The farm and surroundings
The unusual name of the village of Dolphinholme derives from an ancient Scandinavian settlement and has nothing to do with the marine mammal!

In 1784 the first mechanised worsted spinning mill was established here, and a factory village grew up around this early industrial site. That mill closed in 1865, but another, Corless Mill, continued working until 1926. The village is split into two parts - a higher village and a lower part situated on the River Wyre and many of the houses in Lower Dolphinholme are the existing

mill buildings and dwellings. The river is the boundary between the Lancaster and Wyre districts, with the part in Wyre designated as a historic conservation area. The village is on the edge of the Forest of Bowland. The Forest of Bowland, also known as the Bowland Fells, is an area of barren gritstone fells, deep valleys and peat moorland. The area is nationally and internationally important for its upland bird populations. The name 'forest' is used in its traditional sense of 'a royal hunting ground', and much of the land still belongs to the British Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. In the past wild boar, deer, wolves, wild cats and game roamed the forest.

The farming at Dolphinholme farm
Dolphinholme farm is a family run dairy farm, on the western edge of the Trough of Bowland, which is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty (A.N.O.B.). Dolphinholme House farm is a very traditional dairy farm milking goats, while sheep graze the permanent pastures. Other inhabitants of the farm include pigs, pony's, hens, dogs, cats and rabbits with ducks leisurely cruising up and down the river.

The farm is currently being assessed for it's prestigious 'Green Tourism Award'.

The Dolphinholme family
The Gorst family have farmed at Dolphinholme House farm for over 70 years.

Father and son, John and Mark, farm in partnership with John's wife Barbara.

You will receive a warm welcome on arrival at Dolphinholme House farm from us, together with our Spaniel dogs (which we breed and train) and a lot of 'kids' and 'teenagers', which is what young milking goats are referered to as.

The location of the Feather Down tents
The tents are sited on the edge of woodland and a 10 acre field that is bounded on two sides by the river Wyre and on two sides by 35 acres of ancient deciduous woodland, being a semi ancient heritage site owned by the Gorst family. The woods offer safe play for older children and the river at the other end of the field offers pools deep enough to swim in.

We also offer a 'play barn' where the children can play traditional games on the bales of straw and hay. Also included here (under cover) are a swing, sandpit and giant slide, which can become a water slide if the weather is war enough! Board games are also available for family entertainment.

A hairdryer and washing machine are also available for use.

Pets allowed
Pets are welcome, but please keep them under close control near livestock.

Special on Dolphinholme farm
John is passionate about the history of the 18th & 19th century wool industry in this area. They used the power - (with the biggest wheel at that time) - of the river to industrialize the treatment of wool. In 1784 the first merchandised worsted spinning mill was established here.