Now that the weather has turned autumnal, it seems strange to think that just over a month ago we were sunning ourselves on the sandy beaches of Essex! We’d been treated to a stay at the wonderful Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping (also home to the stunning Lushna Suites), and were excited to spend a couple of days in a glamping megapod on their tranquil site close to the coast in St Osyth.
On arriving, my son was delighted to discover that our next door neighbour (or neigh-bour!) was a friendly horse, and enjoyed chatting to his new friend over the fence in the evenings.
Checking in to our megapod was an easy experience, with a keycode box on the front of the pod allowing us instant access to our home for the next two days, megapod 3.
The pod was well equipped with everything we needed for our stay, and housed its own little WC and shower wet room which was especially handy when staying with a 5 year old! There was a lovely little kitchenette with microwave, mini fridge, kettle and sink, a Bluetooth speaker to get the party going, and a cosy double bed plus double sofabed.
Outside, a table and chairs, bbq and firepit, and a large lawned area were ours to enjoy.
We’d also decided to book the private wood-fired hot tub next to the pod as an added extra (and well worth the money!), which we immediately set about firing up ready for the evening.
After exploring the surroundings and enjoying a picnic tea on our deck, we sat back and relaxed, watching the first stars of the evening emerging above our cosy pod. The hot tub had warmed up to a toasty temperature, and was the perfect way to wind down after a busy day.
We all enjoyed a very tranquil night’s sleep, and then a bbq breakfast in the morning sunshine before spending a glorious day on the golden sands of Frinton-on-Sea (approx. 25 minutes drive away), building many sandcastles (I counted at least 50, probably our best effort yet!), jumping over the waves, picnicking and playing on the beach. We then headed to the newly refurbished Walton Pier a little further along the beach, for a few obligatory rides and arcade games.
Before heading back, we stopped off for our dinner at the Beach House Bar & Grill in Walton, for burgers and chips – then a quick play in the park, and back to our cosy pod.
On our return, once the smallest member of our party was in bed fast asleep dreaming of his empire of sandcastles, we hopped in the wood-fired hot tub again for a relaxing soak whilst attempting to identify the many emerging stars in the darkening sky (finally resorting to an app!).
After a fine, peaceful night’s sleep, the hot tub was still warm enough for a quick dip the next morning before we set it to drain – bonus!
On the way home we stopped off at a lovely country pub called The Ship in Kirby Le Soken, to watch the England Ladies in the final of the World Cup (unfortunately not a win this time, but what a performance!)
We were sad to leave our cosy megapod at Lee Wick Farm – my son rated it “one million out of ten”; high praise indeed! – but as we live just over an hour away, we’re sure we’ll be back to try out some of the other quirky accommodation on offer (including repurposed shipping containers!).
If you’d like to experience a rural/coastal Essex family glamping break at Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping, you can find out more via their Host Unusual listing here.
Author: Dawn Crawford
