Elegant boutique glamping with plenty of comfort and extra treats, set in the picturesque heart of the Wye Valley.
  • Sleeps: Varies
  • Bedroom: Open plan
  • Bathroom: Communal
  • Minimum stay: 2 nights

Mad Dogs and Vintage Vans is the kind of dream setting you see in magazines…all whispering trees and endless greenery, with spectacular views to the Black Mountains.

Nestled in a gorgeous wildflower meadow within the Wye Valley (in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, no less!), you’ll find four striking, west-facing vans, each one with its own unique personality and styled to vintage perfection.

Whichever you pick, you’ll marvel at the exquisite, loving attention to detail paid throughout. Your van is cosily equipped with everything you’ll need for a soothing stay…and much more besides!

Elsie is perfect for two, a demure yet impossibly glam 1950s lady with décor, fixtures and fittings direct from her favourite era. You’ll find a downy kingsize bed and a cocktail cabinet inside, along with Formica work surfaces and a beautiful lantern roof.

Gertie, meanwhile, is ideal for small families. A Cheltenham Gnu thought to have been made in the 1930s, this is one seriously unique lady. You’ll find her equipped with handmade, solid oak furniture, original gas lights and a toasty woodburning stove.  When it’s time to turn in, discover two comfortable double beds you won’t want to get out of.

The impeccably stylish Sybil also sleeps four, plus one extra child in a cosy hammock bunk. She was created by hand in the 1940s, and was purpose-built for a family – meaning there’s plenty of space to relax in. She boasts a quirky retro kitchen, bespoke wooden furniture and a woodburning stove.

Finally, Monty – the only boy in the pack – is a handsome, heavyweight military wagon that sleeps up to five people. He features timber-clad walls, a handcrafted kitchen with slate worktops, and his very own decking area. In fact, it’s easier to think of Monty as more of a cosy log cabin than a van!

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At a glance

  • Four individually-styled vintage vans, secluded in a wildflower meadow in the Wye Valley, with stunning views to the Black Mountains. Ideal for couples, families and groups looking to relax amongst nature in elegant comfort.
  • Parking is available, or the closest train stations are Ledbury and Gloucester.
  • Each van includes its own seating area, fresh linen, blankets and hot water bottles. A small camp stove, coolbox and firebowl are also supplied.
  • Elsie is a 1950s haven for two, while Gertie is a 1930s Cheltenham Gnu ideal for a small family of four. Sybil is a handcrafted 1940s van for four plus one small child, and finally Monty is a heavyweight military van for a family of up to five with its own private deck.
  • Onsite facilities include a shower shack, flushing loo and an onsite deli – order delicious home-cooked meals direct to your van. Holistic treatments can be arranged onsite and must be booked in advance.
  • Also available is The Hayloft, a charming barn conversion close by for up to 6 guests that can be taken with or without the glampsite.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Large Groups
  • Off-Grid

Facilities

Elsie sleeps 2, king size bed, bedding provided, blankets, hot water bottle, small camp stove, radiator, lantern roof, formica furniture, cocktail cabinet.

Gertie sleeps 4, 2 double beds, bedding & blankets provided, oak furniture, small camp stove, wood burning stove.

Sybil sleeps 4 plus 1 child, 2 double beds, child’s hammock bunk, bedding & blankets provided, small camp stove, bespoke wooden furniture, hot water bottle, ensuite kitchen, stainless steel sink.

Monty sleeps up to 5, king size bed, bunk beds (double on top), camp bed also available, bedding & blankets provided, hot water bottle, kitchen with slate worktops, small camp stove, grill, woodburner, large private decking area.

Local activities

Onsite: cycling (bikes available), tennis, holistic treatments, gin or cider masterclasses (for groups).

Offsite: canoeing, kayaking, cycling, gorge walking, horse riding, hiking, market towns, vineyards, sculpture trails, castles, wild swmming, stand-up paddleboarding.

More information

Hot water bottles, vintage quilts and blankets are all provided, plus soft feather duvets and plump pillows to ensure you’re kept perfectly snug during your stay. You are welcome to pitch a tent beside your van for storage or overflow sleeping space for larger families.

The generous facilities are off grid and as eco-friendly as can be, too. There’s a charming upcycled shower shack with organic toiletries, a flushing loo and plenty of twinkling solar lanterns to give your evenings a warm glow.

And as if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll find a crackling communal campfire that’s perfect for toasting marshmallows with new friends – plus a Mad Dogs Deli bursting with tempting local produce.

Not only will you be treated to some delicious home baked goodies on arrival, but you can also take advantage of the deli’s ‘van service’, a selection of hand-delivered, home-cooked dishes to satisfy just about every taste.

Spend your days exploring the local area (you can even go out in the midday sun if you like!), or stay put and challenge your loved one to a game of tennis on the court. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild in the woodland, which is ideal for den-building and game-making.

Oh, and if you’re in need of some pampering, why not head to the lotus tent for a personally tailored holistic treatment or two from the resident therapist?

Head for the campfire by evening, and watch that glorious sunset equipped with a glass of something lovely. With absolutely everything else taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is unwind.

Things to note

One well behaved dog allowed by special arrangement. Please enquire. No smoking in the vans.

Massage image and hen trio image © Caroline Potter

Where you'll be staying

Ross-on-the-Wye, Herefordshire

What the guests of Mad Dogs and Vintage Vans say

“Thank you so much for a fantastic 5 days in the ruggedly handsome Monty. What a unique and special place, we’ve never experienced anything like it before. Amazing views from Monty’s decking, fun campfire cooking and getting wonderfully muddy and tired from adventuring in the Forest of Dean.”

“Wow! Such a magical place, everything is beyond perfect. The vans are beautiful as is everything else – the attention to detail is just gorgeous. Delicious cream tea on arrival and such a warm welcome. The massage was pure bliss. We don’t want to leave.”

“What a perfect place for a group of friends to gather. Each of the vans has the most beautiful view and Jo & Sacha have thought of EVERYTHING to make your stay enjoyable from the freshly cut flowers to the SUPERB massage in the treatment tent. Every aspect of our stay has been memorable and we can’t recommend this slice of heaven more highly.”

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