Heron's Rural Retreat
Leighton Buzzard, Bragenham, Buckinghamshire, England
Rediscover nature, wildlife and the great British countryside, but with a hassle-free level of comfort and luxury. Simply camping and glamping at its best. We open up our grazing fields for campers to enjoy the countryside, good walks and local hostelries. Glamping units enjoy space and privacy from campers - perfect for a quiet getaway or maybe a writer's retreat? Choose from the shelter of our lower fields, or watch the sunset and wake up to the stunning views from our higher fields. Either way, you’ll have space to really get away from it all.
Accommodation types
- Showman's Wagon — This is something rather special - a restored original showman's wagon with a circus-themed interior. It came to us last year from its previous home in Kent, where the beatuiful restoration and interior styling were done. Sleeping 2 in a cabin-style double bed (the Kissing Booth!), it has a compact kitchen area with gas hob and kettle, a dining table and a log burning stove with 2 armchairs. The original mollycroft roof allows in lots of natural light. Outside you can have a firepit and BBQ if you prefer to cook outdoors. There is a large flat lawn on the edge of our orchard. Although not far from the farmhouse it enjoys some privacy as it's partly screened by trees. The wagon is completely off-grid so any lighting is battery or solar-powered. Please note that the stairs up to the wagon are quite steep. The wagon is a short walk from the toilets and showers.
- The Shepherd's Hut — Sleeping 2, this is an original shepherds hut, and as such it's possibly something of a rarity in the glamping world! This would have once been a place for a weary shepherd(ess) to take refuge from the weather and tend to sick or orphaned lambs. The space under the bed would have been reserved to accommodate these - now it's a storage space for luggage, and the interior has been updated to provide comfortable guest accommodation with vintage styling. And a few nods to the shepherding life inside, decor and books. The hut is situated on the edge of a hay meadow, in the shade of willow trees. It's a short walk from the farmhouse and a quiet spot away from other guests. In terms of facilities, the hut is completely off-grid. There is no mains water inside, but water is provided (and there is a shared mains water tap for guest use up near the farmhouse). You will have sole use of a composting toilet (situated next to the hut), as well as access to a shared shower and flushing toilets (a 2-3 mins walk from the hut). A log burner will keep you warm at night and there is a gas hob with kettle for heating water (we provide hot water bottles too).
- Non-Electric Campervan Pitch — Our camping field is large and slopes down to the boundary with the River Ouzel. Outside the camping season this is grazed by our livestock. Campers have use of shared facilities including flushing toilets and gas powered showers, and a washing-up area. Pitches have no fixed size and are not marked out. There are only a few spaces suitable for campervans - these vary throughout the year depending on the weather - you might be directed to a pitch above the main camping area if the surface is slippery (or if you are not confident you'll be able to drive back out!) If you are staying with friends, we are happy for another campervan or tent to be pitched next to yours. **We do not charge for awnings that are attached to campervans**. However we do operate a strict limit on pitch numbers so **any additional tents must be booked and paid for at the time of booking**. Each pitch booked includes ONE campervan and TWO guests and ONE vehicle. We cannot exceed our pitch limit. You could be turned away if you arrive with tents not included in your booking.
- Connie- ex-Military Living Van — "Connie" is parked on the edge of our apple orchard with views over the open fields, just a short walk from our toilets and shower. On the outside we've left Connie's many coats of paint intact - she's had an interesting past life and was possibly used on NATO missions. Inside you'll find a custom-built interior with a double bed, kitchen and seating, and a stove to keep you toasty and warm. There is a small fridge as well as a single burner gas hob. The kitchen is stocked with essential equipment. All electrical items including lighting are solar powered, and there are USB charging sockets. A split door and windows at both ends let the outside in - while blackout blinds help you get a good nights sleep. Outside you'll have the use of a table and chairs and solar lighting. A firepit and BBQ are available to hire.
- Non-Electric Grass Tent Pitch — Our main camping field is at the bottom of a larger field that slopes down to the boundary with the River Ouzel. Outside the camping season this is grazed by our livestock. For 2022 we have opened up the top field which enjoys great views over the valley and is shared with about 30 sheep. The terrain is hillier but there are flat areas spaced out across the field. It is not always possible to park by your tent - this is to protect the grass but also to avoid cars getting stuck. We have towed enough cars out to know this can happen after even a bit of rain! We have strict limits on the number of pitches we can operate and on guest numbers. Each pitch booked includes ONE tent, TWO guests and ONE vehicle. If you are bringing extra tents for children or for storage **these must be booked and paid for at the time of booking **as we cannot exceed our pitch limit. You could be turned away if you arrive with tents not included in your booking. Additional tents brought for sleeping accommodation incur a per-night charge in addition to the per-person nightly charge. Please check our Extras list for details. Campers have use of shared facilities including flushing toilets and gas powered showers, and a washing-up area. Pitches have no fixed size and are not marked out. You have some freedom to choose exactly where to camp - but we may ask you to pitch up in a particular area of the field and not in others. If you are in a group, we are happy for multiple tents to be pitched together.
- Mezzanine Eco Glamping Pod — The pod is an open space with a living area, kitchen and bathroom on the ground floor. It enjoys a peaceful, private setting on the edge of a wildlife pond. The bedroom is on a mezzanine level, accessed via a rustic spiral staircase. Fully off-grid, solar panels power all lighting and kitchen appliances. There is a large decking area with a table and chairs. **Included extras: ** - Fire pit and firewood - BBQ, charcoal and tongs Parking is close to the farmhouse and a short walk to the pod. Unfortunately due to the terrain and to protect the habitat we don't allow guests to drive to the pod. However we will happily transport your belongings for you. The pod is off-grid but has been set up to provide lighting and power to make your stay comfortable. Please note: there is no Wifi at the site. No swimming or fishing (there is a fishery next door).
Suitable for
- Backpackers
- People
- Children or Kids (3-10)
- Couples
- Cycling Friendly
- Sports
- Family
- Motorcycle Friendly
- Retired
- Solo
Contact: +447717582479