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Oakhill Ponds

95%
·
11 reviews
· Somerset, Somerset, England
25 acres hosted by Amanda M.
6 glamping pitches
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A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

On the fringes of the Mendip Hills in deepest Somerset there's a slice of enchanting land known locally as 'The Brew'. It was created over 200 years ago by the local Oakhill Brewery and has at its heart an old pleasure garden with ponds, waterfalls and an extraordinary grotto that is gently being restored after years of neglect. Its new owners are re-wilding and developing it into a 21st-century sanctuary for buzzards and kingfishers, butterflies and bats, even a family of a deer, while at the same turning part of it into a private and uniquely peaceful glamping site that is yours to discover – 'Glamping at The Brew'.

There's a combination of off-grid and on-grid experiences at 'The Brew'. Off-grid there are six luxury Lotus bell-tents: each has a proper king-sized bed, with duvets, blankets, towels, a hot water bottle and chests of drawers for your clothes; immediately outside there's an outdoor table and two chairs, a kettle and mugs for coffee and tea, while a compost loo and cabin showers are close at hand. You could even take a morning dip in the spring-fed ponds if it took your fancy!

On-grid there is a large and very comfortable yurt, enticingly positioned in the old walled garden a couple of minutes' walk from the tents, a great communal space. Here you have more privacy, with your own shower room and two (yes two!) flushing loos. The yurt has sofas and chairs, indoor and outdoor dining tables, bluetooth and wifi, and – we're not kidding! – its own vinyl collection and turntable. There's an outdoor kitchen and a garden room which provides space for reading and writing, games and books, art materials and binoculars. The garden room has a double sofa-bed and can also be used as an extra bedroom if camping off-grid is too hardcore. The garden itself has a barbecue and pizza oven plus a firepit and even its own water-feature, which you can admire from a handwoven swing.

The site is on the edge of a quiet village and is perfect for families with older children or groups of friends who want to enjoy a chilled break amid nature in a special and accessible location. There's a large canopy that provides cover for a gathering-space complete with beanbags and cushions. As for the ponds, they are quite large and on two levels, with a waterfall between them: the lower one is being developed for wildlife, while the upper pond is given over to leisure pursuits, with five inflatable kayaks for guest use and two paddleboards for hire.

Finally you can stroll to the nearby Oakhill Inn, just a few minutes' away, which serves delicious food and drink and does takeaways if you can't be bothered to stir from your garden perch. If you can, then it's worth knowing that just half a mile away lies the ancient woodland of Beacon Hill, with views towards Glastonbury Tor and the Somerset Levels.

Activities
Hiking
Paddling
Swimming
Natural features
Cave
Lake
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole

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Glamping

6 units
Instant book

Kat - Lotus Belle Tent

88% (4)
Bell tent · Sleeps 2
Oakhill Ponds is heritage site combining nature, atmosphere and luxury. Nestled in a wildflower meadow near an old oak tree this lotus belle is perfect for a breathing space in nature. Relax in your hammock for two, take a dip in the spring-fed leisure pond where you are eye-level with ducklings and dragonfly's. Book exclusive use of the luxurious outdoor off-grid sauna or wood fired Hikki Hot Tub. Off-grid means ecologically friendly but here it doesn't mean you go without. You can charge your phone, use a fridge and enjoy low-level lighting - just enough but not so much as to disturb the bats. You have your own private shower room and compost loo and an outdoor oak gazebo kitchen/diner with wood burners. You will share the meadow with one other lush lotus belle tent - enough space for privacy but great for friends or family to book the two together. Cook outdoors with an easy to use outdoor stove - your first box of logs are on us. There is also a communal fridge and wash-up area to supplement your own outdoor kitchen/diner area. But eating out is easy and if the weather's not too good, The Oakhill Inn serving delicious food is just a few minutes walk away. Oakhill Ponds is a quiet retreat site arranged around the ponds that served the renowned Oakhill Brewery. There are 25 acres altogether, some woodland, some marshland, meadow and an acre of spring-fed ponds; a wildlife pond and a leisure pond. There are a maximum of 12 people staying in 4 tents and two shepherds hut staying on the 25 acres site. We aim to provide a place for quiet creative rejuvenation in today's fast-paced world. Imbued with a rich tapestry of history and ecology, our space has the ability to ignite the imagination and nurture the spirit. Each Lotus Belle tent and Shepherd's Hut bears the name of a nature writer whose work reflects features of this landscape. Kat is named after Katherine Rundell and shares the meadow with Nan - named after Nan Shepherd. Your stay includes: Your own private hot shower room and toilet Quality linen, towels, and toiletries An outdoor kitchen-diner with wood-fired stove Access to fridge space in our communal kitchen Relaxation in a FatBoy hammock Two wood-burners, inside for cozy warmth and outside for rustic cooking Spring-fed swimming ponds for refreshing dips Enchanting waterfalls, serene woodlands, and hidden grottos Further experiences include: Optional access to our outdoor spa, sauna, and hot tub for ultimate relaxation Paddle-board rentals for aquatic adventures All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub, . Whether you're seeking rest or creativity we aim to offer a rejuvenating creative escape Other things to note Ours is an off-grid site where we unashamedly champion the no-flush eco revolution. Your own personal compost loo is as pristine and hygienic as you are :-) They make sense ecologically; organic, hygienic and good for the planet! If this tent is booked we have three other tents and two shepherds huts The names of the tents and huts pay homage to inspirational women writers on the natural world. Kat is named after Katherine Rundell whose imagination glimmers as much as The Golden Mole she writes about. Nan is named after the trailblazing Nan Shepherd whose once little known book 'The LIving Mountain' has been referred to as "the finest book ever written on nature and landscape in Britain". Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which came down from the Mendip Hills. Before modern medicines were available, Oakhill Stout was thought to have magical healing properties, which made it nationally famous. Now you can immerse yourself in these waters.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
£125
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Alice - Shepherds Hut

100% (2)
Shepherd's hut · Sleeps 2
Nestled in a secluded spot in a wildflower meadow, your hand-built oak shepherds hut offers the perfect blend of luxury & nature. Take a dip in the spring-fed waters, soak in your private hot-tub, listen to birdsong, read, connect, revive. Open the door to nature. Perfect romantic or mother-daughter getaway. Comfortable furnishings, wood burning fire & shower room. Experience the exhilaration of the outdoor off-grid spa with horse-box sauna. An excellent pub serving food a few mins walk away. What a welcome breathing space awaits you at Oakhill Ponds Somerset, a 25 acre off-grid glamping and retreat site arranged around two spring fed ponds, together an acre in size; water which flows fresh from the Mendip Hills. Your shepherd hut sits by itself in the wildlife meadow a few minutes walk from the large ponds. You have your own garden area with your private Swedish Hikki bohemen hot-tub, outdoor cooking & dining area and small pond & wildlife area Get closer to nature and reconnect with yourself and your environment.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
£170
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Liz - Lotus Belle Tent

100% (2)
Bell tent · Sleeps 2
Escape to the Somerset countryside and enjoy the rustic charm of this Lotus Belle tent nestled by the Willow field. Swim in refreshing spring-fed waters or relax in your hammock. Enjoy the luxury furnishings and wood-burning fires for cozy evenings. Unwind in your private hot shower room and outdoor kitchen-diner, or book the horse-trailer sauna and hot-tub. With a nearby pub and south-facing setting perfect for stargazing, your getaway will be rejuvenating and inspiring The space The Brew Somerset is a glamping and retreat site arranged around the ponds that served the renowned Oakhill Brewery. Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which came down from the Mendip Hills. Before modern medicines were available, Oakhill Stout was thought to have magical healing properties, which made it nationally famous. Now you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in these waters. Our retreat site offers you a sanctuary for relaxation and creative rejuvenation in today's fast-paced world. Imbued with a rich tapestry of history and ecology, our space has the ability to ignite the imagination and nurture the spirit. Each Lotus Belle tent and Shepherd's Hut bears the name of a nature writer whose work reflects features of this landscape. We have called this Brew-belle 'Elizabeth' with reference to Elizabeth-Jane Burnett, acclaimed for her work 'Twelve Words for Moss'. Your stay includes: Your own private hot shower room and toilet Quality linen, towels, and toiletries An outdoor kitchen-diner with wood-fired stove Access to fridge space in our communal kitchen Relaxation in a FatBoy hammock Two wood-burners, inside for cozy warmth and outside for rustic cooking Spring-fed swimming ponds for refreshing dips Enchanting waterfalls, serene woodlands, and hidden grottos Dive into a treasure trove of knowledge in our Horse Lorry Library, brimming with books on the natural world Further experiences include: Optional access to our outdoor spa, sauna, and hot tub for ultimate relaxation Paddle-board rentals for aquatic adventures All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub, adding local flavour to your unforgettable retreat experience. Whether you're seeking rest or creativity, The Brew Somerset offers a rejuvenating creative escape Other things to note Ours is an off-grid site where we unashamedly champion the no-flush eco revolution. Your own personal compost loo is as pristine and hygienic as you are :-) They do not smell and make sense ecologically. It's organic, hygienic and good for the planet! If these tents are booked we have two other tents and two shepherds huts The names of the tents and huts pay homage to inspirational women writers on the natural world. Kat is named after Katherine Rundell whose imagination glimmers as much as The Golden Mole she writes about. Nan is named after the trailblazing Nan Shepherd whose once little known book 'The Living Mountain' has been referred to as "the finest book ever written on nature and landscape in Britain". Their work can be found in the on- site Horse-lorry library
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
£125
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Mary - Lotus Belle Tent

100% (1)
Bell tent · Sleeps 2
Escape to the Somerset countryside and enjoy the rustic charm of this Lotus Belle tent nestled by the Willow field. Swim in refreshing spring-fed waters or relax in your hammock. Enjoy the luxury furnishings and wood-burning fires for cozy evenings. Unwind in your private hot shower room and outdoor kitchen-diner, or book the horse-trailer sauna and hot-tub. With a nearby pub and south-facing setting perfect for stargazing, your getaway will be rejuvenating and inspiring The space The Brew Somerset is a glamping and retreat site arranged around the ponds that served the renowned Oakhill Brewery. Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which came down from the Mendip Hills. Before modern medicines were available, Oakhill Stout was thought to have magical healing properties, which made it nationally famous. Now you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in these waters. Our retreat site offers you a sanctuary for relaxation and creative rejuvenation in today's fast-paced world. Imbued with a rich tapestry of history and ecology, our space has the ability to ignite the imagination and nurture the spirit. Each Lotus Belle tent and Shepherd's Hut bears the name of a nature writer whose work reflects features of this landscape. We have called this Brew-belle 'Elizabeth' with reference to Elizabeth-Jane Burnett, acclaimed for her work 'Twelve Words for Moss'. Your stay includes: Your own private hot shower room and toilet Quality linen, towels, and toiletries An outdoor kitchen-diner with wood-fired stove Access to fridge space in our communal kitchen Relaxation in a FatBoy hammock Two wood-burners, inside for cozy warmth and outside for rustic cooking Spring-fed swimming ponds for refreshing dips Enchanting waterfalls, serene woodlands, and hidden grottos Dive into a treasure trove of knowledge in our Horse Lorry Library, brimming with books on the natural world Further experiences include: Optional access to our outdoor spa, sauna, and hot tub for ultimate relaxation Paddle-board rentals for aquatic adventures All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub, adding local flavour to your unforgettable retreat experience. Whether you're seeking rest or creativity, The Brew Somerset offers a rejuvenating creative escape Other things to note Ours is an off-grid site where we unashamedly champion the no-flush eco revolution. Your own personal compost loo is as pristine and hygienic as you are :-) They do not smell and make sense ecologically. It's organic, hygienic and good for the planet! If these tents are booked we have two other tents and two shepherds huts The names of the tents and huts pay homage to inspirational women writers on the natural world. Kat is named after Katherine Rundell whose imagination glimmers as much as The Golden Mole she writes about. Nan is named after the trailblazing Nan Shepherd whose once little known book 'The Living Mountain' has been referred to as "the finest book ever written on nature and landscape in Britain". Their work can be found in the on- site Horse-lorry library
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
£125
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Chiyo-ni Shepherds Hut

Booked 1 time
Shepherd's hut · Sleeps 2
Enjoy the romance of a stay in 'Chiyo-ni'. A beautiful bespoke shepherds hut that sits in a unique landscape. Soak in the Hikki hot-tub in your own garden, or nap in the hammock. Nearby are spring-fed ponds, grotto & waterfall. Hire the off-grid sauna for hot/cold therapy. The 25 acre site is shared with only one other hut. Wild swim in spring-fed water or relax in the horse-lorry library. Stroll to the nearby excellent pub. With the best of Somerset on your doorstep, what are you waiting for 'Chiyo-ni' is the name we have given our beautiful hut named after Fukuda Chiyo-ni who wrote many haiku which deeply reflects on nature and the human experience. The hut is a unique space lovingly hand-made. We commissioned Annie following a visit to Japan where our daughter lives and works. Chiyo-ni has elements of Japanese inspired design such as Shou sugi ban'; simple, organic, sophisticated, functional.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
£170
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

Nan - Lotus Belle Tent

Bell tent · Sleeps 2
Oakhill Ponds is heritage site combining nature, atmosphere and luxury. Nestled in a wildflower meadow near an old oak tree this lotus belle is perfect for a breathing space in nature. Relax in your hammock for two, take a dip in the spring-fed leisure pond where you are eye-level with ducklings and dragonfly's. Book exclusive use of the luxurious outdoor off-grid sauna or wood fired Hikki Hot Tub. Off-grid means ecologically friendly but here it doesn't mean you go without. You can charge your phone, use a fridge and enjoy low-level lighting - just enough but not so much as to disturb the bats. You have your own private shower room and compost loo and an outdoor oak gazebo kitchen/diner with wood burners. You will share the meadow with one other lush lotus belle tent - enough space for privacy but great for friends or family to book the two together. Cook outdoors with an easy to use outdoor stove - your first box of logs are on us. There is also a communal fridge and wash-up area to supplement your own outdoor kitchen/diner area. But eating out is easy and if the weather's not too good, The Oakhill Inn serving delicious food is just a few minutes walk away. Oakhill Ponds is a quiet retreat site arranged around the ponds that served the renowned Oakhill Brewery. There are 25 acres altogether, some woodland, some marshland, meadow and an acre of spring-fed ponds; a wildlife pond and a leisure pond. There are a maximum of 12 people staying in 4 tents and two shepherds hut staying on the 25 acres site. We aim to provide a place for quiet creative rejuvenation in today's fast-paced world. Imbued with a rich tapestry of history and ecology, our space has the ability to ignite the imagination and nurture the spirit. Each Lotus Belle tent and Shepherd's Hut bears the name of a nature writer whose work reflects features of this landscape. Kat is named after Katherine Rundell and shares the meadow with Nan - named after Nan Shepherd. Your stay includes: Your own private hot shower room and toilet Quality linen, towels, and toiletries An outdoor kitchen-diner with wood-fired stove Access to fridge space in our communal kitchen Relaxation in a FatBoy hammock Two wood-burners, inside for cozy warmth and outside for rustic cooking Spring-fed swimming ponds for refreshing dips Enchanting waterfalls, serene woodlands, and hidden grottos Further experiences include: Optional access to our outdoor spa, sauna, and hot tub for ultimate relaxation Paddle-board rentals for aquatic adventures All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub, . Whether you're seeking rest or creativity we aim to offer a rejuvenating creative escape Other things to note Ours is an off-grid site where we unashamedly champion the no-flush eco revolution. Your own personal compost loo is as pristine and hygienic as you are :-) They make sense ecologically; organic, hygienic and good for the planet! If this tent is booked we have three other tents and two shepherds huts The names of the tents and huts pay homage to inspirational women writers on the natural world. Kat is named after Katherine Rundell whose imagination glimmers as much as The Golden Mole she writes about. Nan is named after the trailblazing Nan Shepherd whose once little known book 'The LIving Mountain' has been referred to as "the finest book ever written on nature and landscape in Britain". Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which came down from the Mendip Hills. Before modern medicines were available, Oakhill Stout was thought to have magical healing properties, which made it nationally famous. Now you can immerse yourself in these waters.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
from
£125
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

95% Recommend11 Ratings · 11 reviews

Location

Somerset, Somerset, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Amanda M.

Joined in February 2021
From the host
Nestled in the edge of a Somerset village, Oakhill Ponds offers the perfect blend of off-grid luxury ; nature. Swim in the refreshing spring-fed waters, experience the unique charm of the off-grid spa with horse-box sauna and Hikki Bohemen hot-tub in the spa area. Relax in your hammock; read, reconnect, revive. We have four lotus-belles and one shepherd hut at the moment (another on its way). Each lotus belle has a well equipped outdoor kigchen for cooking outdoors with views and a private log-cabin shower room. Enjoy comfortable furnishings & wood-burning fires & a private shower room, With an excellent pub serving food on your doorstep & star-studded skies overhead enjoy an unforgettable breathing space Stout was first brewed in the village of Oakhill in 1767, using water which came down from the Mendip Hills. Before modern medicines were available, Oakhill Stout was thought to have magical healing properties, which made it nationally famous; now you can take a dip in these refreshing waters. The Shepherds hut sits by itself in the wildlife meadow a few minutes walk from the large ponds. You have your own garden area with your private Swedish Hikki bohemen hot-tub, outdoor cooking & dining area and small pond & wildlife area Your stay in a lotus belle includes: Your own private hot shower room and toilet Quality linen, towels, and organic toiletries Your own outdoor kitchen-diner with wood-fired stove Access to fridge space in our communal kitchen Relaxation in a 2 person FatBoy hammock Two wood-burners, inside for cozy warmth and outside for rustic cooking Spring-fed swimming ponds for refreshing dips Enchanting waterfalls, serene woodlands, and hidden grottos Dive into a treasure trove of knowledge in a unique horse lorry library, brimming with books on the natural world Further options: Book the outdoor spa, sauna, and hot tub for relaxation & nature immersion Paddle-boards are available to rent All of this is just a leisurely stroll away from an excellent pub, serving delicious local food. Each lotus belle has a large two person hammock perfect for reading. The lotus belles are named after an inspirational women writer on the natural world. whose work reflects features of this landscape.
Nearby attractions

There's a print-out provided of good walks on the doorstep and local features, such as and Iron-Age hillfort (Maesbury Ring), ancient woodlands like Harridge, Beacon Hill and Cranmore, and stately homes like Ashwick Grove, English Hertage's Nunney Castle (0370 333 1181) or the National Trust's Stourhead (01747 841152), as well as Longleat House (01985 844400). It's less than four miles to the Mendip Hills AONB and six to the tiny city of Wells, with Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole just beyond.

Food and drink

It's a three-minute walk to the Oakhill Inn (01749 840442) or, at the other end of the village, try the Mendip Inn (01749 841703; 10 minutes' walk). For French-inspired cuisine try The Redan Inn (01761 258560) or, for the best views in the area, visit the Holcombe Inn (01761 232478). For something earlier in the day, try pizzas and light lunches in the Walled Garden Mells (01373 812597; 15 minutes' drive) or the Garden Café (01373 454178) for good vegetarian and vegan food in Frome. Local farm milk and eggs are readily available in the village within strolling distance of the campsite too.

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