My children love to be out and about in the countryside! If they could be outdoors all of the time, then they would be very happy indeed. So a camping trip outdoors is lots of fun for them. I do like to be outdoors too, and did a lot of camping when I was younger

But glamping however, and I’m all over it. Having flushing toilets, showers, proper beds and duvets sounds good to me, rather than sleeping bags and sleeping on the floor. Plus there is the added bonus of being able to pack relatively light when going glamping. If you want to have a camping trip every now and again, but don’t want to buy a tent and lots of camping gear (like me), then it is ideal.

The past weekend we spent the night at Home Farm Glamping in Elstree on the outskirts of London. I know what you’re thinking, going camping in London? But it amazing just how secluded it was, and it was only a few minutes drive from the Elstree and Borehamwood tube station. So perfect if you’re London bound and will be travelling by tube.

The Tents

Home Farm have twelve tents in total, three are larger yurts and the rest are slightly smaller bell tents. We spent the night in a yurt tent and it was amazing. To say they sleep tup to five people, they have enough space for all that you need. I loved the ‘decor’ and style of them, really modern and quirky. Plus, having a proper double bed, the kids in separate single beds, and actual carpet in there, was lovely. It was fab to be so comfy but still be sleeping in a tent and enjoying the great outdoors.

There is a small decking area out front where you can BBQ, with a large trunk for storage, as well as a chest of drawers. The beds were all comfy and the duvets and sheets were comfortable and soft too.

You need to bring your own towels and toiletries etc and the showers and toilets are located in cabins across the field. The showers and toilet units were all kept really clean and there is electricity going to them, meaning that you can dash to the loo in the middle of the night if needed. The water in the showers was warm, which was just what you need when you’re outside in the fresh air.

What Is Included?

I really liked that so much is provided for you, so you really can pack light. There are wheelbarrows that you can fill up to take your things over to your tent. You are given a box filled with mugs, plates, cups, and cutlery, as well as some marshmallows that the kids loved toasting on the fire. All washing up things are there for you and you can borrow now of the BBQs to take by your tent if you don’t want to do it in the barn area. There are fridges and microwaves, with a hot water canister to use too. There are condiments and tea and coffee to use. So you can pack super light really, which for me, is a real plus. I can remember many a camping trip when I was younger and I needed to take bags and bags of things!

Breakfast is cooked for you the morning after your stay, including things like local eggs, bread, and honey. I thought that was a lovely touch (especially as the night we were there, there was a bit of a storm that kept us awake a bit). But you can pay extra to have evening meals provided for you too. So if you didn’t want to worry about taking food with you, then I think that would be completely worth it – the food we had was delicious!

What Is There To Do?

We were only there for one day, but there was still a lot to do. There are walks in the area, including going round a fishing lake (that the kids loved in particular). You can take ball games to play or just chill in the tent. But there are plenty of walks and exploring to do on site. There is the communal barn area for cooking and chilling out, as well as a covered room with tables, chairs and sofas too. So if you wanted more space or you hit some bad weather, there are other options.

Just down the road from the campsite there is a park and farm, so that is good if you’re travelling with children. I just wish we’d pre-booked the Harry Potter Studio Tour as it is only a fifteen minute drive form there!

Any Points To Improve On?

It isn’t a negative point, and it is mentioned on their website, but I would just stress taking an eye mask if you don’t want to be woken up too early. As you’re out in nature and the tents are white, it does get bright quite early on. I think I was just feeling it more than normal as we’d been awake a little in the night due to the storm!

Overall?

All in all we really enjoyed our stay. I was so impressed to the attention to detail that Home Farm has. You get given a map of the area which was really useful, and the fact that you don’t have to take much along with you makes it really accessible and easy to be there. You don’t have to be a camping pro or know how to light a fire – there was always a staff member on site and everything like matches, logs, and charcoal are there to use.

Home Farm is a really relaxed atmosphere and gives camping a fun (comfortable) and modern twist.  I honestly think that it is good value for money too. Starting from £140 per night, it is a different kind of trip, with lots of things included. So if you’re looking for something to do with the kids over the summer holidays, or just want a night away for two, this really is a good option, rather than a bog-standard hotel.

Have you ever been glamping before? Would love to hear what you think.

*we were invited along to review Home Farm Glamping, in exchange for this post. All words and opinions are my own.