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Fernwood Glamping (New Forest)

100%
·
· New Forest, Hampshire, England
1 acre hosted by Rachel H.
2 glamping pitches
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Secluded, peaceful glamping on the edge of the New Forest

The approach to Fernwood is like a steady fizzle out of the urban world. As you leave the historic market town of Ringwood, the houses gradually seem to retreat from the edge of the road, before a church and a thatched-roof cottage mark the start of the New Forest proper. From here, the road weaves into the smudged shade of the trees and the holiday begins. You feel miles away from anywhere.

It’s through a wooden gate and down at the end of a large garden that the shepherd’s hut at Fernwood is eventually found, it’s wood-lined interior rustic and warm. Inside, it sleeps up to four (though it works well as a romantic break for couples) with a double bed that folds away into a dining space and two pull out singles for children. At one end an all-important wood-burning stove provides heating throughout the year with a free supply of logs included. It’s also cleverly backed by a strip of shiny, corrugated metal, reflecting the heat and filling the place with warmth in seconds.

There’s something very apt, in this environment, about staying in a shepherd’s hut. The lightly painted structure has an agricultural feel that fits among the surroundings, where foxes and deer can be spotted. An old treehouse works nicely as a deer and bird-spotting hide and there’s a small pond that also attracts the critters – frogs and newts can be found bathing along its edges. Indeed, Fernwood itself also plays host to chickens, rabbits, cats, dogs and a pet tortoise. So though this may be a quiet hideaway from the rest of the world, you’re not entirely alone!

Also available is Fernwood's beautifully painted gypsy caravan. Snuggled into a woodland area in the garden, this cosy caravan was built on an original 1930's dray base overlooking fields where deer and rabbits are frequently seen. The cool caravan arrived here in 2016 and is ideally booked alongside the shepherd's hut for a family with older children or two couples going away together.

Finally, the the wooden summerhouse in the garden is a handy accomplice to the shepherd’s hut and gypsy caravan. The structure has electricity for charging phones, powering a small fridge and running the kettle, with free tea and coffee for you to use. And it’s a great spot for powering up in the morning before you set off on foot or by bike to explore. Head east to submerge yourself further in the trees and heathland of the New Forest or return to busy Ringwood for the Wednesday market and a visit to the local restaurants. The choice is yours.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Horseback riding
Paddling
Natural features
Forest
100%
19 Ratings · 33 reviews
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Dipa B.recommends
July 27, 2024
Romantic Gypsy Caravan (2A + 2ch)
Comfortable two nights
Fernwood was perfect for what we were looking for, - a good start to the school summer holiday! There is great attention to detail through out and the hampers are fabulous!
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Karl J.recommends
June 10, 2024
Romantic Gypsy Caravan (2A + 2ch)
Our stay at the Gypsy Caravan
We couldn't have asked for a more peaceful stay in the Gypsy Caravan at Fernwood Glamping. Peacefully shaded by surrounding trees, we felt really at home and relaxed with Rachel, our host, making us feel really comfortable and well settled in. We also had the option to use the neighbouring summerhouse which has great to watch the sunset over the decking and pond area. Thank you!
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Claire L.recommends
June 7, 2022
Rustic Shepherd’s Hut (2A + 2ch)
Rachel's cosy and well-equipped hut was the perfect location for a peaceful getaway.
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M K.recommends
July 31, 2021
Romantic Gypsy Caravan (2A + 2ch)
We booked the Gypsy Caravan for a short break . Everything was beautifully clean and tidy with lovely touches like cosy towels and robes provided . We made good use of the summerhouse in the mornings and evenings . It was so relaxing sitting by the garden pond which felt like our own chill out space. Using the outdoor shower and toasting marshmallows on the fire pit added to our very enjoyable stay . Would definitely recommend and would be very happy to stay there again .
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Esther S.recommends
July 19, 2021
Romantic Gypsy Caravan (2A + 2ch)
I purchased this for my husband as a birthday present. Due to unforeseen circumstances our 15-year-old ended up coming with us. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable time, and Rachel was so accommodating at really short notice. I really recommend the breakfast hampers, they were superb and we ate them outside in a very tranquil spot. The facilities were great, I managed to use the outdoor showers twice, which worked really well. The gardens are lovely and there is plenty of space in the summer house adds a welcome breakout area. I can't recommend this highly enough.
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Sarah P.recommends
June 28, 2021
Romantic Gypsy Caravan (2A + 2ch)
I booked a weekend break for my husbands birthday. We took our 10 year old daughter and booked the gypsy caravan. It is absolutely beautiful and cosy inside. There is so much attention to detail. It has everything you need for a glamping holiday. We had use of the summer house too which is also lovely and the surroundings are also beautiful. I would definitely recommend staying here.
Location
New Forest, Hampshire, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Rachel H.

Joined in May 2016
From the host
The shepherd’s hut and gypsy van are well spaced from each other to enjoy a feeling of privacy in a large garden (outdoor seating provided). Both have a view over the fields behind, where deer are regularly seen. Inside they both sleep up to four (though it works very well as a romantic break for couples). At Fernwood, it is hard to imagine you are only a mile away from the friendly market town of Ringwood. We have lived in Ringwood for over thirty years and since 2005 at Fernwood. There was a small bungalow in a field until we built a home for our family, living in a mobile home for a year where the shepherd's hut is located. Gradually, we have changed it into less of a field and more of a garden, with a pond, vegetable patch and orchard but it still retains a rural feel, surrounded by mature trees and a field behind with plenty of space for our family and guests to relax. We therefore have a good knowledge of the local area but are always pleased to hear about our guests' days out and new discoveries. It is a great place to visit if you have a love of the outdoors and plenty to do with children. We were thrilled to be contacted by the author of Bradt's Slow Travel Guide to the New Forest so that we could be included in the 2023 edition.
Nearby attractions

On the edge of the New Forest National Park, Fernwood has plenty on the doorstep, including a wealth of cycling and walking trails – stay quiet to spot wild ponies and deer. If you struggle to find them on your bike though, try heading to the New Forest Safari in Burley or the deer feeding station in Bolderwood – both a short drive away. Lyndhurst (02380 282269) is seen as the central town for the New Forest, with extra tourist info if you need. Alternatively, it's a very easy drive through Ringwood to Bournemouth and the coast. Passing Go Ape! (08456 439215) en route – a good, organised family day out – or continue to the beaches and the magnificent sandbanks peninsula. A favourite recommendation from Fernwood is to visit Hengistbury Head (01202 451618), with a visitors centre, ferry boat across to Medeford Quay (great for crabbing!) and a land train which can take you back at the end of the day. Younger guests especially enjoy Peppa Pig World at Paulton's Park (20 mins) or a visit to one of the beaches. Older children and 'young at heart' parents love the New Forest Water Park and their many activities on offer (worth booking in advance).

Food and drink
There are some great pubs in more rural locations which make a fantastic point to start or finish a walk such as The Alice Lisle (01425 474700), The Red Shoot Inn (01425 475792) or The High Corner Inn (01425 473973). Within half a mile and easy walking distance there is a Tesco local (0345 026 9408), a fish and chip shop (01425 478310), a fantastic bakery with take away pizzas Friday and Saturday nights (01425 480666) and The London Tavern (01425 473819) – well known for its quiz nights and live bands. There are several local cafes in the town worth exploring which can serve coffee, breakfasts or brunches. Alternatively, a continental breakfast hamper can be ordered in advance by e- mail or text. It includes cereals, bread, jam, a muffin or a pastry, fresh fruit and yoghurt, milk and juice.
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