Countryside Escapes and Hideaways

There is something about the countryside air and days spent enjoying the company of friends with rolling countryside views to boot. I would never have thought to have a birthday celebration camping in the wilderness but when my boyfriend’s friends suggested a weekend around the fire I raised an eyebrow. Considering my usual posts, camping is not something I do all the time but I am no stranger to a campsite at all. It’s just that Birthdays are synonomous with booze filled celebrations and hangovers(that’s not a confession by the way), but I was certainly up for a weekend getaway. Having just dodged an Ikea DIY disaster we set off on the two and a half hour drive leaving London’s concrete jungle in favour of some RnR with Mother Nature. The weather was set to be on its best behaviour for the weekend which was a deciding factor for me.

After much admiration of single lane country roads enveloped by trees that create tunnels that I imagine would look even more picturesque when fall comes, we arrived on the site. Rock East Woodland Campsite is a hit with families! Seeing the kiddies running around playing catch, football, playing hide and seek in the open countryside and just the happy memories their parents were creating with and for them is enough to put a smile on anyone’s face. Family travel doesn’t have to cost an arm and sights like these just prove that even when you do have kids there is no excuse not to get away from it all and just enjoy the company of loved ones without the heavy air and stresses of city life. Just pack a tent, sleeping bag and within a few hours you are at one with nature!

After random chats over camp fire and BBQ dinner it was time to head to bed. When morning came we were slowly awakened by the sounds of birds chirping and light peering through the Yurt’s skylight opening overhead. Relaxing with acres of beautiful woodlands boasting a rich collection of woodland trees, some of which are native to the Nordics. They say that finding a sense of balance both within ourselves and amid our surroundings is often said to be the key to unlocking the true meaning of happiness. It was definitely bliss taking a short walk first thing in the morning in the woodlands surrounding our yurt. The perfect me-time early in the morning with nothing but nature for company. 

Considering this is only 2 hours drive away from the hassle and bustle of London it’s such a shame we don’t do this as much as we should, considering how hugely beneficial it is to both mind, body and soul. My me-time morning walk, blissful contemplation and the peace offered by my surroundings was interrupted by my stomach’s morning growl. Collecting my items from the cosy yurt and scrambling up the small hill with perfect timing as an open fire was already going with pot for tea and a hearty, smoked full English breakfast on the BBQ….Bliss!

There isn’t a greater delight than sitting around the warmth of a fire with friends and good food…

Added to answer some of the comments below:

• For more info on the camping site and whats available check out the Rock East Campsite website
• Prices for the Yurt is £40 a night and that was between 4 of us who had a little mishap with the tent. The others stayed in the tent you can partially see in the 13th picture. 
• If you bring your own tent its about £25 per unit, covering 2 adults and 2 children.

So when was the last time you went out camping or glamping?