Flap-free camping in Cumbria holiday park’s chic retreats
Lake District lovers can now enjoy the exhilaration of camping in the heart of picture-postcard Cumbria without pegs, poles or the palaver of erecting a tent.
That’s because Skelwith Fold near Ambleside is preparing to add luxury safari tents to its glamping options, pitched at people seeking holidays tinged with romance and adventure.
The park’s chic holiday retreats have been sited in a quiet corner of its 130-acre grounds which play host to a raft of wildlife, including deer and red squirrels.
But when a different sort of nature calls, there will be no midnight treks to the nearest facilities – for each tent has its own bathroom, as well as kitchen facilities and dining area.
However, says park director Henry Wild, if guests should venture out after dark, they will be treated to some of the best views of the night sky in Britain.
On clear evenings, the park’s lack of light pollution provides spectacular vistas such as the Milky Way, streaks of meteors, neighbouring planets, and the glow of other galaxies.
Skelwith Fold, crowned as Lakeland’s top holiday park in last year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards, believes its safari tents will appeal especially to young families.
With all linen provided, there’s one double bedroom, and another with two bunk beds in addition to generously sized living areas, and electrical sockets to re-charge mobile devices.
There’s also a private balcony for al-fresco dining, or just relaxing and listening to the birdsong.
Henry Wild believes that Skelwith Fold‘s safari experience will capture the imagination of those who love the idea of camping, but not the flap of putting up a tent:
“Almost everyone loves the notion of sleeping under the stars, but the realities of erecting a tent and packing it away afterwards can take the edge off the experience,” he said.
“Safari tents neatly sidestep this problem, but still provide that wonderful sense of being out there in nature and coming closer to the sights and sounds of the countryside.
“We already provide luxury Hideaway glamping pods, and these are very popular – but now there’s an option to make an even closer encounter with the great outdoors.
“The design of the tents with their timber beams and countryside colours is superb, and I’m guessing that they will be the most photographed holiday homes on the park!” added Henry.
Owned by the Wild family for over 20 years, Skelwith Fold also provides caravan holiday homes to buy, and pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes.
As well as its “top park” accolade from Cumbria Tourism, Skelwith Fold holds the David Bellamy Conservation Award for environmental excellence at its top gold level.
There is more information about the park and its safari tents at www.skelwith.com
