Swallowtails is a pop-up glamping site that has put down roots. This sociable and family-friendly site was germinated in Norfolk but is now establishing itself just outside the Yorkshire town of Pickering. Stand in the acre-and-a-half glamping field and you can see why its owners chose this fertile spot. Beyond the mature hedges that shelter the site’s lotus bell tents and yurts, the view reveals it all. First there are farmer’s fields and then the rooftops of Pickering, just a 10-minute walk away. Look carefully and you may just spot the tip of a distant rollercoaster at one of the site’s closest attractions and, ever-present in the distance, are yet more dizzying heights; the rolling Howardian Hills and the heather-clad North York Moors.
It wasn’t just the views of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a national park that persuaded owners Freya and Mark to settle Swallowtails here. Years of family camping trips and years more running a pop-up mean they know what glampers want; especially, but not exclusively, glampers with kids. Having places to eat out and visit just a walk or cycle from site was important and being within day-tripping distance of the coast was crucial too. While good weather is never guaranteed, they noted that this part of Yorkshire, the Vale of Pickering, gets less rainfall than most.
On site, their experience shines through further in the way the spacious lotus bell tents and yurts are set up. Walls are insulated, beds are made and the barbecue outside, so dinner is less of a faff. The site is relatively small (five yurts and four lotus bell tents) which helps with a sociable feel. There are communal campfires, regular pizza nights and crafty activities for kids, led by Freya; a qualified art teacher as well as your campsite host. Activities can last for hours and parents are welcome to join in or to escape for grown-up time; perhaps an on-site yoga or mindfulness session (all bookable in advance).
While all this makes it great for families, it’s also good as a base for couples and small groups who want to explore the outdoors – particularly those with bikes. Alongside the flat, family-friendly cycling nearby, there’s the more serious stuff of road cycling in the national park and the mountain bike trails of the Dalby Forest. Pickering is a buzzy little place with great eateries, a castle and a station on the North York Moors Railway. Use it to visit seaside Whitby (handy as parking in the town can be tricky). There are lots of walks and plenty of attractions for all ages, from the animals and theme park rides of Flamingoland to the historic city of York.
There are regular pizza nights on site where you can make your own pizza and have it cooked in the on-site pizza oven. For other nights, it's less than a mile into the market town of Pickering which has plenty of options for stocking up on supplies and for eating out. For coffee or breakfast try Feast (01751 470121), café and shop. On sunny days try the beer garden at The Sun Inn (01751 473661) for a drink or, for food, head to either The Black Swan (01751 798209) or the The White Swan Restaurant (01751 472288), both smart pubs in Pickering's market place. More casual options include Capplemans Fish and Chips, Piggies in the Middle (01751 475511): a delicatessen shop selling fresh pulled pork sandwiches and Botham's (01947 602823) for light lunches, creams teas and delicious cakes. A mile or so outdside town, Cedarbarns Farm Shop and Cafe (01751 475614) is a great place for farm fresh meat, vegetables and seasonal pick-your-own fruit. There are several country pubs within cycling distance including The Blacksmiths Arms (01751 417247) in Lastingham (nine miles from site) and The Fox and Rabbit Inn (01751 460213) at Lockton (five miles away). Malton, which is known as the food capital of Yorkshire, is only 15 minutes' drive from Swallowtails and has a plethora of top quality food establishments and a monthly, nationally-renowned food market on the second Saturday of the month.