Wingbury Farm Glamping

Just beyond the northern tip of the Chilterns, a natural ridge that runs like a backbone across the heart of the home counties, Wingbury Farm Glamping occupies an almost perfectly flat field in rural Buckinghamshire. When the sun rises from beyond the chalk hills, the long shadows of the nearby trees stretch their fingers across the meadow to where a trio of glamping pods reside, each sleeping up to four people.

Inside, Wingbury’s pods are a thoroughly modern glamping scene. There’s not a sleeping bag in sight, with comfortable sofas that seamlessly slide down to form proper double and twin single beds and a fully equipped kitchen that features a fan oven, sink with running water, fridge-freezer, kettle and electric hobs. This is a glamping world that has left the days of leaky tent camping far behind. There’s thermostatically-controlled heating, free Wi-FI and each of the pods has en suite toilet and shower facilities, with a powerful shower and toiletries provided. The bright, light finish of the interior, too, gives it all a sleek new feel.

Along with the pods, the camping field is also dotted with picnic tables, brick barbecues and a number of young oak trees, conscientiously planted in 2016 to help break up the meadow and add some extra greenery. Each of the pods, meanwhile, is also paired with it's own Scandinavian-style, wood-fired hot tub for those who really desire the utmost luxury.

Rise early enough and you may glimpse a fox slinking across the adjacent fields or a herd of deer making their way along the hedgerow, camouflaged amongst the shades of brown. The local gamekeeper rears partridges and pheasants just 500 metres from the glamping site and the area has a real array of birdlife – red kites have even been known to roost in the trees at the far end of the meadow. If you really want to see some animals though, you can’t beat the half hour drive to Whipsnade Zoo, one of the main family attractions in the region. It covers a full 600 acres of chalk down land and backs onto Ivinghoe Beacon, an excellent viewing point from which to survey the Chilterns and the flatter landscape stretching north into Bedfordshire. Hang around for long enough and you'll find it's the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. That's if you're not already back in the hot tub!