I will let you into a secret here; I haven’t always been a great lover of camping, however I do love glamping. I secretly like my creature comforts (a coffee machine anyone!?) and I am not a huge fan of spending hours trying to put up a tent in the dark (particularly as we are always late) and taking it down at the end of the break. I do however, LOVE the great outoors. I love watching the kids running around a field squealing with laughter still in their onesies. I love toasting marshmallows on a fire pit, wrapped up in a blanket and listening to the sound of nature. I love having an opportunity to ‘unplug’ from the world and enjoy pure uninterrupted family time in the fresh air. Here is a week in Dorset glamping at Green Valley Yurts.
Last weekend saw our our littlest girl’s 3rd birthday, and we wanted to do something super special for her. We try to keep with our ethos of ‘collecting memories and not things’ where we can, so therefore agreed that it would make a lovely idea to plan a little family birthday break. I am afraid we ‘cheated’ slightly on our wonderful campervan, Otis. I really wanted to try out glamping this weekend, and knew that it would make for a memorable weekend. We headed to Green Valley Yurts in Dorchester, and with so many things to do in Dorchester, we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed.
Dorset glamping: Green Valley yurts review
Glamping offers the same exposure to the great outdoors, but with luxurious accommodation in the form of a yurt, tipi, log cabin and more. The sites often have excellent amenities and all in all, glamping can make for a relaxing and comfortable experience (say goodbye to putting up a tent or a drive away awning in the dark at midnight after a long journey!).
Green Valley Yurts, Dorset
Trawling the internet for Dorset glamping sites …. I spotted this gem of a place and hoping that it lived up to my great expectations, we headed off to Dorset in search of those amazing glamping yurts. Green Valley Yurts is nestled in the heart of the Cerne Valley in Dorset. It is an area of ‘outstanding beauty’ making it the perfect location to cycle, walk, and explore the surrounding area. The yurts are set on a beautiful organic farm and the site boasts an onsite shop and cafe, allowing you to purchase local produce and find those little treats to enjoy during your stay.
Yurt camping
So what is yurt camping? Let me introduce you to the Yurts at Green valley yurts. The Yurts are located in the ‘yurt field’ You will find 3 yurts in the field, 2 sleep up to 4-5 people and 1 larger yurt that sleeps up to 6-7 people. The yurts are beautifully furnished with an eclectic mix of furniture including a double bed and single futons. There is an abundance of beautiful colourful blankets, throws, cushions, colourful wool rugs and sheepskin rugs. Each yurt has its own shoe box to protect the rush matting floor. In the centre of the yurt is a wood stove so you don’t have to worry about those cold evenings. There is no electricity in the yurt, but there are a number of lanterns dotted about to add to the charm.
Outside, the yurt sits on a large decked area with a picnic bench and seating around a large fire pit.
Facilities at Green Valley Yurts
The campsite boasts a lovely timber clad facilities barn. This is a communal area where guests can relax, cook, play and eat under cover. There is a well equipped communal kitchen with a fridge and a hob, and you will find everything here that you may need…pots, pans, crockery, cooking utensils, glasses. You really don’t need to bring anything with you. There are two large tables with beautiful painted chairs and benches and a high chair.
In the corner of the room is a large chest of wooden toys and books to keep the kids entertained. I have to say the owners have literally thought of everything.
The barn is home to individual showers, toilets and a family bathroom with a bath (and when you camp with little ones, a bath is definitely welcomed!!) The water is heated by the solar thermal panel on the roof, and the water is wonderful and hot. The barn and showers are spotless.
Things to do at Green Valley Yurts
The yurt field has a sandpit, small play area with swings and adventure bridge, a tyre playground, and a beautiful shallow stream that the kids can paddle in (supervised of course!). The Yurts are set on a beautiful organic farm and the kids can visit the resident pigs, Rennie and Bennie, and the chickens. Rosie the farm’s ever attentive and friendly sheepdog likes to visit you once in a while. It is such a beautiful setting for kids to learn and explore.
Places to visit near Green Valley Yurts in Dorset
We ventured out to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door which is about half an hour away from the Yurts, and on our way home we stopped off at Stonehenge in Salisbury, but to be honest you really don’t need to venture far at all. There are great cycle and walking routes around the site and the County town Dorchester is only a short drive away.
This site is absolutely beautiful and in a fantastic location. The only thing you really need to bring is bedding (and we bought the travel cot for baby S), but everything else is already here (and if it isn’t here…then you probably don’t need it!).
The owners are so welcoming and accommodating. I sent Heather a text when we were not too far away and they met us on arrival and showed us around. Nothing was too much trouble.
We had a truly wonderful weekend here. The Green Valley Yurts are stunning and the setting is really special. The owners have thought of everything to make your stay comfortable, relaxing and special. Honestly…I can’t wait to return. It has a really natural, organic, raw feel to the experience. I absolutely loved the fact that we had no electricity – a weekend ‘unplugged’ to enjoy quality family time, relaxing, exploring, and toasting marshmallows as the sun goes down.
You can find all the information, ways to book and prices on their website
So where is your favourate glamping holiday in the UK?
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For more glamping ideas why not try
glamping pods at Surf Snowdonia
Glamping in a teepee at Eco Retreats
glamping lodges at Llechwedd slate caverns
Best UK glamping sites for families
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