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Safari Glamping

Dorset Dt10 2 Rr, Dorset, England
1 acre hosted by Charlie ?.
Twin Lodges in an enchanting coppice clearing

Here in the valley, the world seems to be constructed upon a smaller and more delicate scale...The atmosphere below is languorous, and is so tinged with azure that what artists call the middle distance partakes of that hue, whilst the horizon beyond is of deepest ultramarine.

So wrote Thomas Hardy of his beloved Blackmore Vale. This area of north Dorset, fringed by the chalky Dorset Downs and Cranbourne Chase, has a pastoral idealism which belies its wild beauty. It is easy to see how this region so enraptured the young Hardy. So enamoured, particularly with Marnhull, the author chose the surrounding area as the locale for his seminal Tess of the D'Urbevilles. A little to the west of Marnhull in the quiet village of Stalbridge, lies the the sprawling Stalbridge Park. The restorative air is sweet here, abuzz with the sights and sounds of West Country critters. And it is within this physical totem of Hardy's fabled Wessex that we find the luxuriously secluded Safari Glamping.    

If Dorset has a more idyllic setting for luxury camping (or any sort of camping, for that matter), we're hard pressed to find it. In an enchanting coppice clearing, the twin lodges  which comprise the sole accommodation are dotted with care amongst the four orchid-strewn acres of idyllic cider orchard – this is the home of scrumpy after all.

The lodges (to call them tents would be a disservice) are the very vision of luxury. From the en suite bathroom (proper plumbing) to the hard-wood floors and veranda for al fresco dining, your affable host Charlie has taken every care to make your break completely hassle-free. The accommodation speaks for itself, but it's the little touches that really make your stay special – touches like a picnic basket left in a location of your choice (handy when exploring the 25 acres of woodland) or the complimentary g&t.

There's a whole host of activities on offer, from archery and riding to bush craft and ballooning. Your accommodating hosts even offer "mother's help" with the kids, so you're free to chill in the hammock with a glass of the old 'mother's ruin'!

With so many activities on offer within the sprawling estate grounds, you needn't venture far. However if you do, the site is ideally placed to explore the best that Dorset and Somerset have to offer. Situated just under an hour from both the coast and the New Forest, you really can have the best of both worlds. Weymouth provides a pleasing mix of bohemian buzz and 'kiss-me-quick' kitsch. Be sure to visit the lively Old Harbour. Closer to home (you'll wish it was by the end of your break), the idyllic watermill at Sturminster Newton is an essential stop for Hardy pilgrims.  

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Location
Dorset Dt10 2 Rr, Dorset, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Charlie ?.Joined in June 2013
From the host
The two fully plumbed in safari lodges (proper mini kitchen and ensuite shower and loo) are situated within an idyllic woodland orchard in an historic Jacobean park on the Dorset Somerset border. You are surrounded by 30 acres of woods that you are free to explore and enjoy.  Think freedom, seclusion and privacy. Children can build camps, help with the camp fire, or swing on the monkey ropes.  This is heaven. If you are looking for adventure, there is shooting, archery, riding, art safari, hot air ballooning and bush craft in and around the surrounding woods and farm land. If you are feeling less adventurous,  you can just sit on the veranda and sip the gin and tonic (inclusive).  Paradise.
Nearby attractions

Weymouth, Bournemouth, Poole and the Georgian charm of Blandford are easily reachable and the site is just 12 miles from the historic market town of Dorchester. As well as being a veritable shrine to all things Thomas Hardy the county town also boasts an eclectic mix of museums including The Dinosaur Museum, The Teddy Bear Museum and the globally acclaimed Tutankhamun Exhibition. Literary pilgrims should also check out the Hardy Monument, St Michael's Church, Stinsford and Hardy's Cottage. For something completely different, head to nearby Monkey World the Ape Rescue Centre (01929 462537) which is home to over 240 rescued and endangered primates.

Food and drink

Seeing as this is cider country after all, it'd be darn-right offensive to your orchard dwelling to not to sample your fair share of scrumpy. The Crown Inn at Marnhull (01258 820224) is an atmospheric 16th century tavern with a charming beer garden and fine selection of local brews. The Dolphin (01258 456813) in Blandford Forum serves up hearty pub fayre and various Piddle ales. They also have live music every Wednesday.   

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