You are not a camper when you stay at Grange Wood Glamping and to say you are a glamper, while it’s an accurate description, does not really fit the bill either. You are a guest. And a lucky one at that. The guests of Mary and Mick who have been welcoming B&B guests to the barn conversion on the former family farm in Staffordshire for 15 years. Now this friendly pair are sharing their outside space with us too.
Let’s start with a look at their off-grid shepherd’s hut. Crafted on site by Mick, this romantic stand-a-lone place to stay is reached by a little oak bridge from the garden. Inside it’s kept cosy by a dinky log burner that warms the king-sized bed and seating area. There’s an en-suite shower and toilet here too and, outside, a Japanese soak tub from where you can watch the sunset while dinner cooks in a dutch oven over your campfire.
A little distance away, but still in the grounds of The Grange, is the young three-acre woodland that houses the main glamping site. Here a lovely Lotus Belle tent and two traditional bell tents are tucked among the trees; pitched on platforms and kitted out with beds and bedding. There’s a cedar-wood hot tub, a water tap and a compost loo here too. A short walk away there’s a fire pit and a grassy space for games. Beyond that, part of the former barn building that houses the B&B is a useful undercover space known as The Mess. Any convenience you’re missing at camp can be found here: flushing loos, hot showers, a fridge, kettle and somewhere to charge your phone.
This well-set up camp in the woods is a tried and tested location, five minutes from a gin distillery, seven from Uttoxeter and a half-hour drive from Alton Towers. It was used for many years by an outside company who brought hen parties here but now Mary and Mick have brought it into the fold. They are keen to keep it as an exclusive-hire place which means, whether you come with one significant other or 12, you’ll have the woods to yourselves. You can hire the single Lotus Belle, the two traditional bell tents, or the whole lot together — with extra sleeping space in a little gypsy caravan. It’s a unique proposal from a unique couple who are happy to help with lighting fires and even cooking dinners, should you need it. After all you are not just glampers, you’re their lucky glamping guests.
You can head straight out on walks into the surrounding countryside from site and it's less than a five-minute drive to Nelsons Gin School (01889 725005 ) where you can learn about the process of making gin from industry experts and leave with a bottle of your own unique gin. Ashcroft Park (01889 502 508), four miles from site, offers paintballing, quad biking and more for groups. For something a little more relaxing try Blithfield Reservoir, eight miles south of site, which is a pleasant place for walking, fishing, sailing and birdwatching. The National Trust's Shugborough Estate (01889 880166) is about seven miles from site with another National Trust property, Sudbury Hall (01283 585337), a good place to visit for families with kids as it is home to the Museum of Childhood, nine miles away. The town of Uttoxeter is four miles away and Stafford is 10 miles from site. Alton Towers Theme Park is 15 miles away and the southern edge of the Peak District National Park is about a 35-minute drive from site (19 miles).
You can pre-book home cooked food from The Grange (a seasonal menu is available on request) or, for a meal out, try The Shrewsbury Arms (01889 500181), which is about an hour's walk (three miles) away down pleasant country lanes. Experienced walkers might also try the cross-country route to The Butchers Arms (01327 358848), or drive the three miles it takes to get there. Another recommended option is The Cock (01889 270237), which is just a tad further at four miles away. There are shops and supermarkets in Uttoxeter if you want supplies for on-site cooking.
