Glamping in Devon with ‘Just Us Retreats’
When JJust Us Retreats got in touch with me inviting me to stay at their secluded glamping retreat in the Devonshire countryside, I jumped at the chance. ‘Gabriel’ (cleverly named to follow the ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ theme) is a large luxurious bell tent set in a secluded woodland on a Devon farm, surrounded by lush rolling hills. If you long to escape the stresses of city life and want to take some time to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, then you won’t find anywhere as enchanting as glamping in Devon with Just Us Retreats near Dartmoor National Park.
The beautiful countryside and the chance for a few days away were the obvious pull for me, but the real attraction to review this retreat was the promise of having no electricity or Wi-Fi for a couple of days. I could embrace a true digital detox!
The essence of slow living for me is spending some time away from the ‘screen’. Whether that be a phone, iPad, computer or TV, these devices demand too much of, what should be, free time, meaning we forget to focus on life’s simple pleasures. My intention for these few days away would be to truly switch off and be mindful. And what better place to do this than in a beautifully decorated bell tent surrounded by nature!
My experience of glamping in Devon at Just Us Retreats
As is typical for a June break in the UK, the rain lashed down as we set off towards Dartmoor National Park, wellies and woolly socks packed! However, I was ever hopeful that the sun would make an appearance at some point, if not I was ready for the challenge of a wet glamping break!
On arrival we were warmly greeted by Zara, ‘Just Us Retreats’ creator, and Bertie the dog who was keen to say hello! We followed Zara for a tour of the farm, and with options to keep us entertained whatever the weather, including table football and table tennis, plus outdoor tennis courts, badminton and swing ball for when the rain did clear, I was confident we would have plenty to keep us ‘screen free’ busy. The weather had caused havoc for the last few days, but Zara and her husband Hugh took it all in their stride and had everything ready for us, including a Devon cream tea awaiting our arrival.
Even the drizzle couldn’t dampen my spirits when we crossed over a little bridge and entered a secluded woodland copse. Either side of the tent, a hammock was swinging. There was a kitchen complete with gas hobs, kettle, food containers, a perfect little table and all the utilities to aid us in our outdoor cooking for the next few days. Zara had thought of everything, even Mayonnaise which pleased James!!
Outside the tent, a firepit and grill surrounded by homemade log seats, beckoned me over – I looked forward to a cosy campsite supper toasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate – all very Hygge! And, as this is glamping, there was even a flushing toilet in its own little neatly decorated shed AND a hot water outdoor shower, no luxury spared here.
As we entered the bell tent, I was delighted to see that the fire had been lit in preparation for our arrival creating a cosy atmosphere. We were left to settle in and as I waited for the rain to stop, James and I cuddled down on a sofa each with a hot cuppa and a chance to catch up on some reading. I’d just started ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ by Liane Moriarty so this was the ideal chance to indulge in some quiet time and get lost in a story. I didn’t even mind the rain, it actually felt super cosy listening to the rain drops on the canvas, whilst the fire roared and the birds sang outside – I mean you couldn’t get any more Hygge if you tried!
Think Glamping isn’t for you? Think again…
For those who run a mile at the thought of camping, I highly recommend trying a Glamping trip. especially glamping in Devon. You capture all the fun of camping but with the small luxuries of home. Need convincing? Here are the positives of glamping at Just Us Retreats:
A private flushing toilet means no crouching down in nature and getting your bottom bitten by ants!
A hot water outdoor shower – a must! It is so invigorating to be outside whilst showering, trust me you have to try this.
Time to destress – work, cleaning, endless tasks at home can all wait, this is time for YOU.
Embrace Hygge feelings without distractions – cosy fire, warm socks, hot tea or hot chocolate, a glass of wine over dinner, getting lost in a book.
Spend quality time with loved ones without one of you picking up a digital device – we all know how annoying that is!
Appreciate nature again. Listen to the sound of the birds and wildlife and realise this world isn’t just for us. We share it with these amazing creatures. I became very fond of our owl and woodpecker neighbours!
Toast marshmallows over the campfire whilst telling stories.
Sleep in a clean and comfortable double bed – no roll mats on the floor here!
No interruptions – if you want to escape and not see another soul for your time there, you can, it’s your choice.
Take long walks around the farmland and surrounding countryside – burn some calories!
Visit the local pubs and indulge in home cooked food and a very friendly service. I highly recommend the Ring of Bells and the Cadeleigh Arms for excellent food and service.
Play a board game or two. I lost at a game of chess again but only because there was no monopoly – that would have been a different ending!
Embrace mindfulness. Live in the moment and appreciate what you have. Try some Yoga if you like!
Sleep. For as long as you like. No one is waking you up to clean your room.
Accommodation – Gabriel the Bell Tent
Gabriel is extremely spacious inside. Cleverly built on a large wooden decking area raised from the ground, the weather doesn’t affect your stay here. There was plenty of rain during our stay but we remained warm and dry and the wood burning stove was a welcome addition. There were plenty of logs and kindling provided, which kept us toasty warm throughout our stay. With it’s canvas structure and entrance that opens out onto the woodland, you get all the benefits of an outdoorsy camping experience, but with the little luxuries of home. Unlike conventional camping with those ever-deflating airbeds, at Just Us Retreats, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. With one double bed and two very comfortable sofas, Gabriel could sleep four with plenty of space on the floor for blow up beds if your family is a little larger. If the weather is kind during your stay, you could even sleep two people in the hammocks outside!
The small touches like extra blankets and cushions, should you need them, were appreciated – we did! Plenty of towels are supllied along with everyday necessities like shower gel, shampoo, hand soap and practical items such as torches, candles and a mirror.
Inside the chest you will find family games (which takes you back to childhood!) including chess, scrabble and cards. There are mindfulness magazines to ponder and badminton rackets so you can enjoy a game in the field opposite. You won’t get bored here!
Do nothing for half an hour but watch the dappled light on the canopy.
Dining whilst glamping in Devon
Next to the bell tent, a kitchen tent supplies everything you need for outdoor cooking. There’s a gas hob for heating the kettle or warming up beans, popular condiments like sauces, tea, coffees, sugar etc, all essential utensils, food storage boxes to keep your meat safe from the bugs, a running water tap and sink for washing up, a cool box for milk and there’s even a fridge for your cold food in the barn. A 5-minute drive away is a local farm shop, Thornes, where you can purchase meat for the BBQ, homemade cakes and scones and fresh fruit and vegetables. This all means that you don’t have to pack up too much to bring with you.
Activities at Just Us Retreats
There is a wealth of activities to keep you entertained here, whether that be at the retreat or farther afield, there is plenty to do – but also remember sometimes it is better to just do nothing!
Around the farm you can enjoy walks, play sports such as tennis or badminton or enjoy indoor board games. You can visit the local pubs for homecooked food or a cold drink, explore the nearby castles and walking trails. Or stay at the tent and embrace slow living by spending several hours reading, writing, painting, doing Yoga, cooking around the fire, chatting and enjoying some time off.
My itinerary for 2 days & 2 nights glamping in Devon at Just Us Retreats:
Day one:
Arrive midday, unpack and settle in. Get lost in a book for 2 hours or practice some Yoga. Take a 30 minute stroll around the campsite to get your bearings and appreciate your home setting for the next few days.
Dinner at The Ring of Bells (Sawday’s recommended) or The Cadeleigh Arms. The Cadeleigh Arms has a great vegan menu. Both provide a warm welcome and delicious homecooked food.
Head back to the Bell Tent and enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) whilst listening to music and chatting until you fall asleep.
Stop for a bite to eat at the farm shop cafe in Halberton.
Day Two:
After a long lazy lie-in listening to the birds and reading, slowly awaken and enjoy a Yoga session outside or a game of badminton. Late morning, head to Tiverton and take the Great Western Canal walk which is home to one of the last horse-drawn barges in Great Britain. We walked the 6 mile round trip to Halberton where we stopped at the farm shop cafe for a small lunch. This café has a mix of cyclist and music memorabilia and is the perfect place for a bite to eat. I highly recommend the sweet potato falafel!
Head back to the retreat and enjoy an invigorating outdoor shower. Stay in for dinner and have a cook up around the firepit if the weather is dry or head out to another local pub if wet.
Day three:
Enjoy your last lazy morning before heading home at midday feeling refreshed and mindful.
How to find them…
Nestled in the Devon countryside in East Coombe, 20 minutes from the county city of Exeter and 3 minutes from the local farm shop Thornes, Just Us Retreats is easy to get to. (One tip for those travelling after a spell of bad weather – a 4×4 vehicle would be ideal to reach the retreat as it is accessed by a drive through a field. Luckily we were fine in our vehicle, but those without 4×4’s may struggle in wet weather – although I’m sure Zara or Hugh would be able to assist if that was the case!)
So, if you’re looking for the perfect family escape to enjoy quality time together away from the stresses and strains of hectic city living, or a place to enjoy being a couple without the distractions of digital devices, then the luxurious glamping retreat at Just Us Retreats will fit the bill. I’ve come home feeling lighter (both mind and body!) and appreciative of everything I have.
Find out more and book your break at Just Us Retreats – click here.
For more amazing glamping sites around the UK, check out Campsites UK here!
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