Camp Hillcrest

The purple horsebox at Camp Hillcrest in the Wye Valley gives you a place to stay on a campsite that’s tailor-made for teens. It offers skateboarding lessons, graffiti workshops, and has nets for scrambling in among the trees. It’s situated in the Wye Valley on the edge of the Forest of Dean so there’s also mountain biking, kayaking, and other adventurous activities nearby. But it’s not only teenagers who will like it here. Younger kids will love it too and the location, within walking distance of Offa’s Dyke Path and the river, will appeal to others as well. Just don’t come expecting total peace and quiet – there’s far too much fun for that.

Having said that, with the kids well occupied, parents might find time to put their feet up and come evening, everyone’s tuckered out so a hush descends. That’s the moment to light the campfire and relax or, if you’ve booked it, jump in the hot tub (available at an extra cost). The horsebox itself is comfy but pretty rustic. Inside, there are two double beds; one stacked atop the other, bunk-bed style. There’s a little kitchenette, a log burner, and seating, with the bathroom just outside. It’s a curvy tin and timber construction with a compost loo and hot water shower. Outside, a raised deck gives you a place to sit in an otherwise shared space.

Camp Hillcrest is used as an educational activity centre during the week and there’s bunkhouse accommodation here too. It can be sociable and lively – but it’s always laid back. As well as the skatepark, Camp Hillcrest is also a smallholding with a veg patch, pigs, and chickens. As the name suggests you’re in a lofty location and the valley views are good from here. It’s only about a mile through woods down to the river – but it’s a steep one. For an alternative walk, Offa’s Dyke Path is even closer than that. There are plenty of other adventurous activities in the area and your hosts are just the people to help you organise whatever you want to do.