Owley Woods Glamping

• Sleeps: 2 or 3 per tent
• Bedrooms: Open plan
• Bathrooms: External
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Ask anyone what makes Somerset such an incredible place to stay, and you’ll probably hear things like: close proximity to nature, soul-stirring views… and real Cheddar cheese!

When you add child-free, dog-friendly glamping in quirky Lotus Belle tents that feel like home, your Somerset stay gets even better.

You’ll discover Owley Woods in the most beautiful natural location imaginable: amidst the rolling Mendip Hills (which have been designated a Super National Nature Reserve), with Mascall’s Wood right on the doorstep. Surrounded by protected ancient woodland and diverse wildlife, you can switch off from hectic life back home in an instant.

Breathably off-grid, the roomy, weatherproof Lotus Belle tents are named after the owls you’ll hear hooting softly at night. Screech, Boreal, and Tawny each sleep up to three guests, while Pygmy and Bubo are perfect for two.

Whichever Belle you opt for, you’ll find it joyfully decked with colourful furniture and accessories, and there’s plenty of cosy comfort in the form of butter-soft rugs and cushions. There’s a downy kingsize bed to curl up in, while soft fairy lights and bunting evoke both a relaxed atmosphere and a sense of fun.

You’ll also have plenty of crockery, cutlery, and cooking equipment to help you whip up delicious meals on the firepit or wood-fired stove. Don’t fancy packing your own food or shopping for supplies? No problem. You can pre-order everything from barbecue packs and afternoon tea boxes, to breakfast hampers and Somerset Ploughman’s suppers!

Meanwhile, communal on-site facilities include ‘Cheats Kitchen’, which comes complete with an electric kettle, microwave, grill, toaster, fridge-freezer, and sockets for charging any devices you can’t live without. And freshening up is a luxurious breeze in the heated, wood-clad shower block, which also boasts ‘proper’ flushing loos.

At a glance

• Off-grid accommodation in cosy Lotus Belle tents, secluded on an adults-only, dog-friendly site in the Mendip Hills.
• There are 5 furnished tents to choose from, each with a downy kingsize bed. 2 tents are suitable for a couple, and 3 feature an additional sofa bed for 1 extra guest.
• Cooking equipment is provided, and you’ll have a firepit and wood-fired stove for preparing meals. A range of locally-sourced food and drink can be pre-ordered from the owners’ website.
• Communal on-site facilities include a kitchen with an electric kettle, toaster, and charging-points for essential devices, and a heated amenities block with showers and flushing toilets.
• Reach Cheddar Gorge and Cheddar Village in a 15-minute stroll (the Cheddar Gorge Cheese shop tour is a must!). Longer walks can be taken on the West Mendip Way, or in the adjacent Mascall’s Wood.
• A range of activities can be accessed in a short drive, with the cathedral city of Wells, Glastonbury and local beaches within 30 minutes drive.

Features

• Adults Only
• Dog Friendly
• Large Groups
• Off-Grid

More information

If you’re staying on site, you’ll find a selection of in and outdoor games have been thoughtfully provided to help pass the time, or simply kick back with a good book amongst nature’s gentle soundtrack.

(No books to hand? There’s plenty of wildlife to watch out for, including gambolling rabbits, shy deer, inquisitive squirrels, and foxes and badgers rustling in the undergrowth at night).

Otherwise, take an invigorating walk along the 30-mile West Mendip Way, or stroll through the magical Mascall’s Wood, which is strewn with bluebells during spring. A mere 15-minute wander also takes you to the spectacular Cheddar Gorge and the outrageously pretty Cheddar Village, where you can browse independent shops and take a tour at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese shop.  All guests will find  lots of pubs, restaurants & tea rooms within walking distance in Cheddar, so plenty to keep you occupied.

Also, if you’ve brought your best four-legged friend along, a trip to the Cheddar Paws Dog Bakery is a particular must!

For those in a more energetic mood, hop in the car and indulge in all manner of fun outdoor activity, from caving and climbing to windsurfing, kayaking, and even golf, within a 15-minute drive.

However you choose to spend the day, its highlight will surely be returning to your Lotus Belle to see in another awe-inspiring sunset, glass of fizz firmly in hand.

Things to note

Please note that whilst the tents themselves are off-grid, the shower rooms and Cheats Kitchen are both run on mains electrivity (no composting toilets).  The site is open between March and October. Minimum 2-night stay from April – September. Check in from 4pm, check out before 11am. You must be over 21 to book a stay and all guests must be 18 or over. Dogs are very welcome in all of the Belle tents but must be pre-booked (up to 4 dogs per tent depending on size). Please note that Owley Woods is a ‘quiet’ site with a no-noise policy after 11pm. Group bookings are possible but hen/stag parties are not permitted.