The glamping holiday offers a package to give you a much-needed break — without the hassle of flying.
On the national weekend of love, I spent mine in a field full of llamas; trekking the hills of Surrey with scenic views of twinkling ponds and rich green wilderness. Now I have never been camping before, but when I heard about The Merry Harriers – a glamping site adjacent to a quaint pub and restaurant of the same name – I knew I had to try it… and I’m so glad I did.
Staying in a hut fit with underfloor heating, a wood burner and the most deliciously kitschy decor I have ever seen, I was living my eclectic countryside fantasies within ten minutes of arrival. Walking a mere 20 feet to the restaurant, we were greeted by the warmth of a cosy log fire and the excited buzz of local guests. Being a massive foodie, it is commonly known that my taste buds are some of the most difficult to impress — which seemed no bother to the artfully designed courses which floated to our table hand-in-hand with a complimentary glass of bubbly.
After a night of fine dining, marshmallow roasting and star-spotting, the morning saw the start of the main motivation behind our visit: the renowned llama trek. Taking the beautiful Champagne and Goji for a spin, we got stuck into nature, reaching a breathtaking viewpoint of the mountainous landscape of Surrey’s suburbs. Taking in the view while sipping on a flask of hot chocolate, I learnt an unknown fact about our trekking companions: they love to roll around in sand and dirt. Taking our (now very dirty) furry friends back to their home, we spent the rest of the weekend surrounded by the friendly staff — pints of Amstel and bags of nuts and chips in constant flow.
Having taken full advantage of the entire wholesome package of The Merry Harriers, I couldn’t wait to tell all my friends and family about the home-away-from-home vacation that left me more rejuvenated than any beachside getaway could. To book your stay, head to themerryharriers.com now.