Category: review

  • Edwards Farm Glamping Review: A Magical Family Escape in the Dorset Countryside

    Edwards Farm Glamping Review: A Magical Family Escape in the Dorset Countryside

    When I was searching for a last-minute family getaway, I stumbled across Edwards Farm Glamping and instantly fell in love with the idea.

    A family-friendly glamping site in the heart of the Dorset countryside? It sounded exactly what we needed. What I didn’t realise at the time was that we’d be discovering one of our favourite family breaks to date.

    A tent tour and highlights from our stay

    Arriving at Edwards Farm Glamping –

    We pulled into the campsite, parked up, and began unloading. Thankfully, we had packed fairly light because the website explained that most of the essentials were already provided. Bedding, towels, seating, a fire pit, BBQ, showers, toilets, and charging points were all included, which immediately took the stress out of packing. But what really made us smile were the unexpected extras waiting for us.

    From the moment we arrived, it felt as though every little detail had been carefully thought through to make our stay special.

    Inside our tent was a thoughtful welcome hamper filled with sweet treats and goodies for the whole family. There was also a bottle of wine ready for us to enjoy after the children had gone to sleep. As any parent knows, that alone felt like a luxury!

    We were also so excited to find marshmallows and roasting sticks ready for an evening around the campfire. There was even a well-stocked mini bar available for a small additional cost if you fancied treating yourself during your stay.

    Our Superior Bell Tent –

    We stayed in a beautifully furnished bell tent, which was perfect for our family of four. We brought a travel cot for our one-year-old, and there was still plenty of space without feeling cramped.

    The main bed was genuinely one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in away from home. The children’s bed was a generous double and equally cosy. Inside the tent, there was a lovely chaise lounge, a dining table with chairs, and even plates, glasses, and cutlery already set out.

    It truly felt like camping without sacrificing any of the comforts that make a family holiday enjoyable. In fact, I think on our next visit we’ll pack even less because everything has already been thought of.

    Henry and his marshmallows!

    Alternative camping options –

    One of the things we loved about Edwards Farm Glamping was the variety of accommodation options available. Whether you’re looking for a fully furnished luxury glamping experience or something a little more traditional, there’s something to suit every style of getaway and budget. Some of the glamping tents come with added features such as private decked verandas, outdoor seating areas, and pizza ovens, making them perfect for long, lazy evenings spent enjoying the countryside. There are also simpler options available for those who prefer to bring along some of their own camping equipment and create a more personalised camping experience.

    In addition to the glamping accommodation, the site offers spacious grass pitches for tents, making it an ideal destination for families and groups who want to enjoy the beautiful Dorset countryside together, regardless of how they like to camp.

    Facilities That Make Family Glamping Easy –

    The facilities at Edwards Farm Glamping were spot on!

    The outdoor showers were personallt one of my favourite features. Each one was tucked away inside its own private hut, offering hot water and a surprisingly luxurious experience while still feeling connected to nature. There was even enough space to shower our reluctant one year old without any stress!

    The toilets were spotless and really well maintained. Solar-powered lighting around the site meant that even those inevitable middle-of-the-night trips with little ones would feel easy and safe (luckily ours slept through the night!).

    There was also a washing-up area and an information hut where guests could enjoy hot coffee served in the mornings while discovering local attractions and walking routes.

    A stroll around the campsite

    Exploring Shaftesbury –

    One of the best things about Edwards Farm Glamping is its location. The historic town of Shaftesbury is just a short drive away and makes for a wonderful family day out. We made the climb up the famous Gold Hill, which rewarded us with stunning views across the Dorset countryside. At the top, there’s a lovely free museum and gardens where we spent time exploring a little slice of history.

    It was very hot during our stay so we decided to venture out for a cold drink. We visited the Half Moon pub, just a few minutes from the campsite. Its enclosed garden featured a bouncy castle and outdoor games, making it ideal for families with children.

    There are also nearby supermarkets, including Tesco and Lidl, which came in very handy for topping up snacks and BBQ supplies. Anyone with young children will appreciate how useful that is!

    Campfires, Fairy Lights and Family Memories –

    Shaftesbury

    One of the most magical parts of our stay was simply slowing down and enjoying the evening together.

    We cooked dinner on the BBQ beside our tent, then lit the campfire using the wood provided. As the sun began to set across the rolling countryside, we toasted marshmallows, chatted, laughed, and watched the sky change colour.

    Such beautiful skies

    Later, after the children had drifted off to sleep, we curled up as fairy lights twinkled around the tent. It was peaceful, romantic, and exactly the kind of family moment you hope to create on a getaway.

    Plenty of Space for Children to Play –

    The following morning, we enjoyed exploring more of the site with the children. There was a ping pong table, swing ball, and plenty of open space for little ones to run, play, and simply enjoy being outdoors. It felt so safe and relaxed, allowing us to switch off and enjoy some quality family time. It was perfect for our one year old who loves to run off every five minutes!

    A game of swingball

    Behind the campsite, we also discovered a lovely stroll that loops around the surrounding field. The countryside views were stunning, and it’s a wonderful spot to catch the sunset if you’re lucky enough to have clear skies.

    A Truly Special Stay –

    Although Edwards Farm Glamping is conveniently close to Shaftesbury, the campsite feels secluded and peaceful. We spent our time listening to birdsong and enjoying the slower pace of countryside life.

    What really made our stay unforgettable, though, was the hospitality. Tom went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and made us feel incredibly welcome throughout our stay. As if the welcome hamper wasn’t enough, he even delivered fresh pastries to our tent the following morning. They were so tasty and the perfect way to start the day.

    Would We Return?

    Without hesitation—yes.

    Edwards Farm Glamping offers everything we look for in a family getaway: comfort, beautiful surroundings, thoughtful touches, and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories together. 

    If you’re looking for a family-friendly glamping experience in Dorset, we can’t recommend it highly enough. We’re already planning our next visit and can’t wait to return.

    Book Your Stay –

    You can find more information and book your stay at Edwards Farm Glamping here:


    edwardsfarmglamping.com

  • A pre Christmas break in the New Forest

    A pre Christmas break in the New Forest

    Ormonde House Hotel

    A Winter Escape at Ormonde House Hotel, Lyndhurst

    Highlights from our stay

    Tucked beside the gentle edges of the New Forest National Park, where wild ponies wander past and the trees seem to exhale calm, Ormonde House Hotel is the kind of place that immediately slows your pace. It’s close enough to Lyndhurst’s high street for convenience, yet close enough to the forest that you can be among the trees within minutes. It’s comfort and countryside side by side — exactly what you want from a short winter break.

    Our room for the night (room 6)

    From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. All the staff were friendly, the service was fantastic, and as a family travelling with a baby, we instantly felt looked after. Our little Ivy had everything she needed, from a travel cot in the room to a highchair waiting at breakfast. It made our stay feel easy and stress-free — a huge win for any parent. She slept literally like a baby too, so we know she felt comfortable.

    Ivy loving the hotels Christmas tree

    Where the Forest Adventure Begins

    The New Forest spreads out from the hotel’s doorstep like an invitation. You can wander through ancient woodland, spot ponies at the roadside, or simply enjoy the fresh air as you stroll along quiet paths. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a casual walker, or a family looking for gentle outdoor adventures, this area has something for everyone.

    Sundays Hike

    Festive Forest Feels

    Visiting during the festive season adds an extra layer of charm.

    Ivy and Daddy enjoying the Christmas displays

    During our stay, we enjoyed the Christmas light switch-on in Lyndhurst. A couple of mulled wines and a firework display later, we headed to The Forage for a delicious wood-fired pizza and Ivy’s favourite – Spaghetti bolognese! The ideal comfort food for a winter evening and the staff were very attentive. Back at the hotel, we wrapped up the night with a hot drink and some quiet time — simple, cosy, and exactly what we needed before the busy Christmas rush. We even watch The Snowman in bed with Ivy and seeing her little face filled with excitement was precious.

    A Pre-Christmas Escape Worth Taking

    If December tends to feel frantic, this is the kind of escape that helps you reset. Mornings at Ormonde House start slowly, with spot-on coffee and a hearty breakfast to ease you into the day. Even with a baby in tow, everything felt calm and manageable.

    Photo credit – Ormonde House Hotel

    Afternoons can be spent exploring the forest, browsing local shops, or dipping in and out of festive events. Evenings are peaceful — relax with a drink in the hotel bar, a perfect chance to unwind before heading back into the whirlwind of the holidays.

    It’s a getaway that reminds you how important it is to pause, breathe, and reconnect — with nature, with each other, and with yourself.

    A Reason to Return

    After a relaxed wintery morning, I joined the winter launch of New Forest Hikes — a guided walk that now runs regularly from the hotel. Starting and ending right at the front door, it’s an ideal activity for anyone wanting to explore the forest more deeply.

    Sundays hike

    Our guide, Amy, was brilliant. She knows the New Forest so well and took us along routes we never would’ve found on our own. Her passion for the area — and her fascinating backstory — made the experience even more memorable. If you’re staying at the hotel when one of her hikes is running, I’d highly recommend joining.

    With the staff’s kindness, the hotel’s comfort, the AMAZING post hike cake and coffee and the surrounding forest’s charm, we left feeling refreshed and already talking about the next hike on the 14th of December.

    Stay Connected & Book Smart

    Call to book directly –
    📞 Ormonde House Hotel: 023 8028 2806

    If you’d like to keep up with upcoming forest events, future guided hikes, and latest offers, be sure to follow both New Forest Hikes and Ormonde House Hotel on Instagram. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop — and to benefit from any exclusive offers available when booking directly through the hotel.

    The hotel are also running a Giveaway! Follow the link below to enter 👇