Hidden Valley Yurts, Monmouthshire
Lower Glyn Farm, Llanishen, Chepstow
Hidden Valley Yurts are surprisingly just that - part of Amanda's 70 acre woodland and farm in the Wye Valley (an AONB) and nestled in a gorgeous sheltered valley you'll find six yurts, each individually decorated and offering a gorgeous view, fresh air and bird song - do we really need much more?
The Yurts
Three yurts sleep 5 people, a further three sleep 7. Hidden Valley is a perfect getaway for a quiet family break (if there is such a thing!) or a big group get -together where the adults can catch up for a while whilst the kids disappear in their newly built dens or get soaked in the stream. And if there isn't a group of you, the kids will soon make friends - there is no distraction to be had other than happy, healthy and wholesome outdoor fun!
So ... you arrive to find the wondrous yurt ready and waiting with cosy throws, rugs ponchos and cushions to relax with - and beds!!! Each has a king size bed, a day bed and single wooden futons. You will need to take your own bed-linen and duvets - pillows are supplied. Amanda has compiled a list of things not to forget so ask for it on booking!
Importantly you have a real wood-burning stove in which to practice fire building, brewing tea and patience, depending on who is lighting it! You also have your own chiminea and bbq, on your own deck, with tea-lights provided should you wish to dine outside and enjoy your surroundings. The yurt has starter wood supplied - any extras are paid for via the honesty box. There are also rechargeable lanterns, a wind up solar lantern and a wind up radio for comfort!
The Camp-site
There is a well-equipped cooking area to prepare your meals and meet your neighbours - there is also an outdoor pizza oven, do give it a go - you can't beat them! Enjoy your meal around the camp-fire, with songs and marshmallows to follow - it's tradition - or else enjoy the atmosphere in the tented dining space complete with a kitchen sink! Note that two yurts have their own cooking facilities and a private loo.
The yurts are waterproof and insulated with felt - perfect all weather accommodation - warm on cooler days and cool on warm! Each is equipped with a smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm and a fire extinguisher - guards are provided for the wood burners.
The camp is spring fed and so the drinking water is as fresh and as good as it gets. The site has a communal shower and a bath/shower and two flushing toilets and hand basins. Hot water is available thanks to solar panels or immersion - waste water is drained into a reed bed.
To Do
Enjoy a good old board game from the cupboard, visit the alpacas or Jacob sheep, build a dam in the stream, walk and walk and walk through woodlands or meadows - find a hammock to rest in, borrow kids toys, books, paper and paints or start up one of the outdoor games, such as cricket and croquet.
Beyond the lovely valley you have lots of lovely towns to visit, Symonds Yat (a child-hood favourite), horse-riding, canoeing, tree-climbing, steam railways, theatres, festivals, local pubs and a maze and more - best do the maze before the pub!