An Autumn glamping break
It was the half term holidays, and after a couple of days at home I was itching to go on an adventure. We had spent the summer travelling around the UK in our campervan, Otis, and enjoyed glamping in Dorset, a lodge break in Scotland and a luxury break in the Isles of Scilly. We love a campervan holiday but we also love our glamping holidays with kids. The weather forecast was good for the end of the week, and after a few hours researching I stumbled across Eco retreats. I instantly knew that this was the place for an adventure. Yes….we were off glamping in Autumn … Were we mad??!
Eco Retreats, Wales
Eco retreats is a glamping retreat offering tipi or yurt holidays, set in the heart of the Welsh mountains. The retreat is around 20 minutes off the main road, along the forest track, deep in the heart of the Dyfi Forest. If you are looking for a tranquil and peaceful setting that is far removed from the outside world, with no wi-fi or little phone reception…. then this is the place for you. The yurts and tipis are spread out over more than 50 acres, meaning you can enjoy peace and quiet and make the most of the open space.
The yurts are fully equipped and you will find everything you need for a wonderful stay…think sheepskin rugs, bed linen, lanterns, and beautiful cushions. Each yurt also has its own wood-fired alfresco bath, and a shower and toilet unit just a few yards outside the yurt. There is a wood burning stove and this absolutely made our stay. There is nothing better than returning from a beautiful evening stroll and lighting up that stove for the night.
Having only ever camped and glamped in the summer, I have to say I was hesitant. Would it be cold? Wet? Muddy? With a van packed with wellington boots…jumpers…coats and wooly hats we headed off on our half term adventure.
You can read our full Eco Retreats review here
Here are our five reasons to go glamping in Autumn and Winter
To Make Memories
I have said this so many times, but we are great believers in collecting memories and not things. I would choose an experience over a plastic toy any day of the week. Memories are the most amazing thing, you can never take them away and they are sure to put a smile on your face and add that fuzzy warm feeling in your toes…memories…well they stay with you forever.
Misty mornings and crisp air
Autumn mornings are so special. They are crisp and fresh, and It is lovely to wake up to observe a beautiful sunrise or a misty view. The crisp clear days in Winter make for an ideal family walk. We headed around the forest and discovered so many walking routes for all to enjoy.
Change of colour
Autumn is definitely my favourite season, Winter comes in a close second. I love the colours of Autumn and I love the light of Winter. Stepping out in the fresh air in the morning to see the golds, reds, oranges and browns that Autumn bring is splendid. What’s more, the kids just seem to love the cold winter months. They are always the first to jump in a huge pile of leaves, squelch in the mud, and roll around in the snow. They often come home with a pocket full of leaves, pinecones, conkers and twigs. There is something special about wrapping up and heading out on a family walk, and returning to fluffy blankets and a freshly lit stove.
It’s quieter
You definitely beat the crowds with an Autumn or Winter break. I find taking a break out of the summer months means fewer people….fewer crowds and lots of peace and quiet. We had the field all to ourselves, apart from a few sheep who came to join us in the morning. It was such a quiet, peaceful retreat, giving us uninterrupted time with the children away from the chaos of day to day life.
Autumn Sunshine
September and October are often still warm, but a sunny day in late October or November always feels that little bit more special. During our stay we headed over to the nearby Aberdovey, a beautiful seaside town on the north side of the estuary of the River Dyfi in Gwynedd. We sat on the beach listened to the waves crash and watched the kids enjoy the sand and sea. What a beautiful spot for some late October sunshine (and can I add the icecream here is amazing.)
The Verdict
We loved it and wouldn’t hesitate to glamp during the colder months again. We weren’t quite brave enough to try the wood-fired alfresco bath….but maybe next year 🙂
So have you ever tried camping or glamping during the colder months, and would you recommend it?
If you likes this glamping post – You can also read our glamping at Slate caverns review here
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I agree that autumn/winter is the perfect time to go glamping! We glamped in the snow a few years ago and had the best time (I do recommend a wood burning stove if you’re going to do this though).
100% agree that it’s generally quieter and sunnier too. Plus it’s nice to get some fresh air at this time of year too x
You had me at Misty mornings and crisp air x
I think I would consider going glamping in the colder months. avoiding the crowds definitely appeals to me and the kids love being outside whatever the weather
We had a night glamping in late October last year, but the wood burner would not light and honestly, we were absolutely freezing! It would have been amazing if we had some warmth. Kaz
The inside of that accommodation looks amazing! Maybe it’s time I gave Glamping a go!
Yes! Some fab reasons. There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. The yurt looks super cosy! #MondayEscapes
Great post. I would love to try Glamping in Winters, great way to get some fresh air and also some quiet time. Happy camping and travelling . #MondayEscapes
This is a pretty convincing list and the photos of the little ones in their wellies is so cute! However, I think it’s wayyy too cold for me personally! I would need lots of duvets and a proper roof!
I’ve always wanted to go glamping but must admit wouldn’t want to do it in the winter, maybe autumn is doable. We’ve been eyeing some yurts in Wales. Hopefully we’ll manage to do it this year 🙂
I’ve always wanted to stay in a yurt but didn’t know about these in Wales! Would love to try particularly in Autumn/Winter when there are fewer people and your an light a fire #MondayEscapes
I totally agree! Glamping in winter is so much fun and it’s lovely to do it while the sites are a bit quieter. That misty valley is stunning too! Thanks for sharing this on #MondayEscapes
That yurt is SO cute, I’d love to stay there! Glamping has been on my list for a while and I can imagine during the winter it’s quite cozy!
I also love the colours that you can find in autumn and I agree that it is better when it is quieter because you can make happy memories.
I would never have thought of going glamping in autumn. I don’t think I could manage it as I hate the cold but it sounds like a lovely adventure x
Lots of great ideas! I was hoping to go glamping in Feb half term but haven’t found the right sort of place yet, I guess I need to be a bit more organised and book further in advance!
We have been invited on a glamping retreat but have all been poorly so haven’t done it yet. Love that some Yurts are heated with log burners, wouldn’t get me in one without some heat this time of year. Fresh air is good for the soul
This just makes me want to go glamping that so much more. It looks so cool and like something me and my family would enjoy so much! I hope to make it happen this year for sure!
http://www.nmdiaries.com
I have only been glamping in the summer and and loved it them but I wouldnt mind glamping in winter but wouldn’t camp in winter though
I love Autumn as it’s usually so pretty with low sunshine and I can imagine glamping would be so much fun in Autumn.
I really, really want to go glamping. I think it must be so much fun whatever the season and must feel so lovely waking up somewhere outdoors, but comfortable. It’s on my bucket list to try out this year. x
Glamping is definitely something I could enjoy.
I am a big fan of holidays later in the year. We’ve had a lot of success with October half term. In my view, this is the UK, the weather is a risk whenever you go!
The yurts looked so cool inside, a bit of a Moroccan touch to them. What an adventure. Tempted!
Sounds perfect! We havent been glamping or camping but our eldest son keeps asking to go. Maybe we will do it one day #MondayEscapes
This sounds great. I have never thought of glamping with the family.
Looks like a great place to visit, we are all for a winter break and yes like you said you definitely beat the crowds
To be honest Katy we struggle to fit everything into the few months of good weather of the year so we have to make the most of the weekends regardless whether its cold outside or not! Not glamped in the winter yet, but definitely up for it after reading this;)
You are so brave, I would love to stay in a Yury but I think it would have to be in the summer x
We absolutely loved glamping this winter. Those tipis look great I will have to look up Eco Retreats. Sarah