4 minute read
WOODLAND WONDERS
by Dales Life
t’s 25 years now since Robert and Jo Ropner first opened the gates of
The Camp Hill Estate, near Bedale, to the public. Since then – in between welcoming more than a million guests – the couple have been constantly innovating, looking for new and creative ways to enable visitors to enjoy their gorgeous slice of rural North Yorkshire.
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In recent years ‘glamping’ has become an increasingly important element of Camp Hill’s business. Robert and Jo, trailblazers in the glamping market, were quick to realise that luxury camping was an ideal way for holidaymakers to immerse themselves in the estate’s unique environment.
The vast majority of Camp Hill’s 300 acres consists of mature oak and coniferous woodland. “It’s a beautiful place where people can come and stay in peace and tranquillity in a space of their own, an opportunity for them to experience nature at its very best,” says Robert.
HAPPY CAMPERS
During lockdown Camp Hill, responding to the growing demand for self-contained ‘staycations’, has more than doubled its glamping capacity. The estate’s Camp Kátur (in case you’re wondering, kátur is the Icelandic word for ‘happiness’) can now accommodate up to 150 guests, with extra capacity for one-off events.
‘Glamping’, as most readers will know, is a portmanteau word that combines ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’, and the premium lets at Camp Hill are nothing if not glamorous. Each of the 7-metre Chestnut Hill Luxury geodomes – brand new this year – includes a fully equipped kitchen, an en-suite bathroom and shower, a lounge area with expansive views, and two double bedrooms, one with a stargazing window for a nighttime view of the heavens. To keep guests nice and cosy there’s an eco wood-burning stove.
As if all that wasn’t luxurious enough, each unit has a generously proportioned private deck with lighting and outdoor seating, barbecue and an indulgent recessed electric hot tub – perfect for relaxing after a busy day enjoying the delights of the Yorkshire Dales.
Holidaymakers in search of an experience that’s a little more ‘off-grid’ can choose from a huge range of other options: safari tents, bell tents, yurts, ‘hobbit pods’ and a variety of other domes, including two totally clear ‘unidomes’ for the ultimate 360-degree view of your surroundings. All offer the chance to get up close and personal with nature. “It’s an amazingly rural location where you can wake up in the morning and see a barn owl, or maybe a pair of roe deer just yards away,” says Robert.
Along with the luxury geodomes, another new facility at Camp Hill this year is the Hebridean Bar & Grill, named in honour of the estate’s 200-strong flock of Hebridean sheep. Run by talented chef Adrian Orford and his partner Penny, it’s a central hub where glampers can – if they wish – gather and socialise with other guests.
GARDEN GOODIES
As many as possible of the ingredients used in Adrian’s seasonal menus come directly from the estate’s Hill Farm and walled kitchen garden. During lockdown the Camp Hill team built twenty large raised beds that are now paying dividends in terms of home-grown veggies.
As well as providing a hub for guests, the Hebridean Bar & Grill has become increasingly popular with locals, drawn in by the relaxed atmosphere and wide-ranging menu with its informal, street-food vibe. Stone-baked wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers and charcoal-grilled steaks are popular options. Robert’s favourite? “The slow-roasted belly pork. It’s sensational!”
For glampers keen to engage more deeply with their surroundings than simply sleeping and eating there, Camp Hill offers a variety of workshops and special events.
Bushcraft workshops are available every weekend – and daily during holiday periods – covering everything from building shelters and foraging for wild foods to cooking your own garlic bread, wild pheasant or rabbit. Also popular are Camp Hill’s stargazing evenings during which guests can fathom the delights of the night skies in the company of an expert astronomer.
With its blissful rural surroundings and wealth of facilities, it’s no surprise that Camp Kátur is the number one choice for many couples looking for a venue for a carefree, natural wedding. “We have a woodland chapel, a rustic barn that seats up to 150, and of course a magical backdrop of meadows and ancient woodland,” says Robert. “It’s a great option if you’re looking to organise something a little bit different.”
Robert and Jo are clearly passionate about encouraging people to appreciate and engage with the rich and varied landscape under their stewardship. “We’re very, very lucky to have such a beautiful place to work, and such a hardworking and energetic team behind us,” says Robert. “We’re delighted to be able to share this wonderful environment. And, looking to the future, there’s so much more we’d love to achieve here. I just wish there were more hours in the day to do it in!” For more information about The Camp Hill Estate, Camp Kátur and The Hebridean Bar & Grill visit camphill.co.uk
Unit 7 Badger Court, Harmby Road, Leyburn DL8 5BF | 01969 625111 Unit 1-2 Brompton Business Park, Station Road, Brompton on Swale DL10 7SN | 01748 835111 www.hudspethfl ooring.co.uk | sales@hudspethfl ooring.co.uk