Accomodation
The Nordic Tipis
Our Riverside accommodation is in Nordic Tipis. Established in Swedish Lapland, Tentipi designs take inspiration from the kåta, the traditional home of the nomadic reindeer herding Sami people. These lightweight, yet robust tipis are perfect for Riverside, where annual flooding requires a temporary camp, one that leaves no trace to be washed away.
Your Riverside Home
At Riverside we welcome you to the meadows adjacent to our own home, on the banks of the river Thame. Each tipi is carpeted and furnished with single beds that can be combined to make a double bed. Cotton bedsheets, pillows, duvets and cushions add a homely touch.
Amenities
A short walk takes you off the lower flood plain and onto higher ground, where a compost toilet and large shower are available. Towels and eco-sensitive toiletries are provided for you to use during your stay.
Riverside Dining
As part of the Riverside Paddle and Stay experience all of your meals are provided for you, prepared using local ingredients and cooked over an open fire by your hosts. You may be on a paddling adventure but that is no reason to scrimp on the food! You will be contacted in advance to make your meal choices and ensure that we meet your needs wherever possible. Dining outside under shelter, next to the river or around the fire allows plenty of time to experience Riverside at its best. For bespoke packages, please discuss your dining experience options with Louise and James. See more information on a sample menu below.
Sample menus:
Breakfast: Huevos rancheros cooked over the fire with tortilla (eggs from our own chickens). Selection of fruit, yoghurt and homemade granola. Juice (our own apple juice if available), tea and coffee from Dorchester’s own Horsebox Coffee Co.
Hamper lunch: Riverside Boatman’s lunch (choice of cheeses from the local Nettlebed Creamery), selection of bread (Proof Social Bakehouse), and homemade salads.
Afternoon tea: Skogen kitchen’s homemade Scandinavian buns with Horsebox Coffee Co coffee, tea or cold drinks.
Dinner: Chilli and garlic squid. Flame grilled sirloin or cauliflower steak with herb roasted potatoes, a selection of vegetables and salsa verde. Caramelised apple and cinnamon with vanilla ice-cream.
Riverside Partners
We are proud to source our food and supplies locally:
Bishop’s Court Farm – Dorchester Farm owned by village resident Keith Ives, supplying lamb, pork and honey.
Sandy Lane Farm – Family run organic farm supplying fruit and vegetables.
Nettlebed Creamery – Farmhouse producers of organic artisan award-winning cheese, milk and kefir.
Hollands Farm – Family run farm producing high quality and sustainably reared grass-fed meat.
Skogen kitchen – Homebaked Scandinavian buns from Dorchester chef and friend, Clare Anderson.
Horsebox Coffee Co. & Dark horse Roastery – founded by Dorchester resident and neighbour Emily Stewart.
Tap Social Movement (a social enterprise offering paid training and employment to people currently serving and recently released from prison sentences): Proof Social Bakery – Artisan bakery; and Tap Social – Award-winning range of craft beer.
Loose Cannon Brewing Co Ltd. – Award-winning brewery in Abingdon.
Brightwell Vineyard – located on the banks of the Thames (you will paddle pass it on the way to Wallingford), this local vineyard produces white, rose, red and sparkling wines.
The White Hart – our local hotel and restaurant… for paddlers who prefer a roof rather than a canvas over your head at night!
