Under the Oak Glamping

When Lydia and Richard first opened Under the Oak Glamping in 2018 they had just a single luxury safari tent, set beneath a beautiful old oak tree in a corner of their Monmouthshire farm. Such was the popularity of the place, however, that within two years their collection had blossomed into three family-sized tents and a romantic two-person railway carriage, each ensconced away in its own private area. Of course, not all of these were under splendid oak trees. But a name is a name. And by now Under the Oak had earned quite the reputation, including being crowned one of the UK’s top five glamping escapes by ELLE magazine.

On the edge of the small village of Bedwas, near Caerphilly, Under the Oak is not a place that does things by halves. You’ll find plenty of creature comforts, such as a cosy Welsh box bed, well-stocked kitchen, and – oh thank you – a hot tub filled with natural spring water, heated by a wood-burning stove. Yet for all the luxuries, this is still a place that lets you really enjoy the great outdoors. Simply pack a few changes of clothes, some sturdy walking boots and a good book and you’re perfectly set to enjoy the farm.

Whether you’re in the safari tent beside the sparkling pond or the newly restored railway carriage under, yes, another oak tree, every option has views across the Rhymney Valley, stretching out to the rolling Welsh hills opposite. The outcome is a glamping experience that’s private, yet wonderfully open, with room to explore the local area in your own ‘holiday bubble’. Sheep and cattle are generally your nearest neighbours and, on occasion, buzzards and red kites soar overhead. With such an easy pace of life and an abundance of fresh air to soak up, it's surprising to think that Cardiff is just a 30-minute drive away.

Lydia and Richard look after the site, but it's been used as farmland for generations. There's a genuine sense of enthusiasm radiating from the family, and it's clear that Under the Oak is a labour of love. From little homely touches – fluffy towels, comfy cushions and a kitchen stocked with plenty of basics – guests don’t want for much. The living areas of each tent offer a spacious and comfortable place to unwind, whilst in the centre, a wood-burning stove throws out heat on chilly Welsh nights. Cynefin, the railway carriage, meanwhile, is a superb piece of design, with its en-suite shower room, kitchen area and sleeping space all neatly fitted in without feeling claustrophobic or cluttered in any way. And, when you do want that extra sense of space, you can soak in the outdoor bathtub beneath the stars.

The mountain above the farm is a great way to explore the local surroundings, offering excellent walks and panoramic views across to the Bristol Channel. For a big climb head for the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan (886m), shared only with a few other walkers, and, occasionally, soldiers training. Prefer the coast? Try Southerndown, which offers plenty of pebbles, sand, and rock pools. At high tide the beach disappears – as all do along this coastline – and a short walk inland reveals the remains of Dunraven Castle, one of the many classic Welsh castles waiting to be discovered.