If you’re angling for a peaceful glamping trip with the family, in spacious, luxuriously furnished accommodation next to a beautiful fishing lake, look no further than North Essex’s Woodchests Glamping. The three sizeable ensuite safari tents are positioned in an open clearing, backed by woodland and a short stroll from the water’s edge where guests can enjoy a secluded day out catching carp with the kids.
The open-plan safari tents come packed with more than just your creature comforts. There’s a fully-equipped solar-powered kitchen, complete with all crockery, cutlery, and utensils, a master bedroom with king size bed, a second bedroom with bunk beds, and the kids will love climbing up to the cabin bed – like a cubby-hole in the wall and the perfect, private den. This hipcamp is off-grid but you’ll still have access to your own private shower room, with a hot shower and a separate eco-friendly toilet.
Raise the canvas entrance for a view out onto the countryside, where you can sit out on the veranda with a glass of wine – your hosts helpfully confirm that the tent’s fridge can fit up to 12 bottles of the good stuff. The stunning views continue when you make your way down to the secluded lake, a huge expanse of water stocked with carp, pike, tech, bream, and hybrids. All fish must be returned to the water and at least one experienced angler should be in your group, making this a great chance to teach the little ones how to catch.
Walking boots are essential here, with the hipcamp’s positioning next to the Suffolk border ensuring plenty of countryside walks and flat cycle routes. Bring your bikes and take a trip out to the nearby village of Castle Hedingham, where you can admire its titular castle – England’s best-preserved Norman keep – and explore its historical grounds. Or you can drive out to the idyllic market town of Sudbury or Roman Colchester, both of which provide plenty of shops to peruse and a variety of coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants.
