Lakeland pods prove perfect for staying friends

Super-luxury pods on a Lake District caravan park are proving a hit with people who want to take a break with their friends – but who draw the line at sleeping with them.

Skelwith Fold says its new Hideaway pods have been warmly welcomed by holiday home owners wanting to share their experiences with another couple, but not the same roof.

Until recently, it was only possible to stay on the 130-acre Ambleside park if you owned one of its 300 caravan holiday homes, or came with a touring caravan or motorhome.

Now, however, Skelwith Fold has created a small settlement of Hideaway glamping pods in a quiet forest glade which can he hired by couples for three-night breaks.

Each features a comfortable double bed, shower and loo, kitchen zone with microwave, oven and fridge, TV, and lounge-cum-dining space.

Measuring 14ft x 10ft, the pods also boast large picture windows, and folding fully-glazed doors leading onto a timber decking area with a pull-out sunshade.

Skelwith Fold director Henry Wild said the Hideaways proved an immediate success – but that, surprisingly, a large number of bookings were being made by holiday home owners:

“We discovered that a many owners had long wanted to invite a couple of their friends of family to join them on a stay, but were less keen on compromising their privacy,” said Henry.

“The pods are a perfect solution because the two parties can share their daytimes and evenings together, but then go their own separate ways at bed-time.

“It saves the owners having to modify their own lifestyle while on holiday, and they can still brew an early morning cuppa or sing in the shower to their heart’s content.

“Meanwhile, their guests will be enjoying a fantastic Hideaway experience and also able to do their own thing without fear of disturbing the other family,” added Henry.

Skelwith Fold’s Hideaways are located in a forest clearing on the wildlife-rich park which is also home to red squirrels, badgers, deer and bountiful bird life.

Guests need only pack what they would take if staying at an hotel – and food, including Cumbrian specialities, is available from Skelwith Fold’s well-stocked shop.

They will also be able to explore the park’s extensive grounds via a network of paths, and to enjoy surroundings praised by botanist David Bellamy as an oasis for flora and fauna.

“We’re absolutely delighted to find that owners see the Hideaways as a means of sharing their holidays with others they enjoy being close to – but not too close after lights out!” said Henry.

There is more information about the park and its pods at www.skelwith.com