Category: UK

October 21, 2024 UK, Uncategorized 1 Comment

Celebrating the arrival of Jet2 at Bournemouth Airport…

Glass of gin and tonic with copper gin still in background

Making gin with Jet2

I was recently invited to attend a gin making event and cocktail masterclass at Wyrd Spirits in the New Forest. The event was hosted by Jet2 to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their new base at Bournemouth Airport.

The day kicked off with some interesting information on the history of gin distilling. Mark the creator of Wyrd Gin (pronounced weird) is an expert at blending flavours. He explained how he crafts his gin to create a perfect product. It was then time to have a go at distilling our own. Working together with a fellow Bournemouth blogger was a great opportunity to come up with something we’d like to drink on holiday whilst watching the sunset over the ocean. We kept it simple, after the juniper we added orange peel, coriander, cassia and cubeb for a light, zesty taste. Exactly my style of holiday drink and perfect for feeling all the holiday vibes.

After watching our own blend magically flow from the copper still and into the bottle it was time for the most delicious lunch, washed down with a Negroni. The afternoon continued with a cocktail making masterclass. This one was really fun and included a cocktail shaker! I got to make a Tom Collins cocktail using my own gin and the ‘Gin Jetsetter’, created especially by Wyrd Spirits for the day.

Jet2 at Bournemouth Airport

Whilst blending flavours it was the perfect opportunity to find out more about the arrival of Jet2 at Bournemouth Airport. Taking-off from February 2025, Jet2 will be flying to: Mainland Spain, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Prague, Austria and Iceland.

My favourites from this list have to be Iceland, there’s nowhere else like it for winter adventures. From spotting the Northern Lights to taking a dip in a natural hot spring pool and so many more. For the sun, my favourite destination Jet2 will be flying to from Bournemouth are the Balearic Islands. You can’t beat the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and balmy evening sunsets.

Jet2 Holidays pride themselves in offering low deposits and return transfers to and from your holiday accommodation. They are ATOL and ABTA-protected and there’s 22kg of luggage included in bookings. I have flown with Jet2 from Stanstead and had a great experience. I’m looking forward to having a short 30-minute drive to jump on a Jet2 flight again very soon!

*AD | PR invite. Thanks to Jet2 for inviting me to this event.*

February 11, 2022 Camping and Glamping, UK Post a Comment

Glamping in Somerset…

Cuppa with a view. Glamping in Somerset

The best glamping spot in Somerset: A shepherd’s hut with a hot tub

For our first child free adventure I booked a little surprise staycation for Matt’s birthday. I love a spot of glamping, so this was at the top of my list when researching our UK staycation. It had to be quirky and it needed to have a hot tub. Glamping in Somerset did not disappoint! Lady’s Well Shepherd’s Hut ticked all the boxes. Nestled amongst farmland in the tiny village of Hutton, just 2 miles from the Somerset coast, it had everything we wanted. The only neighbours were cows and sheep and the uninterrupted views of the meadow and woodland behind were gorgeous. We had such a peaceful stay. If glamping with all the mod-cons is something you fancy giving a go than this shepherd’s hut is for you!

 

The Shepherd’s Hut:

I’ve got to say this lovely little dwelling did not disappoint. If you are a regular reader, you’ll know I love glamping and have stayed in a few shepherd’s huts, but this one was my favourite. Let’s start with the interior, a cosy double bed, a small but fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with a great shower, a log burner and underfloor heating. I loved the underfloor heating; it took the chill off first thing in the morning. The bathroom was a real bonus. I’ve stayed in shepherd’s huts which have a separate bathroom and an eco-toilet, which is fine, but it’s not always that fun to have to get up out of bed in the middle of the night and go outside to use the toilet. So, it was quite a luxury to have a proper flushing toilet. Glamping at its finest! Outside the shepherd’s hut you’ll find a private pond complete with ducks and koi carp, sun loungers, a table and chairs, BBQ, fire pit and to top it all off a hot tub. When I was searching for somewhere a little bit different to stay this little beauty ticked all the boxes.

 

Things I loved about Lady’s Well Shepherd’s Hut:

I’ve already mentioned many things I loved about this cosy shepherd’s hut, there were so many lovely little touches. The trolley to pull our luggage from the car across the fields was a life saver as I’d definitely over packed for our two-night break! The blackboard inside full of the best local beauty spots, pubs, fish and chips, coffee stops and walks was a nice touch and an easy go to for finding the best stops in the local area.

The resident rhea and our furry neighbours, horses, sheep and cows, the gorgeous setting, acres of green fields, old woodland and silence.  Just the rustle of the trees and a peacock singing every now and then made this break a peaceful one. I know I’ve mentioned it already, but the underfloor heating was a lovely little luxury along with the log burner and obviously the hot tub.

An early evening stroll across the fields and up to the loveliest viewpoint is also something we loved. Having lovely walks right near the shepherd’s hut was a bonus. Glamping in Somerset was everything I wanted it to be and more!

 

Things to do on your glamping trip in North Somerset:

The shepherd’s hut is well placed to discover some of Somerset’s best beauty spots. The beaches are beautiful. Nearby, Weston- super-Mare is a traditional British seaside town complete with a pier and aquarium. Further along the coast there are plenty of natural beauty spots to explore. Brean is one of them. Miles of golden sand and if you like a good walk Brean Down is a must. Owned by the National Trust this natural pier juts 1.5 miles out over the coastline into the Bristol Channel. Climb the steep steps to the top and take in the panoramic views. It’s a gorgeous walk and right down at the point is Brean Fort. I loved wondering around the old buildings and reading short snippets of history about the fort. We then followed the lower path back round to where we started. I’d recommend a couple of hours to do the walk, there is parking and a cafe at the bottom of the pier.

Cheddar Gorge is about a 30-minute drive from Hutton and is another fantastic place for walks. The gorge itself is 3 miles long and 400 feet deep. Just driving through it is fantastic for taking in the scenery. There’s a great hike up the gorge, it’s worth noting it can be quite muddy during the winter. It’s also very rocky in places so good footwear is a must. Bridgewater Way, Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar and the Somerset Levels can all be seen from the top. Cheddar itself is a gorgeously quaint little place full of tea rooms, chocolate pot houses and souvenir shops. The caves at Cheddar Gorge are a must visit, explore the underground caverns at leisurely pace or go adventure caving for a more exhilarating experience!

 

A staycation with a difference:

Glamping allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life but is still full of little luxuries. If you are planning a staycation in the UK, then glamping at Lady Well’s Shepherd’s Hut is it. Somerset is a beautiful part of the UK for a spot of glamping, with so much to explore.

If you are new to glamping I have a checklist of things to pack: What to pack for a glamping trip in the UK.

I’d love to hear your recommendations on glamping spots in the UK. Let me know your favourites in the comments below.

On top of the world at Brean Down, Somerset.

 

March 31, 2021 Camping and Glamping, UK 3 Comments

Campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires…

Campfire, Hurst View Campsite, Lymington

Camping in the New Forest:

Now that lockdown in the UK is starting to lift it’s nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel and to start planning summer adventures. If, like me you are looking forward to a break away but don’t want to go too far from home then a camping trip could be just the thing. Campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires are always at the top of my list for a mini adventure away. Having a fire pit in the evening and stargazing really adds something to life under canvas.

I am lucky to live in the beautiful New Forest and love a bit of camping. Last year we upgraded our tent and made the most of the local area. For more on my summer lockdown adventures head here: My 2020 highlights: I had a baby and bought a big tent! Camping in the New Forest is a wonderful experience, ponies and cattle roam free and there are an abundance of picturesque spots for outdoor adventures. From pitching a tent amongst ancient woodland to enjoying a campfire near the ocean, there are some fantastic campsites to choose from.

One of the things I look for when planning a camping trip is a campsite that allows campfires. For me a campfire is an absolute necessity. There’s nothing quite like huddling around a fire pit as the sun goes down and the stars come out, toasting marshmallows and planning adventures for the next day. Most campsites will let you take your own fire pit and many have them to hire for a small fee. Not all campsites allow campfires in the New Forest so it’s good to know the ones that do. I’ve hand-picked some that I’ve already stayed at and some that I’m planning to book in the future…

Campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires:

Harry’s Field

Located in Frogham near Fordingbridge in the New Forest, there’s a pub next door and donkeys mingle outside the campsite. Harry’s Field is flat with spacious pitches, the toilet and shower blocks are clean and tidy and the washing up area has freezers and a small seating area nearby. Created by campers for campers it’s a lovely spot on the edge of the forest. Take your own fire pit or hire one, you can also purchase wood. I love this campsite; it is small and friendly with lovely owners. Pitches are very well spaced to allow for social distancing. Open form the beginning of July to the beginning of September this site is a popular one so be sure to book well in advance of your stay. The site allows campervans, motor homes and tents, there are also bell tents to hire.

 

Lepe Beach Campsite

This campsite is in a gorgeous location right by the beach at Lepe, it has views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Stargaze whilst listening to the crackle of the campfire and the waves rolling in on the shore. Hire fire pits or take your own. It’s worth noting that there is a charge for taking your own fire pit. If you don’t like the idea of putting a tent up, then book a pre-pitched tent that comes with plenty of amenities. I think it’s such a great idea if you want to try out camping without all the effort of putting up a tent and taking it down again! Be prepared to pack wellies if it’s raining as the site was fairly muddy near the toilet and shower block when we stayed. It is a tent only site and you can choose your own pitch.

 

Hurst View

Hurst View Campsite has four large fields to pitch up in, choose your own spot and listen to the waves of the Solent in the distance. There is a play park onsite and a small cafe. Nestled behind the sea wall in between Lymington and Keyhaven there are some great walks nearby. Tents and camper vans are allowed and electric hook up is available. Campfires are of course allowed; marshmallows and logs can be purchased from reception.

 

New Forest Water Park

New Forest Water Park is a really cool camping spot if you enjoy watersports. Nestled in woodland by a lake in Fordingbridge, wakeboarding, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding are all available. Shared campfires in a woodland spot allow for a very chilled out stay. Tents and campervans are allowed and firewood can be bought on site. The facilities are rustic, but well worth it if you enjoy getting on the water.

 

Embers at Pylewell Park

Embers can be found on the beautiful coastline of the Pylewell Estate, just outside of Lymington. There are sea views from the campsite and pebbly beaches within walking distance. This is a tent only campsite, fire baskets are provided for each pitch and logs can be purchased onsite. Pre-order a homemade wood fired pizza before arrival, if you are camping on a Friday or Saturday night burgers are available for pre-order too. Embers is a tent only site, there are also bell tents to hire.

 

Harry’s Meadow

A meadow surround by ancient oak trees in the heart of the forest, wild camping at its finest. There are no allocated pitches, just 50 acres of grass to choose from. This perfectly flat meadow has picturesque sunsets and a pop-up cocktail truck! With two new shower blocks and eco toilets there’s everything you could need for camping in the forest. Harry’s Meadow is at the top of my list for camping this summer!

What to pack for a camping trip:

  • Warm clothes: even in the middle of the summer it can get chilly around the campfire in the evenings.
  • A hammock: If you are looking to relax amongst the trees whilst on your camping trip then a hammock is the perfect piece of equipment. Read my review on a travel hammock. I tested it out in the New Forest and loved reading a book while listening to the gentle rustle of the leaves.
  • A portable phone charger. Most campsites have somewhere to charge phones, but it’s good to have your own.
  • Fairy lights/torch: Fairy lights aren’t necessary but a nice extra to make your tent look pretty. A torch is useful for finding your way to the toilet block a night.
  • Wellies…the typical British weather can be very changeable even in the height of the summer. So, I’d really recommend packing wellies, a camping field can very quickly turn muddy if the rain pours down!
  • Resealable bags: I always recommend food bags. They are an easy way to store perishable food and handy for keeping the all-important tea bags dry!
  • Anti-bac hand gel and wipes: Handy for the current times and useful for a quick clean-up of utensils etc.
  • A foldable washing up bowl: Important for washing up and a folding one is handy to save on space.

More on campsites in the New Forest: 

There are some lovely campsites in the New Forest, some with basic facilites others with bell tents to hire to make it more of a glamping experience. Camping in the Forest is a good place to start looking for your ideal pitch. They have 10 campsites spread out across the forest with varying facilities. All are perfect for getting back to nature and exploring this gorgeous area. Going slightly against my post these campsites don’t allow the use of campfires but, some are in the heart of the New Forest so are well worth heading to for a weekend escape. Pitchup is great site for researching and booking campsites, they have an option for searching for sites that allow campfires, which is very useful.

What are your favourite campsites in the New Forest? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations for campsites in the New Forest that allow campfires, let me know in the comments below.

 

December 31, 2020 Camping and Glamping, UK 1 Comment

My 2020 highlights: I had a baby & bought a big tent!

Paddleboarding at Mudeford

My 2020 roundup

At the end of each year, I always write up a round up of my year and where in the world I’ve been. It’s safe to say that year has been a very different one for all of us! I had a baby at the beginning of a world pandemic and took voluntary redundancy from a job I love. With the world shut down, this year has been more about staycationing when we’ve been able to instead of gallivanting around the world, concentrating on family and putting some finishing touched to our house. It’s certainly had its highs and lows and like everyone else I’m looking forward to starting afresh in 2021 and desperate to get back on a plane sometime soon! So, here’s a short round up of what this crazy year looked like for me…

January and February

With baby number two due in early April we booked a break to Fuerteventura for some winter sun and our last holiday as a three. Our week in the sun was just what we wanted, apart from having a few rainy days we got to spend some time on the beach which was so nice considering it was so cold back at home. On the rainy days we hired a car and explored the island. Adventuring away from Corralejo up into the mountains and past towering dormant volcanoes. Running around the sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park was a favourite activity of my daughter Emily, who loved rolling down the huge dunes.

 

March

My lovely friend Sam organised a baby shower for me, we had lunch at the Southampton Harbour Hotel. Little did I know it would be the last time in a long while I would get to spend time with my friends. After that weekend the first lockdown was implemented on 23rd March and the magnitude of COVID-19 became a very real thing. Everyone was told to stay at home and only essential shops were to remain open. There was a limit on leaving your home, only once a day for exercise and a maximum distance set. Emily’s nursery closed along with all educational establishments in the UK so like the rest of the nation with kids we had to find daily activities to keep Emily entertained. I put together a post all about things to do with kids during lockdown. Being the summer was a bonus as we could spend time out in the garden. We also tried to get out daily for a walk.  Some days were good, and some days were really tough. Having a four year old to keep busy everyday was pretty exhausting. Although it was tough at times, we also had a lot of fun and I enjoyed coming up with ideas to entertain Emily. I’m not gonna lie by about week 3 the novelty of it all was wearing thin.

 

April

On 14th April I woke up with a few cramps and being a week overdue had an appointment at lunchtime with the midwife for a sweep. Needless to say, that wasn’t necessary! At the appointment the midwife checked me over and let me know I was 4cm dilated. She suggested I could go home if I felt ok to but on leaving and getting back in the car my contractions had gone from manageable to something much more. Matt and I made the decision to head straight to the hospital in Southampton as it was a 40-minute drive from where we were in Lymington. I’m glad we made this decision as it got so bad, we thought we might not make it in time! Within 20 minutes of getting to the Princess Anne hospital Jack Evan Dunkinson arrived into the world at 3.05pm, weighing 7Ib 5oz.  We went home that night, it felt very surreal as with Emily there were a few complications, so I stayed in hospital for 4 days. It was so sad to not be able to have family meet and hold Jack when he was so tiny, but a blessing that we had so much time together to adjust as a family of four.

May

As restrictions lifted slightly, we were able to go to the beach, something that had been so normal for us now seemed like a novelty. Matt’s work dried up due to the virus, which all got a bit stressful, but after help from the government we could relax a little. Taking a positive from it was so good to be able to spend so much time together especially with a newborn. We explored more of our local area; a sunny afternoon spent by the lakes at Longham was one of my favourites. Driving past Bournemouth airport that day, it was strange to see all the grounded British Airways aircraft. Seeing the Airbuses, 777s and 747s all lined up along the runway made me feel really emotional. Little did I know what was to come with my job as cabin crew at this point too.

 

June

The highlight in June was getting back on my paddleboard, the last time was in Bermuda in November. I wrote a post all about it: A babymoon in Bermuda. We went to Mudeford in Dorset as we knew it would be fairly easy to find a spot away from others and there’s a great bit of water just behind the quay. We needed somewhere easily accessible, as we were still getting used to having a new baby plus a four year old to get out of the house. The grassy bit by the main carpark was the perfect spot to put up our beach tent and from there I could carry my board straight down to the water’s edge. The tide was low so Emily and I could walk for miles in the shallow water. It was so nice to be back out on the ocean and Emily loved it too.

 

July

I visited Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset on a press trip in July. I was allowed to take a plus one, so chose my Dad. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with him.

As the world was closed for travel, we bought a tent! Our first camping trip was an interesting one with Jack being only 3 months old. But we muddled through and had the best time in the end. Staying local I found Harry’s Field in Fordingbridge. It was in a lovely little spot in the middle of the forest with donkeys outside the camping field and a pub next door. It had all the rural, rustic feels and wasn’t too big.

 

August

The next camping trip was to Lepe Beach, camping in a field overlooking the Solent and Isle of Wight was lovely. We got to paddle in the sea and stargaze by the campfire.

Later on in August we went a little further afield to camp in one of our favourite counties, Dorset. We also upgraded to a larger tent, a bargain that we found on Facebook Marketplace. Benville Manor campsite was unlike any other campsite we’d stayed at before. It was wild camping at its finest and surrounded by woodland. Emily made friends with some other children and was off exploring for hours. Compost toilets and outdoor showers added to the rustic feel of this site and locally grown veg and produce could be purchased from the camp hosts. We loved it here.

I officially ended my career with British Airways on 31st August while we were camping. It was nice to be away to take my mind off of it. I chose to take voluntary redundancy after nearly 15 years working as cabin crew in a job I loved. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I still have days where I feel down about it and I miss it dearly. I was on maternity leave when it all happened so it’s strange to think I’ll never go back and sad that I didn’t like so many others get to say goodbye to all of my lovely friends and colleagues.

 

September

Squeezing in one more camping trip at the end of the summer was a nice way to spend time together before Emily started school. We kept it very local and drove 10 minutes down the road to Lymington. We camped with friends and being outdoors the whole time made it very easy to social distance. Everywhere was fully booked apart from Hurst View Campsite, it was perfect. A short stroll from the seawall and plenty of open space for Emily to run around.

 

October

October was a really fun month. I went down to Newquay on a surf trip but unfortunately due to storm Alex I didn’t get to surf! It was still a great weekend though with lots of yoga, a surf theory session, a workout session on the beach and a bit of bodyboarding.

We had a trip to Center Parcs in Longleat booked from June but moved it due to lockdown. It was so nice to get away, we spent the week exploring the forest, swimming, walking around the lake, relaxing. Emily got to do loads of fun activities including driving a mini Land Rover, having her hair braided and make a teddy bear.

I attended Waypoint, my first online conference. I watched live talks and chatted to representatives from travel brands. It was nice to immerse myself back in the travel world, even if it was through my laptop.

 

November

I’d been wanting to update my website for a while and in November Joe from JHIT re-designed it. I’m so pleased with how it looks; he’s done a fantastic job. If you need a website built or a re-design, he’s your man.

I collaborated with skateboard brand Elos. I’d never been on a skateboard before so when Elos contacted me I thought it would be a great opportunity to give it a go. I was a little apprehensive that I’d come straight off, but I actually ended up surprising myself and found it really fun!

 

December

Christmas has been a wonderful distraction this year from all the craziness going on in the world. Our plans changed quite a bit just like everyone else due to government imposed restrictions which were certainly necessary, but I know hard on a lot of people. We had a lovely day; it was particularly special this year as it was Jack’s first Christmas.

A trip to the Isle of Wight for a few nights was on the cards over the new year but due to government guidelines changing and Hampshire entering a higher tier we have been unable to go. Finger crossed we get to go in February, we’ll see!

 

Goodbye 2020

This year has been less about travel, much less about travel than usual. Although I’ve lost my job and it’s been pretty hard at times, the year has taught me to be thankful for everything that I have, family, friends, health, a home and to never take the little everyday things for granted.

I hope you are all surviving and as the year comes to a close, fingers crossed we can all start to pick up where we left off in 2021. Here’s hoping for lots of new adventures and to be able to get back up in the skies and explore new places once again. I know when I get back on a plane, I’ll see it in a whole new light and appreciate every single moment.

July 10, 2020 UK Post a Comment

A day out in Dorset: Sculpture by the Lakes…

Ad: Press visit

A Day out in Dorset: Sculpture by the Lakes

Hidden in the Dorset countryside this is an outdoor art venue with a difference. Sculptures and art installations are dotted amongst the lakes and woodland with nothing but birdsong and the relaxing sounds of the River Frome for company. Set in 26 acres Sculpture by the Lakes is such a peaceful place to escape to for a couple of hours. 

With current lockdown rules now lifting everything is well thought out for easy social distancing. It's the perfect escape from the great indoors! Tickets must be purchased online before arriving and there are anti-bacterial gels by the ticket office. The cafe offers a takeaway service and currently card only to maintain guidelines.

What to expect:

Owned by contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon, many of his beautiful pieces can be discovered along with other artists' work. On arrival give your surname to the staff at the ticket office and collect a guide map. This lists the sculptures and outlines a route around the four lakes. Feel free to wander and follow your own path, it's a lovely place to get lost! Allow plenty of time to take it all in, I loved stumbling across the secluded seating areas placed in picturesque spots throughout the walk. Choose to take a pew either facing the river or by one of the lakes. Pack your own picnic and find a secret spot, it was so nice to sit and take it all in.

As well as the lakes there is a kitchen garden with resident chickens and landscaped gardens all found via a tree tunnel walkway.

An image of the sculpture Oberon under trees

Planning for your day out:

Sculpture by the Lakes is currently open Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm, book tickets online before you go. No children under 14 or dogs are allowed due to the deep water of the lakes.

This is a lovely walk with a difference and there is plenty of space to socially distance from others. The sculptures are beautiful and thought provoking. Discovering them in tranquil, natural surroundings rather than in a gallery gives a completely different interpretation of the artwork. Plan to spend at least an hour and a half there. We walked 2.5 miles on our visit and spent around 4 hours admiring the sculptures and lakes. 

Before leaving stop at The Gallery Cafe for a well-earned drink. The cafe is currently operating a takeaway service to allow for social distancing and contactless only payment. There is an outdoor seating area overlooking the lakes, a perfect spot to relax before going home. The cafe is fully licensed, I enjoyed a local cider while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Produce from the garden kitchen are used in the menu and the bread and cakes are all handmade.

Cider, Sculpture by the Lakes, Dorset
by the Lakes, Dorset. Nicola Dunkinson

Where to stay:

If you want to make more of a trip of it now that lockdown guidelines have lifted, book a stay at one the shepherd's huts at Warmwell House. Not too far from Sculpture by the Lakes they can be found in a lovely, tranquil setting. Read all about my stay here: Glamping in Dorset. This might be useful when planning your stay: What to pack for a glamping trip in the UK

Thank you to Bournemouth Bloggers and Darren Northeast PR for inviting me, I had a great day out!

An image of the River Frome
August 26, 2019 Camping and Glamping, UK 2 Comments

What to pack for a glamping trip in the UK…

Us Brits are well known for talking a lot about the weather. This is because it can be so unpredictable, March can be good for sunbathing while August might bring torrential rain. We often experience all the seasons in one day too. So when it comes to packing for a glamping trip in the UK it can be tricky to know exactly what type of weather to pack for. Plus this type of adventure means you may need to pack lightly as your chosen accommodation could be tight on space. I've put together a handy list to help you get to grips with what to pack for a glamping trip in the UK.
Glamping:
Glamping is a more luxurious style of camping. I've stayed in some really cool glamping spots, a bus, a Shepherd's hut, a safari tent and campervans. Some have been more luxurious than others but they've all had the same theme: a unique place to stay whilst embracing the beautiful outdoors. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you aren't used to having to get up in the middle of the night and venture out to the bathroom like the Shepherd's hut I stayed in. But there are so many styles of glamping now from budget to extravagant there's something to suit everyone.
What clothes to pack:
  • Layers: for the ever-changeable weather you'll need t-shirts, long sleeved tops and jumpers for chilly evenings.
  • Leggings: I always pack leggings for relaxing in after a long day out exploring the local area.
  • Footwear: If it's the summer I pack flip flops and converse for the day and Ugg boots/warm shoes for sitting outside at night. If your accommodation is in a field and its been raining you might want to think about packing wellies.
  • Warm jacket: If you have a fire pit then you'll definitely want to be sitting outside under the stars - even in the middle of the summer the evenings can get chilly in the UK so pack a jacket.
  • Big socks: I love being cosy!
  • You might want to pack spare towels for the beach.
Other essentials:
  • Dry shampoo: If there's no electricity your hair dryer and straighteners will need to stay at home. If it's just a few days then I find that dry shampoo is my saviour.
  • Portable charger: Again if there's no electricity take one of these for charging phones and laptops. I just bought this nifty little one for charging phones it has enough juice to do 5 charges: Duracell Portable Power Bank.
  • A small mirror: You may have a bathroom with mirror in your accommodation but if not I always find packing my own mirror is essential for doing hair and make up.
  • Board games: If you can fit it in a game of scrabble is perfect for rainy evenings.
  • Fairy lights: Add a bit of cosy lighting to your setting.
  • Logs: If you have a log burner or fire pit you may need to buy logs. Check with your accommodation as wood may be supplied.
  • Torch: If lighting is limited it's always handy to have your own.
  • Batteries: For the fairy lights and torch.
  • Matches: They may already be provided so double check this.
Food:
Check what kitchen facilities are available before you go and if there is a welcome pack. Depending on your budget most kitchen essentials will be provided which means you can keep your packing list down.
  • Make a chilli before you go - perfect glamping food, easy to re-heat.
  • Buy essentials: Milk, bread, teabags etc.
  • I always take zip lock bags with me, as they are perfect for keeping open food airtight.
  • Marshmallows for the for the fire pit.
I hope this has given a bit of an insight into packing for a glamping trip in the UK. I'd love to hear what glamping adventures you have planned. Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Glamping!

 

My favourite UK Glamping spots:
Warmwell House Huts
Big Green Bus
Shaldon Beach Hut No. 1
For more on my Glamping adventures in the UK head here:
Glamping in Dorset
All Aboard the Big Green Bus
Beach Hut Living
Unique Places to stay in the UK
For Glamping further afield: The Ultimate Glamping Retreat in Bali

 

 

 

August 5, 2019 Camping and Glamping, Product Reviews, UK 1 Comment

Travel Hammock Review…

Relaxing with a book in my travel hammock
When Cool Hammocks asked me to review their *travel hammock I racked my brains for a good spot to do this. Then I realised that as I live in the New Forest the answer was literally on my doorstep. So with a book and my hammock packed in my rucksack I went in search of a good spot to relax in. I chose Wilverley Inclosure as it’s always a nice place for a walk and a peaceful place for chilling in a hammock….

 

About the hammock:
The travel hammock comes in a variety of colours, blue, camouflage, lime and pink. I chose the blue. It rolls up to a really small size, great if you are packing light for a camping trip and to save on space when travelling. If it gets dirty it can be hand washed and is super lightweight.

 

How it works:
Having not put up a hammock before I was a little concerned as to how I would get on with it. But once I found some trees to attach it to it was really simple. Unroll it and then fasten it with the integrated ropes and hooks. The ropes are fully adjustable so wind them around a tree a few times and then fix with the hooks. That is literally it, fast and simple to use.

 

What I thought:
Having not owned my own hammock before I was really impressed. It was easy to put up and comfortable for relaxing in. I love how small it folds down and will definitely take it on my next camping trip.  It’s the perfect accessory for adventurers, even if you don’t plan to go any further than your back garden! To purchase your own travel hammock head to Cool Hammocks.

 

How to find my perfect hammock spot:
If you are planning a weekend in the New Forest and want to re-create your own chilled hammock vibes then stop at Wilverley Inclosure to find your spot. It’s a ten-minute drive from Brockenhurst and Burley. The Inclosure itself has a nice 2-mile round walk through ancient woodland. When you want to stop, find some trees and hang the hammock at a distance of roughly two thirds the length of the hammock. A hanging height of 6-8ft should do nicely. Finally, pick up your book and don’t forget the beer! Hammocks are permitted for use in the forest as long as they don’t damage the trees or endanger livestock.
To spend more time and explore this beautiful area why not stay over night at a campsite. There are ten in total in the New Forest, the nearest one to Wilverley is Setthorns. In the heart of the forest it’s in a gorgeous, secluded location just right for pitching up a tent and daydreaming in a hammock. Head to Camping in the Forest for more information.

 

*I was gifted my travel hammock in exchange for this review. As ever all opinions are my own.*

 

 

 

May 21, 2019 UK Post a Comment

Walking with alpacas in the Hamsphire countryside…

Who knew you could do such a thing as walk with alpacas in England? When I opened up a gold shiny envelope from my brother and his girlfriend on Christmas Day I didn't know such a thing existed! So on a typically overcast for Britain type of day in April, Matt and I set off in search of Hensting Alpacas in Otterbourne. Found in a gorgeous spot in Hampshire by the chalk streams of the River Itchen the alpacas have 12 acres to roam freely on. We had tickets for a two hour morning walk and couldn't wait to try out this very different adventure!

Hensting are a family run business with 40 alpacas, one llama, a New Forest Pony and some sheep. The morning began with an interesting talk all about the alpacas. I loved hearing about their quirky habits and learnt some facts that I didn't know. We were also given instructions on how to safely walk with the alpacas.

Next it was time to meet them, there must have been about 15 alpacas all together on our walk. The first alpaca Matt and I got to walk was Walter, white and fluffy he was a picture perfect alpaca. Strolling along the riverbank with him was a very relaxing experience. He was best buddies with the alpaca in front of him so spent a lot of time keeping close to his back legs! There is apparently always one or two alpacas who are happy to go in front of the others and lead the way while the rest feel more comfortable following on behind. Half way through we all switched up and had the opportunity to walk with another alpaca. Our next noble steed was Whiskey Joe. He wasn't particularly photogenic, bless him, but he was a very friendly chap. Further into the stroll we discovered if one poos then they all tend to poo, which turned into an amusingly lengthy poo stop! Alpacas do this in the wild so their eating and toilet areas are kept separate and explains why they all go at the same time.

If you like being outdoors and are looking for something completely different or a unique gift for someone then this is it. Morning walks start at 10am, plan to be there at 9.30am to park, you don't want to be late as the walk takes places a long way across the meadow from the parking area. I'd recommend walking boots or wellies if the weather isn't so great. Anyone from the age of 8 and above can participate making it the perfect thing to do for a family day out. If like Matt and I you want an escape from the kids it's good for that too! It was the perfect opportunity to take a quiet few minutes away from our hectic lifestyle!

I wonder if I can plan a walk with an alpaca on my next trip to Peru?!

November 1, 2018 Camping and Glamping, UK 2 Comments

Unique places to stay in the UK….

Shaldon Beach Hut No.1 - one of my favourite unique places to stay in the UK

Unique places to stay in the UK

I love exploring my home country and seeking out unique and unusual accommodation is top of my list when I’m researching a trip. Although small the UK has some awesome places to stay. I’m a huge fan of camping and glamping but I also love staying in a classy hotel.  So I thought I would list down my favourite places to stay in the UK and explain what makes them unique. Read on for some inspiration on a staycation with a difference…

 

The Big Green Bus, East Sussex

This awesome bus needs no introduction on what makes it unique.  Matt and I stayed on the bus for my 30th birthday with friends, we had the best time!  Parked up in the Sussex countryside the Big Green Bus has been converted into a cosy retreat.  It sleeps six, with two double beds and bunk beds upstairs, has a fully-fitted kitchen, bathroom, lounge area and an outdoor heated shower (there’s also a shower inside.) The lounge has a log burner and there are all sorts of original bus fittings. Upstairs the front area is decked out with original seats and a collection of books; it was the perfect place to chill out with a glass of prosecco or two.  Outside there is a campfire and a wood fired hot tub for hire. This has to be one of the most unique places to stay in the UK!  Read more on my glamping trip on the bus here: All aboard the Big Green Bus: glamping in East Sussex.

 

 

Shaldon Beach Hut No. 1

I loved staying in this dreamy little beach hut.  Nestled on the shoreline of the Teign Estuary in Shaldon with direct access to the beach it is the prefect retreat from the world.  The beach hut is compact as you would expect but it is perfectly formed.  Inside is a galley kitchen, bathroom, lounge with a sofa bed, under floor heating and a lovely mezzanine level with a comfy mattress.  Bi-folding doors open out onto a private terrace overlooking the beach and steps leading onto the sand.  On a sunny day it’s a beautiful spot to sit, read and watch the world go by.  Shaldon is a tiny village in Devon full of west country charm.  There’s plenty to explore and gorgeous beaches too.  I wrote a post all about it: Beach Hut Living…

 

 

Hollies Cottage, Cheddar

This cottage in Somerset has to be one of the cosiest places I’ve stayed in on my list of unique places to stay in the UK. Matt, Emily and I had a lovely long weekend in Cheddar, Somerset for New Years Eve in 2016.  This quaint cottage had an open fire in the lounge and a spiral staircase leading up to the bedroom.  Drinking champagne by the fire on New Years Eve while watching fireworks out of the window at midnight was a lovely way to see in the New Year.  The cottage location is fantastic, it was very quiet but just what we wanted.  Along the road from the cottage sits The Cider Barn, full of west country cider and lovely locals.  Cheddar Gorge and caves is a 10 minute drive along the road and the gorgeous beaches of Weston-super-Mare only a 40 minute drive.

 

 

White House Cottage, Port Isaac

I have never stayed anywhere like Port Isaac, the picture perfect Cornish village is like no other.  Made famous by the popular TV series Doc Martin, it can get very busy during the summer months.  But during the winter months it’s a quiet and tranquil place to stay.  There is no parking in Port Isaac itself so you have to park on the outskirts and take a short walk down into the village.  We stayed in White House Cottage a few steps away from ‘Doc Martin’s House’ on Roscarrock Hill.  There is no parking with the house so it was a bit of trek to the car park but when you have views as lovely as in Port Isaac it really doesn’t matter.  White House Cottage had beautiful views of the harbour and Port Isaac itself from its elevated position on the hill. Turn left out of the house and follow the narrow road up onto the South West Coast Path, beautiful views and stunning walks are literally on the doorstep.  Port Isaac itself has some gorgeous shops, cosy pubs and cafes to buy an obligatory Cornish pasty or cream tea.  Tiny alleyways and quaint fishing houses all add to the charm of this stunning Cornish retreat.  For more on what to do in and around Port Isaac click here: Port Isaac, the ultimate Cornish Retreat…

 

 

Hotel du Vin, Poole

Boutique hotels with unique rooms are what a stay at Hotel du Vin are all about.  Matt and I stayed in the Poole hotel for his birthday, it was a gorgeous mini-break.  Our room was so stylish and featured a roll top bath in the centre of the room.  I loved the attention to detail and the way the room was in keeping with the building which dates back to 1776.  On the quayside in Poole Harbour it’s in a fantastic location for exploring this lovely area of the south coast.  Hop on a ferry to Brownsea Island or visit the upmarket area of Sandbanks. Hotel du Vin often have some great deals, we reserved a room which included dinner and breakfast.  The evening meal was so delicious and a sommelier to help pair our wine with our meal was a very nice touch.  A weekend in Poole, Dorset has all the details of our dreamy weekend escape.

 

 

A campervan

If you’ve read any of my other posts you’ll know I love a road trip, especially if it’s in a campervan.  Matt and I used to own a Mazda Bongo campervan and had some awesome adventures.  We went to Scotland, Wales, Dorset and spent a lot of time in Devon and Cornwall camping in some beautiful places.  We also camped closer to home on the beach on Hayling Island once and drank rum and coke until the early hours!  I loved having a campervan, having the freedom to go where you want, park up in a beach car park and have a cuppa while doing a surf check and having a few beers in the evening by a fire pit…there’s nothing better!  One of my all time favourites to camp at is Incledon Farm.  Being a working farm you often find a chicken or farm cat strolling by your van or tent.  Incledon Farm is in a tiny place called Georgham, just along the road from Croyde in Devon.  It’s a short drive to all the nearby surfing spots and a lovely spot for camping. As far as unique places to stay in the UK goes a campervan is at the top of my list. It is perfect for a staycation with a difference, choose where and when you stop and explore the open road.  If you are planning a road trip in the south west  The Cornwall Camper Company have some awesome vintage VW campers available to hire.

 

 

Beach Retreat, Milford on Sea

Owned by my parents the Beach Retreat started life as a garage, my Mum and Dad have turned it into a stunning one bedroom apartment.  Light, airy and full of seaside charm they have done a wonderful job and created a perfect little place for two to relax by the sea.  It has its own private entrance and parking and comes with a lovely little welcome pack of coffee,tea, milk, scones and jam.  Located a short walk from the seafront in Milford on Sea and a 10 minute walk to the village centre it’s a fantastic place for a break on the outskirts of the New Forest.

 

 

The Snug, Lymington

The Snug can be found in the old market town of Lymington on the edge of the New Forest. It is a cosy, boutique townhouse which has been lovingly restored and really lives up to its name. Full of character from the Belfast sink in the kitchen to the fireplace in the lounge, it’s a luxurious little bolthole for up to four people. The bathroom is an Instagrammers dream with a roll top bath and metro tiles, it has been finished to perfection.  All the small details have been thought of too, the gorgeous New Forest Aromatics products all produced locally add the finishing touch to the bathroom and the welcome pack full of local goodies is such a treat! A stones throw from the High Street, the cobbles and the quay the location couldn’t be better.

 

 

Have you stayed anywhere unusual in the UK? If so, let me know in the comments below. I’m always looking for somewhere unique to stay….

August 25, 2018 Camping and Glamping, UK 1 Comment

Glamping in Dorset…

Our stay in a Shepherd’s Hut near the Jurassic Coast:

I love a spot of glamping so when Matt surprised me with a birthday trip to Dorset I was so excited.  Even as we pulled up to the very grand Warmwell House I had no idea where we were going to be staying. Serena greeted us, we grabbed our bags and followed her through the beautiful grounds to our home for the next two nights.  A clearing in the woodland revealed ‘Sika’ the shepherds hut. Serena was so welcoming, she gave us a tour and invited us to explore the gardens and maze. She also suggested a visit to the kitchen garden where we could help ourselves to vegetables. Such a lovely little touch.  Glamping in Dorset was going to be a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday.

 

 

The Shepherd’s Hut:

Our two night stay did not disappoint. The hut came with everything we needed and every little detail had been taken care of.  At one end was the cosy double bed with plenty of storage underneath and a very neat table with built-in bench seats. At the other end was the kitchen with everything you could need for a glamping escape. This included a sink, hob, crockery, cutlery, biscuits and some Dorset tea. The log burner completed the coziness of the hut and we loved cooking dinner on the fire pit under the stars.  Behind the hut was a large cool box, logs and bins. Sika has a separate bathroom hut with a huge shower and one of the best composting toilets I have ever used. Matt said his main concern when booking somewhere was the toilet. He knows I’m a little bit fussy with these things after some of the horrendous long drop toilets we experienced when camping in Australia! But I was pleasantly surprised with this luxurious little bathroom and its cleanliness. If this is something that worries you, don’t be put off as Warmwell House has got it covered in a very clean and hygienic way! The setting is beautiful and although very close to all of Dorset’s main attractions it felt secluded from the world, very private and peaceful.

Things to do in Dorset:

Warmwell is a short drive from the beautiful Jurassic coast so over the two days we explored Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. We walked along the steep coastal path in-between the two, taking in the beautiful views and stopping for a much earned pub lunch and cider at the Lulworth Cove Inn.  In the afternoons we indulged in the art of doing nothing and relaxed at the hut. Reading and soaking up the afternoon sun with a celebratory glass of champagne and two gorgeous evenings by the fire pit. It was the perfect birthday treat.

Dorset is fantastic for walking and hiking and my favourite thing to do is to combine this with pub stops! The walk from the picturesque village of Worth Matravers to Winspit Quarry on the coast is a fun one. The disused quarry is right on the cliff and the views out to see are gorgeous. Don’t miss the Square and Compass pub, apart from alcohol the only food on the menu is pies and pasties. There’s a quirky fossil museum inside too. It’s a great stop after a long walk. Komoot has a list of their top 10 best walks around Worth Matravers, worth checking out for planning adventures.

Durdle Door is another famous beauty spot on the Jurassic Coast, it’s a steep walk down to the beach but the views are beautiful.

For something a little different, head to Sculpture by the Lakes an outdoor art venue set in 26 acres of Dorset countrside.

‘Sika’ is charming, cosy, shabby chic and luxurious all at the same time.  If you are looking for a glamping retreat in Dorset that ticks all the boxes then this is it and having the Jurassic Coast on the doorstep is simply wonderful.

For more glamping inspiration take a look at my other posts on unique places to stay: 

All aboard the Big Green Bus: The Ultimate Glamping Retreat

Beach Hut Living

Unique Places to stay in the UK

What are your favourite glamping spots? Do you have any recommendations for glamping spots in Dorset? I’m always looking for recommendations on unusual places to stay so let me know in the comments below.