A Glamping Adventure in Devon RSShttp://www.mysecretbelltent.co.uk/index.htmlWhat its like to run a Glampers Dream in DevonenMark Lawrencessshhhhhhhhh its a secret2010-10-28T09:47:08+01:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:35:30 +01002010 Glamping in Devon : ReviewMark LawrenceOur Story So Far2010-10-28T09:47:08+01:00http://www.mysecretbelltent.co.uk/glamping_in_devon_blog/files/glamping_in_devon-2010_Odyssey.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.mysecretbelltent.co.uk/glamping_in_devon_blog/files/glamping_in_devon-2010_Odyssey.html#unique-entry-id-0What a great year it has been!
Our first guests of 2010 arrived for their glamping in Devon experience on a still quite chilly 3rd of March. Bob and Dianne an energetic retired couple from Sussex were met by a smiling Mark at the train station and delivered safely to their bell tent. The Hobbit stove had already been lit along with some candles to provide as warm a welcome as possible. On their second night the clouds parted to reveal a myriad of stars and we sat and chatted around the fire pit until the wee small hours. This had been the perfect start to our glamping in Devon year and the fine weather and fine guests continued throughout April.

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In May we had several late ‘April showers’ although a more accurate description would have been monsoon or cloud burst! A lovely young business couple who stayed the first weekend in May were met with dreadful weather all weekend. They snuggled up by the hobbit in the 6m yurt and you can see and read Nicole and Hugo’s comment from our guest book if you go HERE (I think despite the weather, their escape from the capital and their hectic city life, was a welcome one) They had bombed down in a very posh looking car after work on Friday, leaving after lunch on Sunday. It was their first glamping experience and the fact that duvets, stoves, candles etc. Were all waiting for them in a fully furnished yurt meant that they could truly unwind.

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The following weekend in May brought Graeme and his partner from Blackheath SE13. It seemed that the desire to get toDevon, escaping the city was a common one. I suppose living on a small patch of loveliness down here away from the hectic throng of the city, you can take it for granted a little. Graeme was my kind of camper, or should I say glamper. Copious trips to the offie and pizza cafe, relaxing like only a university professor knows how. He did explain the complex area of research he was involved in as I ferried him to the pizza cafe but it was so complicated I cannot remember a thing about it now! Probably the best thing about running a campsite in Devon is the variety of people you meet. They must like a little mystery as the website actually gives very little away leaving plenty of room for them to only imagine what it will be like. We have shared many nights with our guests around the fire although many have come for the real privacy on offer. Jess and Tom described it as ....’the perfect retreat.’ They drew a very lifelike drawing of themselves next to their yurt, check it out!

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As May drew to a close, a perfect warm sunny weekend brought Steve and Helly, along with Monsieur Alfonse, a mint condition 2CV! This had ben the first time the couple had been away for a fair while so we made it as romantic as possible. Fresh flowers and champagne, a sumptuous Egyptian cotton duvet and the warm glow of candles and the stove made for a special memory we hope. It must have made a good impression because both left full page comments in our guest book. Having only been told they were going camping, Steve was very pleasantly surprised.

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The weather for June was fabulous and with it came some fabulous ideas for next years Glamping experiences. On the 16th Steph and Charlie arrived and we really enjoyed their company over a hot and sunny weekend. The gorgeous sunset over the horizon of Dartmoor was then matched by a clear moonless sky, perfect for stargazing. Astronomy has been an interest of mine for many years. I am not a techy astronomer but like nothing more than just being able to look up and recognise the constellations and planets above. They are like old friends, constant. Sharing a little of this knowledge with Steph and Charlie was gladly received and it made me think that offering a whole skywatching weekend course in 2011, was quite a cool idea. Come Glamping in Devon and at the same time learn about a few constellations with the help of your free planisphere. Take home the building blocks needed to soon be able to recognise the entire night sky. Somehow, realising that you are not even as big as a speck in this vast universe, puts a lot of things we worry about in life, into perspective.

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Our aim in providing this new experience was always to try and be the best hosts we could be. Providing a warm and homely yurt or bell tent, home away from home. Our guests arrived thick and fast through July, August and September. Some hired bikes, or brought thier own to discover the local points of interest. Others came to use this hideaway as a place to go surfing from, going down each day to Bantham. The majority came just to escape from their hectic lives or to experience this new posh camping phenomenon for themselves. I am hoping the lovely Matt will work his magic on some kind of e-brochure styled glimpse into our guest book so you can really see for yourself what people think about glamping in Devon. I could wax lyrically about all our guests as they were all lovely people.

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Overall the experience of running a Glampsite has been a rewarding and great success and we enjoyed meeting all f the people that came and stayed. Remember...sssssshhhhh its a secret!

Next year we will be offering not only the astronomy skywatching weekends but also the chance to go glampcycling! Or go back to basics on a bushcraftSW course. Please sign up for our newsletter( organising shortly) or keep my secret in your bookmarks.

We welcome bookings for 2011 and can offer a 10% discount to new customers or a 2010 price promise to returning customers who book before Dec.25th .

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Come and try us out.



Our last couple where honeymooners who explored Dartmoor. Best of luck for the future Nick and Nat you are welcome to return anytime.
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