To experience the romance of life on the road, head for the quiet byways of Cumbria with Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans. Choose from one of two private, stationary camps or opt for a horse-drawn holiday where you move from place to place in the tranquil Eden Valley. Either way, these off grid holidays are, surely, the most authentic way to experience the old traditions of a nomadic lifestyle in peaceful countryside between the Lake District and the North Pennines.
These bow-top gypsy caravans are hosted by Barny Maurice, who understands the draw of the open road very well. He ran away to the circus at the age of 16 and lived that life for 20 years before starting Wanderlusts more than a decade ago. If you opt for a horse-drawn holiday, you’ll spend time learning the ropes and reigns from him as you trundle down country lanes. The creek of wooden wagon wheels, the breeze in your hair, and the ever-changing country backdrop make the experience Barny offers something quite different to your average 'glamping' trip. He’ll help you set up camp at each travelling day’s destination then leave you and the horses to rest and enjoy the location for 24 hours before getting back on the road.
Opt for one of the encampments back at the Wanderlusts HQ and the experience is a little different. You’ll be left more or less to your own devices with a gypsy wagon or two to sleep in, a fire pit, a compost loo, and a secluded location by a beck. Choose Blackthorn for a rustic sauna in the mix; choose Bluebell to sleep up to eight. There’s a stream-fed wood-fired hot tub available as an add on too.
Whether you choose to go out on the road or to stay in one place, there’s no option but to slow down. As your phone runs out of battery, while you filter your water, and as you wait for dinner to cook on your campfire, you’ll connect better with nature, your surroundings and the past and, perhaps, whoever you’ve come with too.
Hosted by Barny M.
Joined in September 2015If you’re on a horse-drawn holiday, what’s nearby is ever changing but as you’re in the Eden Valley, there are typically riverside and countryside walks. Ask Barny about what’s near each day’s camping spot. If you stay at The Blackthorn or The Bluebell Camp you’ll be at Wanderlust’s Nutwood headquarters near Melmerby. From here there are lovely walks in to the surrounding countryside. A popular place to wander is to see the stone circle, Long Meg and Her Daughters, four miles away, and Lacy’s Caves, a mile or so further on. The River Eden also provides beautiful riverside walks in the area and there’s Melmerby Fell if you want a walk with views. This is the edge of the North Pennines so there’s plenty more of that to the east while, to the west, it’s only about 15 miles to the edge of the Lake District National Park. Penrith is the closest town, about nine miles away.
Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans’ base in Melmerby where you’ll be based or will set off from is just a mile from the village centre. There’s The Village Bakery, which offers a small shop and tea room, and The Shepherd’s Inn pub. Other pubs nearby include The Fox Inn at Ousby (two miles) and The Crown and The Featherston Arms in Kirkoswald (five miles). Kirkoswald is also a good place to head for if you want supplies for your own cooking as it has a good community shop. For more than what’s on offer there head to Penrith (nine miles) or Alston (11 miles). Both have a good range of shops.
