And relax… Just sit back, soak in the peace of rural Bath and the beauty of the views over Charlecombe valley stretching out before you, enjoy a glass of something special and wait for the barbecue to slowly ready itself for an al fresco culinary treat.
It’s midweek, we deserve a break and a charming little corner of Bath is providing the perfect answer.
Natterjack Glamping has just opened, with a collection of five glamping tents just a short amble from the Hare and Hounds on Lansdown, and offering a gorgeous option for both local people wanting some time out and visitors to the city looking to sample Bath’s rural idyll.
For our midweek stay it was just heavenly. With most of what we needed was already supplied, it was simply a matter of pulling up to the reserved parking area, a short walk through the developing orchard and there was our home for the night.
Each tent comes complete with a very comfy double bed, electrical supply, crockery and cutlery, a kettle and even a safe to look after those valuables. Outside, there’s a wooden table with an umbrella, two surprisingly comfortable loungers and a barbecue, plus your own space to – well – do as little or as much as you want.
We turned up late afternoon with the teenagers looking after themselves and with orders to contact our friendly neighbours if they needed anything. Actually, the teens were majorly surprised at my desire for a night under canvas. It’s not so much that I’m not a camping fan, it’s more if I’m spending some time away from home, the least I want is a comfy bed, a hot shower and a toilet that doesn’t require a shovel.
I’m very glad to say that Natterjack Glamping has the lot. The double bed is super comfy, each pitch has its own proper shower and sink, along with a compost toilet and a funky battery pack thingy that means the plug in kettle supplied works well, plus you can keep your phone charged.
In no time, the Malbec was uncorked, the barbecue readied and we’re loving the quiet and solitude. OK, yes, there are two fold-out beds if you want to take your littles with you, and there’s plans for a play area to be added to the site.
In fact, if you fancy a group visit, the whole site is available at £1,000 mid week and £1,500 for a weekend. This includes all five tents, exclusive hire of the whole site and use of nearby barn activities and team building.
For this visit, however, it was about a midweek, screen-free break – no emails, no social media, no hassles. There’s no wi-fi at Natterjack Glamping, although there was signal enough to rely on data if you really need it.
In no time the Waitrose Cumberlands were sizzling and we began to unwind. As the evening progressed and the Malbec evaporated, we could have been two hundred miles away, enjoying that rare sensation of being in the moment.
After a warm shower, the bed proved super comfy and there was even the opportunity to open blinds in the tents roof for a spot of star-gazing.
For anyone paying a visit to Bath, it’s about a 20 minute walk to the closest bus stop from trips into town, with a well stocked Spa closeby and the Hare and Hounds on hand if you fancy something beyond the barbie.
All-in-all, this was a wonderful experience and reminder that you don’t have to jump on a place to get away from it all.
Natterjack Bath is managed by the team from www.curated-property.com
