Bishop’s Court Farm Mooring

‘In the painter’s mind, this place has a compelling magic.’

Paul Nash

Situated on the River Thames at Day’s Lock, which is between Benson Lock and Culham Lock, Bishop’s Court Farm is located within easy reach of Reading, Oxford and Didcot and set on a 300-acre site in the historic village of Dorchester-on-Thames in the heart of the idyllic Oxfordshire countryside.

We have three spacious and stunningly picturesque mooring locations – Lake Field, Thames Path and Day’s Lock – which are a stone’s throw from the Sinodun Hills, commonly known as Wittenham Clumps.

Visiting Bishop’s Court Farm by boat

Day’s Lock, which is our most central mooring area, is the main gauging station for measuring the flow of water in the River Thames.  From here you can easily walk to the villages of Dorchester-on-Thames, Long Wittenham, Little Wittenham and Bishop’s Court Farm, where we would encourage you to visit our cafe, Snug.

If you are feeling more energetic, you could take a stroll up Wittenham Clumps, sometimes called the Sinodun Hills. Rising 122 metres above the clay beds of the River Thames, the chalk hills of the Clumps can be seen from many miles away as the only peaks on an otherwise lowland landscape. They are a unique ancient monument that is steeped in history.

 

A hilltop fort was built by Iron Age man on Castle Hill (the lower clump). When the Romans invaded they built a camp where the nearest village – Dorchester on Thames – was founded.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of Roman, Bronze Age and Iron Age occupation on the site, and it has inspired many famous artists, authors and poets over the years. Wittenham Clumps hosted local rulers from as far back as the Ice Age because they offered unparalleled views of the surrounding area, which was described by British landscape artist, Paul Nash, as ‘a beautiful legendary country haunted by old Gods long forgotten.’

Nash was so inspired by the atmospheric shapes and mystical associations of Wittenham Clumps that he painted them numerous times throughout his life: In the painter’s mind,’ he wrote, ‘this place has a compelling magic.’

 

Booking Cost

Day’s Lock: £10 per night
Thames Path: £7 per night
Lake Field: £7 per night

Booking Information

– Maximum of three nights per booking
– Arrival time from 13:00, departure time by 12:00
– You will receive a booking confirmation by email

Cancellation Policy

You can change or cancel your booking free of charge up to 48 hours before the start of the booking.

Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are non-refundable.

Please note: Bishop’s Court Farm is a fully working and sustainable farm with livestock roaming freely around the 300-acres of fields, so we would very much appreciate it if boat owners do not light barbeques, leave litter, let their dogs off the lead or leave their poo behind.

Three picturesque mooring locations

SOUS CHEF  – THE FLEUR DE LYS

The Fleur De Lys is situated in the lovely, picturesque village of Dorchester- on-Thames and has recently come under new ownership. It’s currently undergoing refurbishment and we are keen to get our kitchen team established ready for the grand reopening. We are aiming for a traditional pub menu with twists on the British classic’s. As well as a bar snack menu to run alongside this. Pure and simply is the aim.

This really will be a great venture for a chef with the vision and determination to deliver quality food, whilst overseeing the day to day running of the kitchen.

The ideal candidate must have at least 3 years’ experience in a professional environment, an excellent aptitude for delivering high quality food, a keen eye for detail, whilst confidently capable of running an efficient service. Must also be familiar with designing new menus in collaboration with the Head Chef.

We offer fair working hours in an environment that will enable the ideal candidate the opportunity to achieve a desirable work/life balance. An ideal situation for a chef who wants a life outside of work as well.

PACKAGE
Salary: £24,000 - £26,000 per year | 40 hr week over 2 splits - 3 days | 2 Consecutive days off

BENEFITS
Subsidised meals | Employee discount | Onsite parking | Flexible working hours | 28 days holiday including bank holidays | Pension scheme after probation period

COMMIS CHEF  – THE FLEUR DE LYS

The Fleur De Lys is situated in the lovely, picturesque village of Dorchester- on-Thames and has recently come under new ownership. It’s currently undergoing refurbishment and we are keen to get our kitchen team established ready for the grand reopening. We are aiming for a traditional pub menu with twists on the British classic’s. As well as a bar snack menu to run alongside this. This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who not only has the vision but the determination to deliver good quality food.

The ideal candidate must have at least 1 year experience in a professional kitchen with an excellent attitude for providing good quality food with a keen eye for detail. We offer fair working hours, allowing for a great work/life balance. The ideal situation for a chef who wants a life outside of work as well. For the ideal candidate, there is the chance for progression within the company.

PACKAGE
Salary: £20,000-£22,000 per year | Work shifts: 40 hr week | 2 split shifts, 3 days | 2 consecutive days off

BENEFITS
Subsidised meals | Employee discount | Onsite parking | Flexible working hours | 28 days holiday including bank holidays