Joillydays provides a perfect retreat for any occasion. To escape, to get together, to remember how simple life can be, to just be - so get Jollydaying and let us know how you get on.
You only have to look at the pictures to know that this is going to be good. Four poster beds, chandeliers and sofas – surely not? Oh yes - and more. The festival rage that developed “Glamping” has, for the benefit of us all, led to this wondrous and magical place in North Yorkshire which not only introduces a fabulously decadent glamping experience it will also introduce a whole new experience to the kids – only trouble is 'camping' will never be the same again. Jolly Days is family glamping at it's best!
Situated at the crux of The Howardian Hills and The Wolds, Jollydays is a luxury camping venture undertaken by Carolyn and Christian Van Outersterp. They set out to combine a love of camping with the attributes of comfortable, chic hotels; they set out to "offer comfort, style, simplicity, nature and it's restorative effects in a unique experience". And you bet they have.
Surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty and within a beautiful 200 acre wood Jollydays comprises a fabulous array of woodland lodges.
Dry, warm and clean, with hot water and a stove, at 75m2 the private lodges are larger than most hotel suites, with wooden floors, rugs, cosy wood-burners and toilets. The wondrous point is you also get wool blankets and cotton sheets - on real beds - and chandeliers and sofas by the fire. I have SO many friends who will now change their minds about camping!
Carolyn and Christian have 4 kids so they know how difficult accommodating the clan can be!).
All of this wondrous decadence comes guilt-free: the eco chic camp leaves little impact on the area as there are no permanent structures. Minimal electricity is used and an increasing proportion of energy usage is sustainable. LPG gas is heated to heat water which is more energy efficient than electricity. Spent water is sent to a bio digester and then released into the ground on site.
As far as food is concerned you are self-catering! However, you can purchase a "Jollydays Breakfast Basket" providing breakfast nosh to set you up for the day. Meat and vegetarian baskets are available, as are continental baskets, all for 2, 4 or 6 people. The Balloon Tree farm shop and café is within 1 mile and sells own-grown and local produce, the café serves breakfast should you forget the basket above! Guest cooks may be invited to come to camp and prepare a variable evening meal be it fire cooked meats, vegan or vegetarian. You will be notified as and when this may happen.
Tea and cake is thoughtfully offered at the "lobby tent" for you to recharge your batteries after a day ‘doing' - you get to catch up, unwind and simply enjoy where you're at. There is also a small clay oven which can be used if you're on a mission to bake your own bread, flour supplies are available.
There are loads of places to see and things to do in this area - Carolyn and Christian will gladly advise. Go walking in the hills, explore the lovely local towns, visit the Yorvik Museum and admire York City or discover the stunning coastline.
Saying that, there's loads of fun to be had in a 200 acre wood; the kids were never around! Camps, swings, hide and seek, Indians raiding the Cowboys lodge tents for goodies - imagine? The girls and the boy and the grown ups equally had a fabulous time - jumping ditches, making friends, getting black and blacker - it was great - good wholesome kid fun!
Whatever you choose to do a warm welcome awaits you on your return; join in a drink by the fire pit and clay oven or snuggle down in the privacy of your own tent. The crescendo that was the dawn chorus with woodpecker on bass - at 5:30ish - was memorable for all good reasons - gorgeous music - piping hot in bed - freezing cold out of bed - wood burner for him in-doors to get going - result!
The camp provides a perfect retreat for any occasion. To escape, to get together, to remember how simple life can be, to just be - so get Jollydaying and let us know how you get on.
NOTE: Parents are expected to be responsible for their children. To keep the woodland as natural and as free as possible and not inhibit the movement of wildlife areas are not fenced off. Shallow ponds are close by in the wider woodland, as well as some small water-courses and drainage ditches.
Reviewed by Jo and the Kids
