Typically, when a group of friends plan a wholesome weekend getaway it goes one of two ways: a trip to Centre Parcs or an Airbnb. But, keen for a change, I recently found myself suggesting a new option – a camping trip – clearly forgetting childhood traumas of rain-drenched sandwiches and a favourite welly lost to the mud.
In peak summer, the camping idyll is achievable. But as temperatures drop and the weather becomes unpredictable, it’s very different beast. Enter the UK glamping industry, now worth over £3.5 billion, offering luxury solutions that range from four-poster beds and plunge pools to private chefs and yoga classes. As tempting as these options are, I prefer a sweet spot in between—where the no-frills, feral nature of camping remains, just with a few added comforts.
The Nest strikes that perfect balance. We followed winding lanes deep into the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, eventually coming to a stop in the middle of nowhere, greeted only by a row of brightly-coloured wheelbarrows.
And so, the adventure began. We loaded our city-break-style suitcases into the wheelbarrows and trundled them down a dusty track into a field, where three secluded safari tents awaited.
ROOMS AND FACILITIES
The canvas cabins are an impressive sight. Ours, named Teal, was the newest addition to The Nest family and our home for the next three days. Wooden steps leading up to a decked terrace and chic seating area set the tone for the weekend ahead. Arriving just in time for sunset, we promised ourselves we’d sit out every evening and soak in the view.
Stepping inside the tent felt like that moment in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when Harry enters the Weasleys’ unassuming tent, only to discover an unexpectedly grand space within.
We unzipped the canvas door to reveal a far larger-than-expected, sumptuously cosy living area, complete with Chesterfield sofas, a wood-burning stove, a kitchen, and a dining table. The bathroom boasted an inviting standalone bath with sweeping views of the grounds, while three cleverly designed bedrooms were arranged around the central space. There was a king-size master bedroom, a twin room, and, hidden behind wooden shutters at the top of a ladder, a snug double bed tucked into a nook.
If that wasn’t luxurious enough, the White Company bedding confirmed that we were definitely not roughing it.
We unpacked, got the wood burner going (essential for a warm night’s sleep), and settled in for a cosy evening of cheese, wine, and board games by the fire. When it was finally time to turn in, we headed to bed, hot water bottles in tow.
FOOD AND DRINK
All three tents are self-catering, which would normally mean a last-minute scramble around the supermarket to pull together three days’ worth of meals for six people. But with easy access for food delivery drivers, we were able to plan ahead, making for a seamless journey and stress-free arrival.
For extra ease, The Nest offers a range of foodie packages and hire options. Grazing boards and marshmallow toasting kits could be requested in advance, but for something truly special, top-of-the-range Gozney pizza ovens were available to hir, perfect for the ultimate pizza-making party. With homemade dough and passata provided, all we had to do was bring our favourite toppings and get stuck in.
HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS
It’s easy to be swept away by comfort and luxury in a setting like this, but for me, the real draw of a glamping stay, and the reason I’ll return year after year, is always the location.
Just a stone’s throw from the tents, the lake sits invitingly, framed by tall grass and reeds, waiting to be enjoyed. Mornings were spent taking refreshing dips, while the rest of the day was filled with failed paddleboarding attempts and canoe races – creating beautiful memories along the way.
On the other side of the lake, the nearby forest offered woodland walks. Bush School Hampers were provided for the little ones, who took them very seriously, spending hours making tree rubbings and searching for ladybirds.
When evening came and the kids were tucked into bed, the fun didn’t stop. Each tent featured its own wood-fired hot tub, perfect for unwinding with a few glasses of wine. Our final night was topped off with a screening of The Greatest Showman under the stars complete with a fire pit and marshmallows on sticks.
THINGS TO DO NEARBY
Beyond The Nest there is so much to do. The local area is packed with activities and places to visit. Sacrewell Heritage Farm and Burghley Garden of Surprises are just a short drive away and are perfect for the kids. For history buffs there are several castles and stately homes nearby, including Burghley House, Belvior Castle and Peterborough Cathedral. For golf lovers, check out Luffenham Heath and Greetham Valley.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, the local market town of Stamford has plenty of great restaurants on offer. Don’t forget the local pubs too, The Millstone in Barnack is walking distance from The Nest, The Bertie Arms welcome four-legged friends and The Olive Branch in Clipsham sells wines, oils, chocolates and jams to take back to the lodge.
From £780 for 4 nights based on 6 guests off-peak. To book visit www.thenestglamping.co.uk/book-your-stay
