Melbury Vale Winery Glamping Barrel Pods

• Sleeps: 2 per barrel
• Bedroom: 1 per barrel
• Bathroom: Shared
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

There are plenty of good reasons to visit Melbury Vale Winery.  Set within 28 gentle acres of rolling countryside in Dorset’s beautiful Stirkel Valley, you’ll receive an immediately warm welcome from the friendly family owners.

Not only that, the winery itself is a soothing sight to behold, built into the south-facing hillside, and featuring a gorgeous wildflower meadow roof. Oh – and did we mention you can sample a range of site-produced wines, brandies, ciders, and liqueurs too?

Now you can enjoy the winery experience in the most authentic manner possible…by resting your heads in three exclusive glamping barrel pods on site, perfect for a small private group of up to six people.

Dreamily set just below the vineyard, and above the babbling Stirkel brook, the three timber barrel pods are each named after the vines you’ll be able to view in the distance – Pinot Noir, Solaris, and Rondo.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find each barrel is ideal for two people, complete with a cosy double bed platform, a roomy dining space with benches and a table, and a scenery-showcasing veranda (an ideal spot for sunset and wildlife-watching over a chilled glass of award-winning sparkling wine!)

You’ll also have your own brazier log fire to keep you cosy outside with aromatic vine clippings provided for you as kindling; perfect if you fancy lingering a bit longer before bed, to watch the first stars appearing in the vast night sky.

Facilities-wise, you’ll find toasty hot showers and flushing toilets in the main winery building just 50 metres away, while a charming gypsy caravan is home to generous kitchen facilities that include a microwave, kettle, toaster, and all the cutlery and crockery you could want, all for your private group’s exclusive use.

At a glance

• Three timber barrel glamping pods for two, peacefully set on the site of a 28-acre, family-run winery and vineyard in North Dorset’s soothing Stirkel Valley.
• Simply bring your airbed/roll mat, all bedding, towels and food – plus a cooking stove if needed.
• Separate kitchen and shower/WC facilities are located in easy reach of the pods.
• Arrange a weekend winery tour with a locally-produced lunch, explore the Hardy-esque countryside, or head into nearby Shaftesbury for supplies.

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Fancy getting up close and personal with those amazing wines?  A weekend package from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning includes a Saturday tasting tour, which also includes a mouthwatering local produce lunch (plus, you can stock up on your favourite bottles from the winery shop while you’re there!)

You’ll want to pull on those walking boots, too, as there’s a lot of countryside waiting to be explored on foot – and if you think you’ve seen it somewhere before, this much-loved part of Dorset is well-described in Thomas Hardy’s famous novels.

Meanwhile, nearby Shaftesbury is the second-highest market town in England, showcasing truly spectacular scenery over the Blackmore Vale. Head up the steep cobbled street of Gold Hill for the very best views, where you’ll also find a charming restaurant and café to while away some time in.

Whatever else you do, don’t forget to head back to your barrel just in time for a sunset tipple; something that’s sure to become a relaxing ritual in no time at all.

Things to note

Accessible WC and shower facilities are housed in the main building, around 50 metres from the pods. Minimum 2 night stay at weekends. Tours are held on Friday and Saturday mornings – advance booking is essential. Winery shop opening hours are 10am – 4pm on Fridays and Saturdays (and Sundays in December).

Current Offers

New package: 2 nights glamping, Friday and Saturday, including wine tour and lunch on the Saturday for 2 guests, total cost £250, enquire for details!