Fishing, boating, windsurfing,
walking, cycling, dining… the 800-acre Bewl Water site isn’t short of things
for you to do. So, really, it was only a matter of time before they added glamping
to their lengthy check-list. On the shores of the vast reservoir – the largest
stretch of open water in the South East with room for some 31,000 million litres
of water – their brand new glampsite is a fleeting affair. Popping-up for the
August bank holiday weekend, only, the meadow offers a cluster of beautiful,
furnished bell tents for couples and families with sweeping views across the
waters. Arrive any other time of year and you’d hardly know the glampsite
existed, but join in the bank holiday fun and you’ll discover a busy hive of family-friendly
activity.
First opening on Thursday 24th
August, the bell tent accommodation comes complete with carpets, proper double
beds, bedding and towels, as well as the obligatory strings of bunting to add
that charming, summer feel. Campfires are sadly not permitted, but lanterns and
fairy-lights cast a warming glow when night-time comes and small touches like
the flower vases and old-fashioned bedside trunks show that plenty of thought
has gone into the site. Toilet facilities are situated in the glamping meadow,
while hot showers are provided in the same building as The Boathouse Bistro, a
waterside restaurant where you can dine on lunch or dinner and watch as kayaks
and pedalos make their way across the reservoir below.
Breakfast is all included in the
price. The buffet-style full English offers a good way to fuel up before a day
of active fun. You can take to the water yourself or bring bikes to make the
most of the Bewl Water grounds, with a circuit all the way around the reservoir
as well as nature trails and paths to follow on foot. Bikes are also available
to hire, if you haven’t brought your own, while the most energetic nippers
should make sure to stay on Saturday night, since Sunday sees the Bewl Water
Kids’ Fun Day, complete with bouncey castles, mini-golf, a laser-tag challenge,
face-painting and trips on the Bewl Belle Boat.