As glamping pods go, the ones at Derecroft Glamping are about as big and comfortable as it gets. From the outside, they have a Hobbity appeal, with a curvy timber-clad exterior and circular glazed front door, but step inside and things look very different. These are not rustic little hidey-holes but clean and modern cabins. They have everything you need for a truly comfortable indoor-outdoor glamping stay in County Durham. And they are available all year round. That’s thanks to electricity, hot running water, good insulation, and a roof over the private hot tub that’s just outside.
To make hopping between your indoor space and the outdoor one easy, robes are provided, as well as towels and bedding. In fact, everything you need is provided, which makes staying here rather appealing to those who like the idea of glamping but don’t want to be roughing it. There’s an ensuite shower and loo and a well-stocked, fitted kitchenette. There’s even a TV inside. But, when the weather is good, you won’t be needing that. The view outside is far, far better than anything you’ll see on the box. From the loungers on the deck, you have views down the valley over surrounding farmland. Derecroft is part of an equestrian farm and you can watch horses train in the arena and see pygmy goats and sheep in surrounding fields. It’s a lovely, peaceful, rural spot.
A fenced and woodchipped walkway leads from the pods to a nearby wildlife pond on the farm – and that’s as far as many who come here want to stray. It’s the kind of place you can visit to simply do nothing but relax. If you fancy going further, though, walk on into the woods and out the otherside into the scenic surroundings. Or hop in the car to spend some time in historic Durham or at Hadrian’s Wall, both are within half an hour’s drive of your super-spacious pod.
Hosted by Jane S.
Joined in October 2022Derecroft Glamping Luxury Pods are on a working equestrian centre and farm near Lanchester, about 10 miles from Durham. You can enjoy a short walk to the site’s wildlife pond or a longer one out into the countryside perhaps making the nearby farm shop or village pub your destination (see below). Alternatively, take a short drive to a scenic spot – perhaps Derwent Reservoir or the Hadrian’s Wall Path, both about half an hour away. You can join Hadrian’s Wall Path at Corbridge where English Heritage look after the remains of a Roman town. Beamish Open Air Museum is even closer, eight miles from the site. The historic city of Durham is just under half an hour’s drive with its impressive cathedral and museums and Newcastle-upon-Tyne is not much further.
The closest place to buy local produce to cook on site or to head out for a bite to eat is Knitsley Farm Shop. It’s just two miles away. A little further in the same direction is The Old Mill where there is a pub menu with roasts on Sundays and afternoon teas too. Even closer to site is The Pavilion Cantonese Restaurant and Takeaway, less than a mile away on the main road. And there is plenty of choice in Durham (10 miles away).
