It has become something of a tradition that a friend and I unite each summer, having spent the rest of the year living in different countries, and we enjoy all the peace, quiet and comforts of glamping. Our favourite spot we’ve found so far has to be Bluecaps Farm in East Sussex, near Bewl Water. The serenity of being in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by only a handful of other campers, some horses and llamas just can’t be beaten. Plus, you’re deceivingly close to some fabulous local pubs and the all important Co-Op for those emergency supplies!
Last year we enjoyed the comforts of one of the bell tents on offer at Bluecaps Farm but this year we went for a Shepherd’s Hut, named ‘Poppy’, for a couple of nights.
‘Poppy’ includes solar powered electricity, running water (supplied through the water tank that you’ll need to refill from the hose located a few metres away), a very comfortable double bed, a little table and a log burner to keep you toasty should you visit on winter nights. That is the big selling point of Shepherd’s Huts like ‘Poppy’ – they’re available to book throughout the year as the solar powered electricity and log burner mean you can have a cosy stay in June or January! All of the Bluecaps Farm glamping plots also come with a BBQ/Fire Pit and an outside picnic bench. Plus all your cutlery, crockery etc is supplied and the wonderful Tina who runs the farm left us a bottle of wine to welcome us. 
Of course, it wouldn’t be camping if you didn’t have to walk outside for the loo or a shower, but the toilet block at Bluecaps isn’t far away and is always very clean! Plus, even when operating at full capacity, there are only a handful of plots at Bluecaps Farm so you are unlikely to have to queue for the loo on a drizzly morning!
The Shepherd’s Hut also contains an electric kettle (making that early morning cuppa a breeze, and there’s nothing like enjoying a tea on a dewy sunny morning in June!) and a single electric hob burner if you don’t fancy getting the BBQ going for every meal. However, we couldn’t resist exploring every possible BBQ-able meal and of course had to include my favourite – grilled corn on the cob. Yum!
As sun sets over Bluecaps Farm, Tina or another member of the team will shut the gates at the end of the driveway to reassure you you’re safely tucked in for the night in the camping field. We loved turning the embers of our BBQ into a fire pit, with a little help from the huge store of wood readily available for glampers. Living in the city means that spending time late at night outside, with the sound of crackling wood and the smell of burning marshmallows is a rare treat, and something I definitely want to make sure I experience more often!
Nearby to Bluecaps Farm is the picturesque Bewl Water. We strolled the 20 minute or so walk to the edge of the reservoir, enjoyed an ice lolly at the water’s edge before boarding the water taxi (£3 to get from A-B or £6 for the full loop). We hopped off on the other side of the reservoir and walked 40 minutes or so to The Bull, an amazing local pub that was a welcome cool retreat from the blazing sunshine outside. It was so sunny we even spotted a snake or two basking in the pathways, so be warned!
Overall, our weekend away at Bluecaps Farm was a much needed break from the bustle and smog of city life. Tina is such a fantastic and friendly host that she always makes our stays so comfortable. Her farm, and the animals she keeps provide the perfect setting for a little glamour camping and the Shepherd’s Huts offer all the home comforts you might want for a weekend whilst still letting you get away from it all.
that emily 