drive from Poet's so after a busy day at the park come back and relax in our warm and cosy cottage!

31/10/2017

Sounds like an excellent way to start celebrating Christmas! We have some availability in November and December so if you would like to use Poet's as a base do drop me a line!

https://www.hants.gov.uk/shop/home.php?cat=334&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&page=2

08/10/2017

The Harrow is a pleasant walk from Poet's as we know to our cost! Our old Springer Spaniel delighted in following walkers coming down from the Ashford Hangers and would often end up there! Call in for a pint and pick up some of Tony's gorgeous bunches flowers and all in a good cause too.

There are some lovely new bunches of Tony's cut flowers for sale! All of the profits go to two charities The Macmillan Nurses and The Rosemary Foundation.

27/09/2017

The Rising Sun at Milland is one of our favourite pubs and a great place to visit if staying at Poet's. It's about a 15 minute drive but the food is well worth it! Have a look at their yummy Christmas menu!

22/09/2017

My children are almost too old for Peppa Pig World now (although love the other half of the park with the more grown up rides) but I think we'll still be visiting to check the new rides out! (Don't laugh if I tell you the dinosaur ride at Peppa Pig is my favourite ride of all time!!) In our opinion, Paulton's Park with Peppa Pig world is the very best family theme park and so good for taking even the littlest ones too. It's only a straightforward 40/45 minute drive from Poet's and is a fantastic day out!

🐷🎉Peppa Pig World is set to get even bigger & better in 2018, with 2 brand new rides!!

The Queen’s Flying Coach Ride & Grampy Rabbit’s Sailing Club, open on 16/05/18.

Find out more at > https://goo.gl/ZXxZUb

18/09/2017

If you are down in this part of Hampshire (close to the Sussex border as well!) do go and visit the fantastic Rogate Pumpkin Patch during half term. We've been for the last couple of years and not only do you get to pick your own pumpkin (or two or three!!) there are loads of activities to keep the children occupied whilst you enjoy a well-deserved cup of coffee!

16/09/2017

Anyone for bacon?! Proper thick cut bacon - got the sausages and eggs too - all from the farm! Simon thinks I should be making the bread as well so his breakfast is all home sourced!! I'll just grind the wheat while I'm at it .......!! If you're staying at Poet's and would like to sample some of our produce, please let us know and we can arrange to put some in the fridge!

07/09/2017

Well done to The Harrow! If you fancy checking it out for yourself, it's within walking distance of Poet's as we know only too well - our old spaniel used to tag along with anyone going past the farm and we'd have to collect him from the pub! We have some mid week availability later on in the month or come and visit in October and enjoy the autumn colours and some fabulous walks!

The Harrow Inn has been named the unspoilt pub of the year 2018!