Wednesday 6 June 2012

Glamping in Poole

Or Corfe Mullen to be exact...

Willow Farm Yurts, Location:
Near Poole, Dorset, UK.

Famous for:
Sandbanks (a gorgeous and very long stretch of pristine beach) and Studland Beach and nature reserve.


When to go:
Well this is a UK break, so use your common sense weather-wise. I would say that a winter break is possible here for the more hardy and the provision of a wood burning stove means that you will stay warm whatever the weather.

Cost:
Each Yurt sleeps up to 6 people and prices start from £295 for a 3night break (which i my book is excellent value for 6!)

What you will see:
Well the site itself is set within 27 wooded acres and there is plenty of wildlife to be seen for those with the patience. We saw red deer on our first day alongside an impressive number of birds, including tree creepers, Buzzard, Woodpecker and various finches, we also heard an owl (although I am not sure that counts?!)There are also badger stoat and weasel although you may need to be quiet and patient in order to see these.

Detail:
It's difficult to know where to start, there is so much to say about this wonderful find... Your home for the 3 or 4 night break is a 21ft Yurt, Set in gorgeous Dorset woodland (one of two) with all the luxury you would expect from a true Glamping experience, and more. The beds (configured as per your personal requirements, before you arrive) are proper beds with proper mattresses and duvets and are extremely comfortable. Alongside your beds there is also a sofa and two chairs meaning that whether sleeping or just sitting, everyone has enough space. You may think that having all of this in a Yurt would be cramped – think again, they are surprisingly spacious. Each yurt has a central wood burning stove which is easy to manage and very effective at keeping the yurt toasty warm right through the night. There is no other camping, so you really do feel like you have found your own private wilderness, albeit with all the mod cons you need!

You are also treated to a fire pit outside your yurt, with benches around it, so that you can have a campfire experience (we cooked bananas stuffed with mars bars on ours!)

As well as all of the above, you have a communal area (shared between your yurt and the other yurt on site)which is fully equipped with seating (inside and out)stoves, pans, crockery, lighting and a much appreciated welcome pack with the basics included (tea, coffee, milk etc.)to get you started. There is even a BBQ that you can use if the fire pit proves too tricky for you to cook on.

There is a shower and toilet block a short stroll away from the yurts, but each yurt has its own private portaloo so that you don't have to traipse over to the block in the dark.

The owners, Gwen and Martin have gone above and beyond to ensure that you have everything you need to make your stay a comfortable one. they are welcoming and friendly and available if you need anything that they haven't already thought of.

The site is equipped with solar lights and eco-friendlydisposal systems. There are recycling bins that are emptied daily and although the solar lights are low wattage, there are enough of them to make sure you can find your way everywhere.

What to take:
As I previously mentioned, they really have thought of everything, but there a few essentials that I would advise you put in your rucksack or similar:

• Insect repellent (I swear by Avon Skin So Soft, original formula dry oil spray)
• A waterproof jacket (you never can predict the weather)
• Golfing umbrellas if you have them (they covertwo people and if it's just spitting you can sit by the campfire and still enjoy the experience from undercover.
• Tin foil : in the absence of tupperware, an essential bit of food wrapping kit.
• Torches/headtorches: for when you need a light stronger than solar lights.
• Hat: trust me you will have a bad hair day!

What to expect:
Expect complete relaxation with no distractions. There are no plugs at the yurt,there is a charging point at the toilet block, but to be honest letting your phone/ipad etc die down is a pleasant relief and there are plenty of other things you can do to occupy yourself. It's nice to escape from TV as well. Expect tranquility and a feeling of escape. This really is a gem of a place and is a great location to recharge your batteries.

The yurts are ideally suited for families and if you go as a family you can expect plenty of quality time together. However, we went as a group of six adults and we had a great time, just dont expect much privacy.

If you don't camp, but love the outdoors, this is the perfect solution. If you do camp and just fancy a little luxury then again, this is the solution. If you are new to camping then what could be a more perfect way to ease yourself into it. Just don't tell too many people we want this to remain our little secret right?

Contact details:
You can see the website here...World of Willow Yurt.

Telephone number to book is: 07810 515413


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