The mature trees that dot the camping meadow around this white-washed YHA hostel are certainly in keeping with the setting. Right in the heart of the New Forest, the small 15-pitch campsite very much has the feel of being a part of the woodland. Camping here is like pitching in the garden of a large family house, with just a plain, relatively empty meadow in which to pop your tent and all the facilities themselves housed inside the commanding main building itself.
That’s not to say the place is lifeless. On the contrary the camping area comes alive on the weekends, when tents sprawl their way around the undesignated spaces and colourful cookwares are spread across the numerous picnic tables peppered around the field for anyone to use. Inside, meanwhile, along with the regular shower, toilet and washing up offerings, you also have the added bonus of full hostel facilities – there’s a kitchen, lounge, Wi-Fi, cycle storage and a drying room.
Comfort seekers can pluck for one of the two glamping options that also take up some of the outdoor space. There are sturdy year-round pods and, during summer, four furnished bell tents pitched on raised wooden decking. They’re certainly the speediest option of you want to simply turn up and head out on your bike without pitching your tent (or if you want to simply head down the pub – the nearest one is right next door!)