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Dorset glamping : A stay in a yurt at Green Valley Yurts

Glamping· Travel

20 Sep

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

  • Dorset glamping: Green Valley yurts review
    • Green Valley Yurts, Dorset
    • Yurt camping
    • Facilities at Green Valley Yurts
    • Things to do at Green Valley Yurts
    • Places to visit near Green Valley Yurts in Dorset

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?

Like this post? why not Pin for Later

Glamping at Green Valley Yurts Dorset

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

I love to hear what you think of my blog, do get in touch. I am over on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook.

Country Kids

23 Comments

Previous Post: « 11 Free things to do in Staffordshire with kids (or cheap family days out)
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fiona Cambouropoulos says

    May 21, 2017 at 12:03 am

    I must say I’ve not tried glamping, like you I’m not a tent person, however that said I’d like the location with the river there and the sense of getting away from things and making the most of the outdoors. So many of your Instagram photos from the week now fall into place reading this post. It really does look beautiful and easier than camping too with everything there for you. Looks like you had the weather on your side which must be a huge bonus. Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter.

    Thank you for sharing your adventure at #CountryKids

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks so much Fiona, hopefully we gave her a birthday to remember. We had the best weekend and we were so lucky with the weather. Thanks for hosting country kids – I love it xx

      Reply
  2. Louise Fairweather says

    May 21, 2017 at 4:30 pm

    I haven’t tried glamping yet – I think the boys would love it. Just need to convince my husband…. #countykids

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:18 pm

      There is a fire pit for pizza, and a fridge for beer, and wine… and a fire to keep you toasty! Got to be a winner 🙂 good luck with convincing the hubby:)

      Reply
  3. Donna Vallance says

    May 22, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Wow those yurts look lovely!
    I think even I could manage glamping like that!
    I love the collecting memories ethos! I agree xx

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      Donna it really was stunning…even for non campers – you would love this place!

      Reply
  4. Elizabeth Newcamp says

    May 22, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    This is adorable and now has me trolling the internet for a yert near us us! I love glamping and this yurt you found looked so cute and comfortable. Thanks for sharing. #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      This made me smile! Exactly what I have done recently….read about an amazing place and spent all night trawling the net for similar 🙂 Hope you find a little glamping retreat !

      Reply
  5. The Princess and The Pickle says

    May 23, 2017 at 11:27 am

    This looks like a wonderful place to stay. I’m not a fan of camping but the yurt looks so cosy and welcoming, I think I could manage a few nights of glamping!

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      It was so lovely, the yurts were stunning. It is a real ‘gem of a place’ I should’ve kept it secret 🙂 ha xx

      Reply
  6. Helena says

    May 23, 2017 at 2:15 pm

    I haven’t tried glamping but after my camping experiences I’d much prefer to do it this way.#Countrykids

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:13 pm

      Ha ha camping isn’t always fun is it 🙂 But glamping…….well thats something else!

      Reply
  7. chickenruby says

    May 23, 2017 at 3:15 pm

    wow that looks really fab, i’ve only ever glamped once, but loved it, i do camp quite a bit, but not for a long time

    Reply
    • chickenruby says

      May 23, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      #MondayEscapes

      Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:12 pm

      Thanks ever so much it was such a fab weekend, we found a gem of a place – I should’ve kept it a secret 🙂

      Reply
  8. Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One says

    May 23, 2017 at 7:27 pm

    I like the sound of that, it looks so idyllic, we tried glamping for the first time recently and I’d definitely give it another go #CountryKids

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      Mary it was such a fab weekend, the yurts were beautiful! Did you enjoy the glamping? 🙂

      Reply
  9. Mini Travellers says

    May 24, 2017 at 8:28 am

    It looks incredibly idyllic here I’d love to try it! #MondayEscapes

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      Karen it was such a gem of a place. We will definitely be back xx

      Reply
  10. Sarah Christie says

    May 25, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Katie I do not camp but I love this post, I so want to visit the Yurts they look so cool and have all the comforts for us not campers x

    Reply
    • otisandus says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      Sarah you would love it here it really was stunning!! A proper bed, a wood burner and loads of beautiful lanterns…what’s not to love :)!

      Reply
  11. Practically Perfect Mums says

    May 30, 2017 at 8:55 am

    So handy to be able to go camping without the hassle of putting up the tent! We’re staying in a yurt for the first time this year and I’m looking to it even more after reading your post!

    Reply
  12. Sam, Memories and Mayhem Blog says

    July 4, 2017 at 10:21 am

    I’ve not tried glamping, but those yurts look fab and they are definitely tempting me to give it a try!

    Reply

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Vanlife Family • Travel


Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights dotted around a
Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights  dotted around a climbing frame
 
= A few more extra hours outside over the winter months 

Add in a flurry of snow ....

#1000hoursoutside 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #lockdown3


🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐

I often get messages a
🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐

I often get messages asking “where do you all sleep” and where did your toddler or baby  sleep in the camper ?

We bought our #t5 when our eldest was just 2, and we have had to adapt as our family has grown. We didn’t have the roof converted until much later so we tried a fair few sleeping options! 

I thought It might be helpful if I listed all of the sleeping options we have tried in our vwT5 because I often get questions about sleeping options with young kids.

⭐️Our new born baby slept in a sleepyhead in the camper as it was easily transportable and worked as  crib.

⭐️ We then found a deluxe travel cot that fit perfectly at the base of our rib bed and this worked from about 6 months 

⭐️We then moved on to a toddler inflatable air bed placed again at the bottom of our bed. We  found the toddler beds fit perfectly across the width of the van 

⭐️moving on we purchased a hammock that fitted over just the driver and passenger seat  and this worked great from about 3+

⭐️ Finally as our family grew... We  had our pop top roof added and the children slept well in the roof. We had a safety net fitted to the opening  of the roof and this allowed all our children to sleep in the roof safely and gave us some peace of mind - particularly as our son was young.

I’ve linked my post in my stories but do let me know if you have tried any other options that work for young children, particularly if you don’t have an elevating roof! Always here if I can help with anything or if you have any questions.

🌈


A vintage rainbow 🌈

Mucho love tonight - hope
A vintage rainbow 🌈 

Mucho love tonight - hope you are all doing okay x


💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫

💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫 

Just popping on to wish all of you a Happy New Year 💕

Here we are .... Still hanging out in tier 4, (but hey I have three lovely days off 🤩) we have all got this🙌🏻

For now I’m going to keep dreaming, planning, doing a bit of vanlife shopping and redesigning our campervan 😂 (so if any of you lovely vanlife peeps can share and tag me in a picture of your interiors I would be eternally grateful). 

Hey I may even get this dissertation done 🤣

If it’s okay I’ll keep sharing the little bits in between, and of course our van life tips and tricks over the new year, until we can explore once again. 

Thanks for sticking with us - happy new year to my faves, lots of love and stay safe 

The Otis and Us tribe xxx


🌲 And that’s me signing off for Christmas. 🌲 

Let’s hope 2021 brings some sunshine, plans, adventures and a glimmer of hope. 

To all my lovely friends, family and wonderful vanlife peeps, thanks so much for all the love and support this year. 

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New year from Otis and Us xxx

Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing fram
Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing frame, and so grateful to have this wonderful play area in our garden for the kids since the lockdown number two. 

It’s my last day of annual leave today. So we have spent the afternoon adding a few fairy lights to the MultiFlyer climbing frame - sprinkling a bit of magic and festive cheer out in the garden....

Moving on to the the camper next :) it definitely needs some fairy lights and a tree - Don’t you think? 🌲 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #vimage


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Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟 Fairy lights dotted around a Ad🌟Top Tip 🌟

Fairy lights  dotted around a climbing frame
 
= A few more extra hours outside over the winter months 

Add in a flurry of snow ....

#1000hoursoutside 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #lockdown3
🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐 I often get messages a 🚐Vanlife with kids 🚐

I often get messages asking “where do you all sleep” and where did your toddler or baby  sleep in the camper ?

We bought our #t5 when our eldest was just 2, and we have had to adapt as our family has grown. We didn’t have the roof converted until much later so we tried a fair few sleeping options! 

I thought It might be helpful if I listed all of the sleeping options we have tried in our vwT5 because I often get questions about sleeping options with young kids.

⭐️Our new born baby slept in a sleepyhead in the camper as it was easily transportable and worked as  crib.

⭐️ We then found a deluxe travel cot that fit perfectly at the base of our rib bed and this worked from about 6 months 

⭐️We then moved on to a toddler inflatable air bed placed again at the bottom of our bed. We  found the toddler beds fit perfectly across the width of the van 

⭐️moving on we purchased a hammock that fitted over just the driver and passenger seat  and this worked great from about 3+

⭐️ Finally as our family grew... We  had our pop top roof added and the children slept well in the roof. We had a safety net fitted to the opening  of the roof and this allowed all our children to sleep in the roof safely and gave us some peace of mind - particularly as our son was young.

I’ve linked my post in my stories but do let me know if you have tried any other options that work for young children, particularly if you don’t have an elevating roof! Always here if I can help with anything or if you have any questions.

🌈
A vintage rainbow 🌈 Mucho love tonight - hope A vintage rainbow 🌈 

Mucho love tonight - hope you are all doing okay x
💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫 💫Still one of my most favourite captures 💫 

Just popping on to wish all of you a Happy New Year 💕

Here we are .... Still hanging out in tier 4, (but hey I have three lovely days off 🤩) we have all got this🙌🏻

For now I’m going to keep dreaming, planning, doing a bit of vanlife shopping and redesigning our campervan 😂 (so if any of you lovely vanlife peeps can share and tag me in a picture of your interiors I would be eternally grateful). 

Hey I may even get this dissertation done 🤣

If it’s okay I’ll keep sharing the little bits in between, and of course our van life tips and tricks over the new year, until we can explore once again. 

Thanks for sticking with us - happy new year to my faves, lots of love and stay safe 

The Otis and Us tribe xxx
🌲 And that’s me signing off for Christmas. 🌲 

Let’s hope 2021 brings some sunshine, plans, adventures and a glimmer of hope. 

To all my lovely friends, family and wonderful vanlife peeps, thanks so much for all the love and support this year. 

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New year from Otis and Us xxx
Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing fram Ad / We are still loving our @wickey climbing frame, and so grateful to have this wonderful play area in our garden for the kids since the lockdown number two. 

It’s my last day of annual leave today. So we have spent the afternoon adding a few fairy lights to the MultiFlyer climbing frame - sprinkling a bit of magic and festive cheer out in the garden....

Moving on to the the camper next :) it definitely needs some fairy lights and a tree - Don’t you think? 🌲 

#wickeyadventure #wickeyplaytime #vimage
If this year has taught us anything, it’s defini If this year has taught us anything, it’s definitely to not take anything for granted. To take each day as it comes and to enjoy the simple things in life, finding  joy in those ordinary moments. 

I don’t need reminding of this but family and friends are everything. As are good old hugs. (I miss hugs!) And plans. Blooming love a plan. 😍

So ill keep on bobbing on here if that’s okay? I’ll keep planning, writing about our campervan adventures and sharing our van life love and outdoor life. Because we have to have hope and we have to keep dreaming.... 

Hope you are all doing okay, sending a virtual hug if you need one this weekend. My inbox is ALWAYS open, always.
🚐 4 years! 🚐 4 years blogging!! Wowzers tha 🚐 4 years! 🚐

4 years blogging!! Wowzers that has flown by!! 

I’ve had lots of new followers lately so thought I would pop on and say hello and tell you a little bit about us.

I’m Katy and I am behind Otis and us travel blog. I started the blog during my maternity leave - really because I love taking photos and wanted  a place that the kids can look back on and to document our van life adventures. I  am a full time specialist nurse and also currently working on an MSc. I am a whirlwind and life is definitely jam packed but I wouldn’t have it any other way :) 

We love our beautiful T5!! We have made so many memories and taken some wonderful roadtrips over the years. We haven’t managed to get out in the van much this year, but hey I’ve still been dreaming ... hopefully next year🤞🏻🤞🏻

We have three free spirited kiddies who love nothing more than a road trip,  sleeping in the poptop roof, exploring, beach life and toasting marshmallows. 

Mr Otis and Us, what can I say? The chilled one who has so much patience😆. He drives the many miles, lives on coffee and never ever says no to my crazy road trips and ideas. 

So here we are - the Otis and Us tribe, popping on to say hi. 
 
Thank you so much for following along, for all your interaction and love. It means the world. I love to hear from you all, every message and every comment. Thank you 🙏🏻 

Hope you will stay with us for 2021 , 

Stay safe 

Katy xx 🌈

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