About Family Camp

Family Camp at Trill on the Hill is the perfect escape from everyday life. Join up to 10 families for a special wild camping experience in rural East Devon. Cook on a campfire, gaze at the stars, run wild through the woods, track creatures of the night, make music, whittle, weave, wallow. Relax. Slow down. Connect. Choose to take part in activities led by nature connection facilitator Chris Holland, relax in the peaceful meadows and woodlands while the others play or simply do your own thing.

Who runs the camp?

Family Camp is hosted by Romy, Tamsin and Lara, formerly of Trill Farm, and facilitated by the legendary Chris Holland and his small team of storytellers, craftspeople and activity leaders. Chris has a BSc in Environmental Science, and has been involved in outdoor learning for over 20 years. He’s an inspiration in the field of nature connection and creative outdoor learning and has a natural talent for working with families, telling stories, sharing bushcraft skills, foraging and creating environmental art.

What facilities are there?

Wild means wild. If you’re expecting flushing toilets and running hot water think again. We do have cold running water, compost loos, a wild wash area, endless hot water on the fire, some ingenious hot bucket showers (yes hot showers!), a covered fire circle, and flat ground for pitching your tent. If you’re more of a glamping type, we also have a few bell tents and tentipis for hire, which we can put up before you arrive. Just bring your own sleeping mats and bedding.

We’re off grid, so leave devices at home and bring a portable battery charger if you want to charge your smartphone. We can re-freeze ice blocks for your cool box thanks to a generous friend down the road.

Trill on the Hill - the place

Trill on the Hill is a magical 30 acre patch of wild woodland and meadows, rich in wildlife and overlooking the Jurassic Coast. A place that badgers, owls, bats and our small flock of Gotland sheep call home, and the perfect summer retreat. We’re just a short drive from Axminster, on the border between Devon and Dorset – we’ll share the exact location with you once you’ve booked.

A day at camp

The day begins with a camp check-in after breakfast. You’ll then have a choice of two activities in the morning and afternoon; one is usually fast paced and active, such as playing a wide game through the fields, and the other is something calmer, such as willow lantern weaving or whittling by the fire. In the evening, there’s a campfire story after supper and another activity like a bat walk or night game.

It’s up to you to prepare your own meals. Families often end up sharing resources and eating together. On the last night we have a communal feast.

Anything else?

We’re hoping our FAQs answer your questions! Read them here.