Glamping in Gloucestershire

As Laura's time in the UK slowly comes to an end, and we all seem to be leading hectic work lives, it's a treat to be able to take a whole weekend out to relax and just enjoy each other's company. This weekend Laura, Jaimee and I headed out of town for a weekend of glamping. We stayed in a well-decked out yurt in the secluded forest area of a farm near the village of Frampton Mansell.

Late on Friday night, our dreadlocked host (and yurt builder) Graham wheeled our bags in a barrow down through a field to our home for the weekend. We had a quick tour and lesson in how to use the log fire before racing to the local Crown Inn before dinner finished at 9:30pm. The pub was warm and cosy and after a glass of red and bangers & mash, I was ready for bed.

We slept well in our yurt having fallen sleep with the fire glowing. In our outdoor kitchen, the kettle whistled and den mother Jaimee made tea to get us up and started the next morning. It was bright and sunny for our shopping spree at the Stroud farmer's market where we stocked up on eggs (laid that morning), fresh bread, the last of the season's strawberries, blackberries, local cheese, jam, creamed honey and apple juice (I did say spree!). We had breakfast at a cafe, I ate possibly the best chelsea bun ever from the town's bakery, and we explored the rest of the town, as well as another nearby village, Tetbury, known for its antique shops and Prince Charles' shop. After another round of tea we ditched plans for a walk in favour of making the most of the yurt and its lovely surroundings. For the rest of the afternoon we picnicked on our deck, read the papers and drank a bottle of red by the log fire.

Our yurt was tucked away on this farm

Stroud farmer's market

Laura and Jaimee at Mole End yurt

A very content Emma

picnic time

tea time

Inside the yurt

The view from the compost loo. complete with flowers and Neal's Yard hand wash!

Jaimee catching the last rays of sunshine

toasty!

For dinner we decided to go back to the same pub because it was an easy 2 mile walk. Or so we thought. We ventured through a few fields with the light of the full moon and a weak torch in search of the track that would lead us there but, girl guide badges or not, we couldn't find it in the dark. Instead we followed the highway to the pub and fortunately made it there safely without being chased by bulls or run over by speeding cars. After a couple of glasses of wine, a nice piece of fish and a game of scattegories it was home time again.

This morning we slept in, feasted on our locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, and potted about until we had to pack up and part ways with our new favourite country house. For a late lunch we went to a nearby pub called the Ragged Cot where I had my first roast (albeit disappointing) for the season and then we headed back to London.

Morning glampers!

gourmet breakfast prepared by Jaimee

Verdict on glamping: fantastic experience. There was no tent to put up in the night, we slept on beds, (all linen was provided), we showered in the converted barn, the kitchen was well equipped and the vases of flowers everywhere were a nice touch. Even the compost loo was good.

It beats camping anytime (no surprise there), and maybe even a B&B (well some B&Bs). 

We're going back in Summer next year!