Four and half miles north of Rutland Water, a lake that isn’t really a lake, and six miles from Oakham Castle, which isn’t really a castle, In The Stix is a campsite that – you guessed it – isn’t really a campsite. Comprised of four specially designed geodesic domes, dotted across a grassy field, this modern-looking meadow is first and foremost a place to go glamping. Forget the tent and leave the sleeping bags at home, everything here is covered.
Set around a metal framework and cleverly including an extra mezzanine level inside, the great white domes are light, bright and airy. Inside, they still manage to create a magical cocoon that feels cosy, even when the weather turns, while a large semi-circular window lets in the colours of the great outdoors. The extra space that the mezzanine provides means each dome can sleep up to six people with ease, in a combination of single and king-sized beds. Throw in deep leather sofas, a sleekly designed wood-burning stove and a private hot tub with every dome and you’ve got yourself a seriously cosy place to hide away.
Break from your bubble and step outside to use the kitchen cabin that’s attached to each dome. The wooden structure helps define a private slice of space around your dome where you can sit out and enjoy the sun. Elsewhere in the meadow the other three domes each have their own space too, though close enough that you can socialise and enjoy campfires with fellow glampers. Remember to bring your marshmallows along.
Follow the brook at the bottom of the gently sloping meadow and you’ll quickly link up to Rutland’s footpaths. Taking a bike down to the banks of Rutland Water is a better option though. The man-made reservoir is flanked by a large nature reserve and has excellent paved and gravel cycle routes that are wonderful to explore. Or you can hire a boat and head out onto the water itself. Both will give you a good appetite for your return to camp. Or to the local pub, which is a mere 10-minute walk from your dome.
