We were invited to Experience Freedom Glamping in Moreton-in-Marsh to review their glamping pods and share them with you. Whilst the trip was gifted all opinions are my own.
I have never been glamping, and I have only ever once been camping so this was a totally new experience for me. I took lots of photos and even made a video to share what it was like with you.
What is glamping?
The idea behind glamping is it is glamorous camping. This means whilst in some ways it is like camping you have all the amenities you need and usually a pod, hut or similar rather having to erect a tent.
What do the Experience Freedom glamping pods contain?
The pods are designed for a family of four including two adults and two children. The fourth bed is a bunk so is most suited to young children rather than tall teenagers like Ben and has an 11-stone weight limit. A perfect place to go on holiday with kids.
The pod contains a flushing toilet, shower and sink. Whilst there are shower blocks with toilets etc on the Moreton-in-Marsh site these are not needed for those in the glamping pods. We did check them out though and were very impressed at their size and cleanliness.
There is a small kitchen area in the pod with two hobs, a fridge with a small freezer compartment, a microwave and all the utensils you need for a few days away. If you prefer to BBQ there is a brick BBQ next to each pod and a disposable BBQ included on your arrival.
Each pod contains seating areas both indoors and outdoors. The indoor seating area folds away for sleeping. A dining table is folded under the sofa and easily returned there so you have space when you do not need it or want to open up the bed.
Each pod contains a TV, free WiFi, and a Bluetooth sound system so you can listen to music or radio through the ceiling speakers.
Who is glamping perfect for?
If like me, you love the idea of staying in the great outdoors but really do not imagine staying in a tent then this is perfect for you. With plug sockets and USB ports aplenty, the TV with DVD player and the radio you won’t feel too far from home comforts. Free WiFi just tops it off so you can upload all the fun you are having and make your friends jealous!
As you probably already know if you read my blog, Ben has autism. He finds new places and experiences interesting but a bit of a challenge at times. Being able to experience the great outdoors and being close to nature whilst still having a bed and home comforts was perfect for him. The site was not too busy when we visited and he even made a new friend which is unusual for Ben.
What does the Moreton-in-Marsh site have?
The site has space for lots of caravans, motorhomes and similar whilst also having ten glamping pods. Some of the things on the site such as the shower blocks you won’t need whilst staying in the pods but they are there if you want them anyway.
The site has a dedicated dog walking area and some of the pods welcome dogs. The dog walking area is huge and we saw many dogs enjoying it during our stay.
There is also a large play area perfect for children and adults alike. This includes a climbing frame, swings, and so much for kids to do. For adults and children, there is also a goal for football, mini-golf and a sand pitch for boules. The golf clubs and balls along with the boules set are available to borrow from the reception at no extra cost.
The site has an extensive information centre with lots of local information. This can be found next to a bug hotel which is sure to have little ones intrigued! There are numerous leaflets for things to do in the surrounding areas with maps and even takeaway menus!
If you want a book to read you will even find some in there too that you can buy or borrow, all the money going to charity. I even noticed a couple of board games and DVDs in the same area. Check out my video which shows inside the information hut.
If you don’t fancy cooking every night then the site has alfresco dining options with different options each night. Whilst we were there we noticed a pizza night and a steak Frites night. We ate out too so you will not starve if you don’t want to cook!
Glamping tips
If like us, you are new to glamping then these tips should help you out.
- Check if your site has a hairdryer and take one with you if not.
- Take a torch for evening walks.
- Pay for the towel bundle if you can as this saves on packing them and makes a big difference.
- Pack slippers if it is cooler months as the pod floor can be cold first thing in the morning.
- Check what is included in the pod for you to use eg cutlery, pots and pans etc so you do not pack anything unnecessary.
What makes Glamping fun?
We really did not know what to expect with glamping but we really enjoyed it and did not want to come home. If you go with an open mind you are sure to enjoy it more than you imagined you could.
Being out in the great outdoors is great for everyone, especially children like Ben who find life a little overwhelming sometimes. I have struggled a lot lately with my depression and found the break made a huge difference for me too.
We enjoyed a wonderful few days together and realised that glamping is most definitely for us! We are already looking to book a break again soon. We loved the BBQ and being able to cook indoors and outdoors.
The way glamping makes you really enjoy the outside and spending time in a close area as a family is so good for family bonding. I really can not recommend it enough. Even writing this review is making me sad because I want to go back!
Moreton-In-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is a beautiful small town nestled in The Cotswolds. There is so much to do in the town itself as well as nearby. With many cycle routes and walks you really couldn’t be in a better location for exploring the countryside.
The town itself has many little shops and tearooms. Most are independent shops and the people of Moreton-in-Marsh are so friendly. It is a popular tourist destination so they are all happy to chat about what you have been doing.
I can highly recommend the hot chocolate and scones at Yellow Brick café in the centre of Moreton-in-Marsh. It is in a little courtyard so be sure not to miss it. The courtyard also has a traditional sweet shop and a beer shop both with amazing variety. Ben loved the sweet shop, well if I am honest we all did!
Whilst you are walking around Moreton-in-Marsh be sure to look out for some of the fascinating things to see. We loved this blue plaque stating that The Bell Inn was the inspiration for The Prancing Pony in Lord of the Rings!
My video
Watch my video for a tour of the glamping pod and the site in general, more pictures and even the sound of an owl we heard!
Our overall views
We absolutely loved it and have decided already we will definitely be doing it again. The same company have yurts and airstreams at different sites so maybe next time we will try those!
If you are wondering what there is to do in The Cotswolds then check out this post from a blogger friend Twins and Travels with lots of kid-friendly activities. You may well be surprised!
In our experience, it is good value for money and a perfect family break. Prices are from £59 a night you have the luxuries you need with the feeling you are still getting close to nature. If you are looking for a winter break or don’t fancy glamping then there are some lovely Cotswold family cottage rentals and Cotswolds lodges with hot tubs you could look into so you can still enjoy the beautiful area.
Check out the site we stayed at here.
If this has made you interested in the idea of glamping then I love Flying with a baby’s selection of 25 of the best UK family glamping sites.
Just Average Jen Shopping Guides
My guides to help you spend your money wisely on whatever you need for your happy healthy lifestyle.
About Author
Hi, I’m Jen Mellor; I live in Nottingham, UK. and use my knowledge and experience in weight loss and confidence to help you become your own cheerleader and best friend. I am usually seen wearing colourful leggings and love to wear bright colours. Wear what you love, and be proud of your style and choices!
I really want to try out Glamping..maybe next year. It certainly sounds like you had a wonderful family experience.
This sounds like a lovely place to stay, although sadly this like most other glamping places doesn’t appear to cater for families larger than four people :/
Looks like a lovely place to stay, mine would go crazy for the sweet shop too! I can’t get over how much they have squeezed into the pod, I like my home comforts so this would be ideal!
I won’t camp because ground, bugs, etc, but I sure would consider glamping. This sounds like it’s got plenty of comforts for all and lots to do, it’s great for a family getaway.
Glamping is one thing we havent tried yet. It looks like we need to try it sometime soon.
John M
As you said I think these kinds of sites are great for people who want to be close to nature but don’t want to or can’t camp. We went glamping last summer and having a read bed and a toilet were so nice x
Wow I’ve always wanted to go glamping, I love the nature and to wonder around rural areas. Your pod looks like a decent size to fit a family in, and the shower looks like a good size too!