Rockfield Glamping

Rockfield is a tiny Welsh village with a handful of farms, a church, a post box and a population of less than 200 people. So why does it sound so familiar? Perhaps because some of the most famous British musicians have recorded some of their best-known hits at a legendary music studio here. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Wonderwall by Oasis and Yellow by Coldplay are just some of the top tunes that owe their existence, in part, to this place. The studio came into existence thanks to a pair of enterprising brothers who diversified their farm back in 1965. Now, decades later, another family farm in the village has diversified too. But at this one, it’s glamping that’s on offer and, thankfully, it’s not just reserved for people with their names in lights.

All are welcome at Rockfield Glamping: music legends, average Joes, families, couples and dogs. The site, like the recording studio on the other side of the village, offers a rustic place to stay surrounded by inspirational scenery that’s far from any crowds. Here, there are just four bell tents and, while rustic, they have just a touch of rockstar luxury – by camping standards at least. The beds are made for you and, outside, each has its own horsebox bathroom with a door that opens to the countryside so you can bathe with a view. Better still, a generous welcome pack includes a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the start of your stay.

Whether you are sipping bubbles or sinking into them as you enjoy the view, you’re likely to feel pretty chuffed. The campsite is in a five-acre wildflower meadow and rolling Welsh countryside falls away in front of you from this hillside location, a few miles outside of Monmouth. That’s the closest town and a very pleasant place to visit where independent shops and eateries cluster the high street and the River Monnow meets the meandering Wye.

Apart from exploring the town and wandering the footpaths around Rockfield, this glamping site is ideally situated for exploring the outdoors on both sides of the English-Welsh border. You can canoe through the Lower Wye Valley and climb or sightsee at Symonds Yat, just eight miles away. The Forest of Dean and its cycle tracks are not much further and to the west is the Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s a good job that glampers are encouraged to stay for a while: three, four or seven-day stays are standard. But, be warned, 90s legends, The Stone Roses ended up staying at Rockfield for 14 months recording their second album. When you get here you might understand why.