Our glamping experience in Bulwick, Northamptonshire

Our glamping experience in Northamptonshire (or, as Josh likes to call it, our Pea Pod Adventure) was one of the most well-planned and smoothest UK escapes we’ve ever had. With the Covid-19 restrictions still only in the ‘eased’ category, we weren’t sure how much fun we’d be able to have, or how closely it would resemble our ‘normal’ UK trips. Thankfully, we had so much fun – managing to fit in multiple day trips while still getting time to relax.

Our accommodation at New Lodge Farm, Bulwick

We have New Lodge Farm to thank for our lovely glamping pod, which is a relatively new installation to the farm, having been built around this time last year. It was clean, compact, and even though we were close to our neighbours in Vanilla Pod, we still felt nice and secluded. A stream runs nearby, and if you’re lucky you can spot a Red Kite soaring. Their fees are £70 per night on a weekday and £75 per night on a weekend/bank holiday – so as one of the only trips we have planned this year, it was an absolute steal! If you’re considering taking a glamping trip this year, consider reading my glamping restrictions post.

Day trip one: Rockingham Village

Hailed as one of the prettiest villages in Northamptonshire, and only a 15 minute drive from Bulwick, is Rockingham. Rockingham was beloved by classic Victorian author Charles Dickens, where he frequented the local pub The Sondes Arms. We decided if it was good enough for Dickens, it’s good enough for us, so we got ourselves booked in for a lovely meal. They took social distancing very seriously, and have even recently installed some beautiful ‘igloos’ outside available to hire!

Day trip two: Hamerton Zoo

If you enjoy driving down quiet country roads, this might be the trip for you. We felt like we were on an adventure long before we hit the zoo, driving through beautiful villages like Oundle, straight out of Hot Fuzz. Zoos aren’t for everyone and I have to admit that it was the most worrying (Covid-wise) out of all the places we went. It had some good restrictions in place (such as not being able to open doors with your hands, but instead with your shoes), however any one-way systems inside were not enforced. Signs, like the one outside the gift shop which clearly stated only one household at a time, were ignored. Of course this isn’t all the zoo’s fault, and it does take parents keeping an eye on their own kids to keep everyone safe.

Day trip three: Fineshade Wood

Closest to the glampsite, and perfect for those trying to avoid other people, is Fineshade Wood. Whilst it was packed with visitors in the car park, you’ll hardly come into contact with anyone if you use their Cycle Hire Shop and go on one of their many walking/cycling trails. We chose the Purple Route, officially known as the Dales Wood Trail. Hiring the bikes wasn’t cheap, coming in at £27 for two people, however I do believe it’s perfect for couples on a short romantic getaway, like us. I believe you can also camp at Fineshade, but I wouldn’t change a thing about our accommodation at New Lodge Farm.

Day trip four: Afternoon tea at Rockingham Castle

On our last day in Northamptonshire we went back to Rockingham Village for our pre-booked visit to Rockingham Castle & Gardens. We had also ordered an Adult Picnic box and Afternoon Tea, so we couldn’t wait to see what it was like. If the Castle sounds posh, that’s because it is. I had constant urges to tell people to stop running on the grass, but we didn’t see anyone else eating on a picnic blanket, so we awkwardly carried ours around, afraid of ruining the lawn. For it’s size, Rockingham Castle was still relatively quiet so this is probably your best bet if you want to travel outdoors without bumping into other people.

Which UK counties are you considering visiting now that tourism has opened up?

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