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The Glamping Orchard

Gloucestershire Gl2, Gloucestershire, England
1 acre hosted by Ali P.
A fully restored 1950s Warwick Knight caravan (with roof garden!) and luxury bell tent in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Set within a three-mile wide meander in the River Severn, the countryside around Longney could well be considered a hidden treasure. After all, when you’re just two crow-flown miles from the M5, you surely wouldn’t expect to find such perfectly peaceful pastures as these. In summer swathes of golden wheat fields shimmer in a breeze that funnels up the Bristol Channel, while green, squares of land sit like oddly shaped patches sewn into an old pair of khaki kecks. These, of course, are the orchard; relics of an era when apples were the main trade of the county. Today they make the perfect setting for a campsite.

Nestled among trees still bristling with beautifully ripe Russets during summer, The Glamping Orchard offers a peaceful retreat in the form of two luxury abodes. A charming bell tent (sleeping up to five), includes a wood-burning stove and plush double bed with foldout options for an additional three guests and comes accompanied by a beautiful bathroom building on wheels and a private kitchen hut. Rustic yet well equipped, bunting festoons the bell tent’s central pole and the hand painted coffee table has an almost Moroccan feel. Small touches like the wicker basket of extra blankets, meanwhile, reflect that ‘go the extra mile’ attention that's been put in.

The second and newest addition to The Glamping Orchard is the spectacular fully restored 1950s Warwick Knight caravan. Believed to be one of only three left in the world, this ‘Rolls Royce of caravans’ was no knight in shining armour when owners Ali and Rich first clapped eyes on it. Dilapidated, debris-filled and covered in a fine layer of green algae, the Warwick’s seven month renovation from relic of the road to staggering luxury caravan was even televised by George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

Finished to the highest standard throughout, this unique caravan now offers glampers a luxury stay with more than ample room for a family of four. Inside there’s a large, cosy seating area, complete with a crackling log-burner, while the kitchen offers plenty of cooking space. The sleeping area is separated by sliding doors so that you can enjoy a drink by the fire when the kids are slumbering. It includes snug bunk pods for the kids and a comfy double bed for two adults with fantastic orchard views. A charmingly rustic shower-on-wheels is adjacent, as is the compost loo. It’s stand out feature though is undoubtedly the elaborate roof garden that once adorned the Warwick Knight at an exclusive Earls Court exhibition in 1952. Here guests can stretch their legs, or sink into a beanbag, while enjoying views of the River Severn or the starry skies above.

The Glamping Orchard positively exudes a sense of relaxation and has precisely the laid-back attitude required for a campsite whilst still being wonderfully resourceful. If you’re hungry, you’re welcome to pick apples from the trees, while those that fall to the ground are still not wasted, instead collected up and fed to Margot, the smallholding’s pet pig! Chickens populate the site – you can collect their fresh eggs for breakfast – and the horses and ponies welcome trap rides. Is there a more quintessentially countryfied experience than a horse and cart ride down to the local pub for a pint of Gloucestershire cider? After all, when you’re glamping in an orchard it would be rude not to, right?

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Gloucestershire Gl2, Gloucestershire, 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 Ali P.Joined in January 2016
From the host
Ideally located in the heart of the picturesque Severn Vale, The Glamping Orchard gets you back to nature but not back to basics. Longney is just five miles from historic Gloucester and a lovely short walk from the River Severn. Combining the idyllic peace and quiet of gorgeous orchards and beautiful countryside with close proximity to great pubs, market towns and delightful villages, The Glamping Orchard is set on a family-run smallholding surrounded by farm animals and acres of space. We are a family-run smallholding surrounded by farm animals and gorgeous orchards and we are passionate about the outdoors and enjoying all the fun that it brings in an enjoyable, comfy, stylish setting. We will leave you in peace to enjoy your holiday and to make friends, if you wish, with Margot our friendly pig, our cows, horses, ponies and not forgetting our chickens, who are usually very giving with their eggs! If you need a hand with fire lighting, advice about the local area or you would like us to take you out on our horse and cart for a truly relaxing experience, you have the peace of mind that we are close enough to just ask and we will be happy to help in any way we can. We very much look forward to welcoming you to the Glamping Orchard and to share our magical setting with you and we sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay with us. Ali, Richard, Jasper and Monty and Hector the dog.
Nearby attractions

The site is just 5 miles from historic Gloucester and a lovely short walk from the River Severn. It's also just as nice to walk east to the Sharpness Canal, while the Severn is excellent for bird and wildlife watching (The Slimbridge Wetland Reserve is particularly close at hand), the canal is where you can watch the boaters to-ing and fro-ing – usually from a good pub (see food and drink). 10 miles away you can hire your own with Glevum Boat Hire (01453 899190). If you'd prefer to stay on land, how about renting a bike (01453 899190) to take on the quiet country lanes. Popular nearby attractions include the excellent Cotswold Wildlife Park (01993 823006) and Cotswold Farm Park (01451 850307) – better known as 'Adam's Farm' from the BBC's Countryfile. For a little culture, try the gardens and country houses of nearby Painswick Rococo (01452 813204), Batsford Arboretum (01386 701441) and Sudeley Castle and Gardens (01242 602308).

Food and drink
The Anchor (01452 740433) in Epney is a great local pub situated on the banks of the River Severn, with beautiful views, serving typical pub grub with large portions. The Ship Inn (01452 740260), located on the canalside in Framilode has a decked seating area and garden for the children. For the best views, though, try The Pilot (01452 690807) in Hardwicke. Elevated to overlook a long stretch of the Sharpness Canal, it has a great play area for little ones and the service and food are always good. For fabulous cooked breakfasts, light lunches and tea and cake (along with more lovely canal views), The Stables Café (01452 741965), in Saul is another great choice.

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