Tuesday 2 July 2019

TRAVEL: A Night Glamping as a Family in the Cotswolds at The Glamping Orchard

TRAVEL: A Night Glamping as a Family in the Cotswolds at The Glamping Orchard
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Glamping is something my husband and I absolutely loved doing prior to children; the adventure and simple way of life is just the perfect way to escape everyday life. However, since becoming parents we've been a little bit intimidated about the idea of glamping with two young children in tow. Now that Poppy is two years old and Isabella is four they are that bit older, so we headed to the Cotswolds for a night of glamping at The Glamping Orchard. Located in the heart of the Severn Vale, The Glamping Orchard is home to the Warwick Knight Caravan, which is a 1950's caravan that has been lovingly restored with that added touch of wow. It was featured on George Clark's Amazing Spaces and is hard to believe such a transformation took place in only six months. Warwick Knight sleeps 2 adults, 2 children and one baby in a cot, has a spacious kitchen, private wood-fired shower, compost toilet and the most incredible countryside views from the iconic roof garden. It is the ideal way to get back in touch with nature, enjoy some time away from technology, but with the added luxurious that make a get away that extra bit special.


Also at The Glamping Orchard is Belle, a cosy yet spacious Bell Tent that can sleep up to five people and where we stayed for the night. Upon arrival we were welcomed by Rich and Ali (who own The Glamping Orchard) who were both incredibly friendly and helpful when it came to showing us around Belle. There were pull along wagons to help transport your luggage, which Isabella and Poppy loved pulling past all of the farm animals they have there. We were introduced to the chickens, pony, sheep, goat, ducks and pigs, all of which you're allowed to go and see throughout your stay. You can also help yourself to any eggs that the chicken lay; the freshest breakfast you'll probably ever have. 
As you walk down the path towards the Bell Tent on your right is your private shower room complete with wood-fired shower, sink and his/her dressing gowns. Slightly further on is the gate into the enclosed area that is yours when staying at Belle. The fact that you have an enclosed area makes it so much more relaxing when visiting with children, as we knew that the girls could run around all they liked and weren't in any danger. Everything you could think of needing to make your glamping experience special you'll find at The Glamping Orchard; we honestly fell in love from the moment we walked through the gate. 

The Bell Tent is up on a decking area and has an awning that provides some outdoor shelter if the weather doesn't cooperate with your stay. Also, on the decking area is a box filled with fire wood and a kitchen pod filled with plates, bowls, gas hob, whistle kettle, tea/coffee/hot chocolate/sugar, cutlery, foil/clingfilm, cups, glasses, cool box with ice packs and many more accessories to make cooking/eating there as easy as possible. But probably the best discovery when exploring the kitchen pod is a whole loaf of freshly baked lemon drizzle cake, bottle of prosecco, fresh local apple juice and organic milk waiting for us. It's those touches that really made this experience unforgettable.
Inside the Bell Tent there is a seriously comfortable double bed, two single sofa chairs, woodburner, mirror, ample games, box filled with spare blankets, pillows and hot water bottles and fairy lights twinkling everywhere. All we needed to bring was a sleeping bag/duvet for Isabella and then we did bring Poppy's pop-up cot too, as she hasn't had much practice of sleeping in a bed yet. After setting up the beds for the girls we quickly got on with preparing their dinner. I was so excited to try to light the fire pit, which admittedly is a job I usually leave to my husband to do, but this time I was determined to get 'stuck in'. Around 10 minutes later I was standing proudly over the outdoor fire pit with a roaring fire going! I had baked a couple of jacket potatoes at home and wrapped them in foil, so I popped those in the base of the fire, put the grill back on and made a 'saucepan' out of foil to cook the baked beans in. It was such a quick and simple meal for them and the novelty of it being cooked on an open fire was fascinating for them too.
Is it even a glamping trip without smores? My top tip is to take some soaked skewers with you, toast the marshmallows and then sandwich them between milk chocolate digestives (chocolate side, so everything gets gooey and melted). Absolute perfection and the perfect way to end the evening with the girls. As it was still light outside (they go to bed at 6/6.30pm) we were a little nervous that they wouldn't get to sleep very easily, however five minutes after reading a book and tucking them into bed both of them were snoozing away.
Despite the predicted rain and thunderstorms we couldn't have been luckier with the weather, as it is mainly dry during our stay. My husband and I spent the evening sitting outside playing Scrabble, cards, UNO and chatting without the distraction of technology. There is no electricity at the Bell Tent, so once our phone batteries died that was it until we were home the next day. That is something to consider if you're staying, as not having a charged up phone won't suit everyone.
We were all obviously in the same space, which is something we usually try to avoid, but it was actually absolutely fine. We managed to sneak into bed without waking either of the girls up and then they didn't wake up until 6.10am, which is a very normal time for them. The nicest thing was that from the moment they woke up they popped on their wellies and were running around outside. The whole area is so peaceful and private, so there was no worries about wandering around in our pyjamas for the morning. By unzipping the front of the Bell Tent my husband and I could stay in bed and watch them playing football together, absolute perfection.
We were so sad to leave The Glamping Orchard and Isabella has been asking when we can go glamping again. I think we've certainly caught the glamping bug as a family now and we can't recommend what Ali and Rich have to offer in the Cotswolds enough. 


Have you been glamping before?


Feel free to leave a comment - I love reading every single one :)


Helen x
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13 comments

  1. This looks amazing!! We love to camp but we have toyed with this idea for a night here and there because it’s easier than packing up all the camping stuff.

    I love the Cotswolds as well, I’ll be checking this place out x

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  2. I've never been glamping but the Knights Caravan I would be open to considering, it's similar to cabins I have stayed in.

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  3. Oh wow this looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ve been glamping in a yurt before but not a tent like this I love how they’ve been done out.

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  4. I've never been glamping before but really want to. This looks like such a fun family trip.

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  5. We went glamping for the first time last year and we loved it! This looks lovely.

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  6. Love that they have proper beds - that is the one thing I don't like about camping - sleeping on a lump floor

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  7. I have never been glamping but really want to. it sounds like an amazing get a way for the family

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  8. This looks absolutely amazing -so, so dreamy! I'd love to come here with the family, it looks like the perfect place for us. I love the welcoming bits you got too, how amazing!

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  9. Normally I hate camping but this sounds so fun and luxurious . I sounds fun.

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  10. Wow how beautiful us this place and what a fab way to glamp. Love the sound of the surprise lovely lemon drizzle cake xx

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  11. Now that is a great way to enjoy the outdoors but without having to give up on the home comforts

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  12. Oh wow what a gorgeous place to spend the night - the bell tent looks amazing and those beds look so comfy!! We love glamping so keeping this in mind for next time we go

    Laura x

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  13. It sounds fantastic there!!! I would consider glamping but camping is no longer an option for me. My kiddies would love the farm animals.

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