Mad Dogs and Vintage Vans

Elegant boutique glamping with plenty of comfort and extra treats, set in the picturesque heart of the Wye Valley.

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 Sibyl 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!

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 a mouthwatering cream tea when you arrive, 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

Pets are not permitted. No smoking.

Massage image and hen trio image © Caroline Potter