Dogwood Glamping

Walkers have their Sensations; Tesco's have their Finest range; even Megabus offer a 'gold' service for those who like to do their M1 gridlocks in the utmost comfort. And now, the team behind the delightful Dogwood Cottage Camping (aka Phil and Katy) bring us their luxury exclusive hire offering, the Dogwood Glamping yurt. That's not to call the original campsite next door the 'value' option (although it certainly is an affordable choice for a relaxing rural break in the heart of the High Weald), but rather this more high-end accommodation is squared at those more accustomed to a night on mattresses of the strictly non-inflatable kind. So if you're more Twinings than Tetley's, this glampsite might just be your cup of tea.

It's hard to argue with what this latest venture boasts. The Dogwood yurt is a mammoth 20ft diameter felt-lined Ornate Turkmen built from Ash trees sourced from the Glyndebourne Forest. Inside, it's a veritable riad of colourful scatter cushions and rugs that will happily accommodate a family of four, two on deluxe handmade Taurus beds (with firm orthopaedic mattresses) and two have to bring their own camping beds and bed linen. All the basics are included, plus a few welcome extras like a radiator, kettle, toaster, mini fridge, Egyptian cotton bed linen (freshly laundered and ironed) and the Morso wood-burning stove really sets it off. Outside, the spacious pristine decking area comes complete with a picnic table, parasol and firepit for enjoying a lazy al fresco evening meal.

New for 2015, the ever-resourceful Phil and Katy have masterfully crafted a brand-new camping cabin. From its secluded pondside spot amidst ash and willow trees, the Dogwood Cabin is a cosy abode for any glamping couple. This full-insulated and heated lodge has all the mod cons – futon double bed, silent mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and a compost loo. For all the creature comforts, campers can still immerse themselves in the sights and smells of The Great Outdoors by flinging open the French windows or lazily reclining on the sun-trapped veranda.

Location-wise, this little site ticks all boxes. All the facilities of the adjacent low-key campsite are available to use, while the quaint village of Brede lies at the heart of the Sussex High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's vast undulating grasslands are ripe for long country walks, before collapsing in a comfy sofa at one of the region's innumerable country pubs for a pint of the local ale. Rye's ancient cobbled streets beckon you to visit its timbered houses and picturesque harbour, while the pivotal towns of Battle and Hastings (1066 and all that) are also nearby.

Though a wealth of attractions await in all directions, you'll want to make sure you get back to camp for a spot of stargazing. Dogwood lies under some of the UK's clearest night skies – a real boon for a campsite this close to the capital. With Brede free of streetlights, light pollution is non-existent. As the video below of the recent Geminid meteor shower shows, Dogwood's glampers are in for a treat. So stoke up the firepit and toast the marshmallows, or if it's just the two of you, recline on your deluxe bed and admire the twinkling stellar tapestry through the roof wheel in your cosy canvas retreat.