Cambridge Edition September 2022 - Web

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

GLAMP IT UP! Camping like you’ve never seen it before! This family-friendly site offers comfortable accommodation, endless activities and a stunning natural location HORSLEY HALE FARM

occupied throughout their stay. “We want to offer lots for both grown-ups and children to do,” says Steph. “And if the parents can get a few hours to themselves while the kids are being entertained by somebody else, that always goes down well!” For the adults, cocktail making is a sure-fire hit – learn to make some of your favourite tipples alongside professional help – while yoga by the lake is a brilliant way to unwind and realign. Meanwhile, children can enjoy fun activities like den building, dreamcatcher making and feeding the resident alpacas. An old-school sports day provides the perfect opportunity for grown-ups and children alike to unleash their competitive side, whereas the campfire bread and hot chocolate session is a cosy and relaxing activity to enjoy as a family. The farm also boasts an on-site lake spanning one third of an acre – big enough for swimming, taking out a pedalo or paddleboarding. “Over the summer, that’s where our guests spend most of their time – nobody bothers to go to the beach when they have good weather and a lake right here!” says Stuart. That said, if you are keen to explore the surrounding area, there’s no shortage of places to visit – from city day trips to Ely and Cambridge, to Thetford

escribed by guests as an oasis in the Fens, Horsley Hale Farm offers an idyllic destination for a stay in the countryside with

friends and family. Surrounded by lush, mature trees, you could easily imagine you were in any part of the world – perfect when in need of a bit of escapism – but without the stress of travelling too far! Run by husband-and-wife duo Stuart and Steph Hatton, the farm has provided a venue for corporate events and away- days, glamping breaks and outdoor educational programmes for schools and youth organisations since 2017. Initially catering for weddings, they’ve slowly shifted the business towards a glamping offering, providing luxury accommodation and facilities for families who want their children to enjoy the freedoms of camping, without skimping on comfort. “We want to make sure we are a family- friendly site,” says Stuart. “A lot of glamping sites are adults-only, aimed at those seeking a bit of peace and quiet, but we have a relatively young family, and wanted to position ourselves as somewhere you can bring the kids.” They’re dog-friendly too, with four-legged friends recognised as key members of the family! Central to the offering is a vast range of outdoor activities to keep everyone

Forest, Cambridge Aqua Park, Wildtracks at Chippenham and Welney Wetland Centre for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Although its extensive range of activities and local attractions makes Horsley Hale Farm a real gem on the Cambridgeshire camping scene, its attractive accommodation takes it to the forefront of glamping experiences in the UK. From April to September, you can book yourself into a spacious yurt – a romantic spot for couples and honeymooners – or one of the farm’s nomadic bell tents or safari tents. Between March and November, opt for a stay in one of Horsley Hale Farm’s signature safari lodges. Each one comes fitted with an internal kitchen and bathroom, with power, lighting, heating and underfloor insulation for maximum comfort. They also boast huge verandas, great for days in the sun with a good book, or long evenings spent chatting well into the night. In the meadow, a large, shared kitchen provides a spacious communal area for you to prep dishes alongside other guests and get to know your fellow campers. You’ll find everything you could ever want from your kitchen at home, with a commercial gas cooker and fridge, toaster and microwave, plus plenty of shelf space. “If anybody comes to stay here, all they need to bring is their food and drink; everything else we can provide – we’ve tried to make it as stress-free as possible,” says Stuart.

RELAXATION Featuring stunning accomodation, have all the adventure of camping, but with a good night’s sleep!

52 SEPTEMBER 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

Powered by