Canvas & Campfires

The folds of the landscape around Pant Yr Hwch Farm – home of Canvas & Campfires – seem ready made for glamping. A stream bubbles down one side of the small holding’s 11 acres, feeding its way into the River Grannell and also filling the small pond, while the slopes and undulation of the land creates a site of several natural tiers. At the top is the early 19th century farmhouse, beautifully restored inside and out, and an old stone barn which now serves as a holiday cottage. Then a slope breaks away, rolling down to the pond and an area of open meadow space where the new safari tents are found. For glampers with children the place is a boon. Look for birdlife in the giant, old oaks, roly-poly down the meadow slopes or take your wellies for a wander by the stream. For young explorers, you can’t go wrong.

The glamping side of things consists of just five safari tents, each sleeping up to six people and facing out from the hill to the opposing side of the Teifi valley, a mirror of woodland and hedge-lined fields. Inside they’re thoroughly well kitted out. There are two bedrooms – a master room with a king sized bed and a twin room with singles – while the remaining two campers will find their snug night den inside a cupboard in the living area. Open the doors and a double bed is hidden away. Sleeping in there is an adventure in itself. The kitchen is well stocked – crockery, cutlery and utensils are all provided – and there’s an excellent porch out front for dining on sunny days. All the safari tents have en-suite flushing loos too – so no dewy feet during the morning dash to the lav – while the Seren safari tent even has its own wood-fired hot tub.

Venture beyond the cocoon of the valley, past the sheep and down the narrow country lanes, and the historic market town of Lampeter is a five-minute drive away. A cluster of independent shops and small cafés make it a pleasant little spot to explore, and the university there provides some real vibrancy to what might otherwise be a sleepy spot. In the opposite direction, meanwhile, it’s a mere 15 minutes to the beaches of the west coast and the pretty, Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron. A patchwork of colourful houses line the main quay, overlooking the dinghies as they bob between the harbour walls, and there are number of delightfully old fashioned pubs to be found. It's also a nice place to stock up on chocolate and marshmallows for your evening back at camp. After all, you can't stay at a site called Canvas & Campfires without an evening toasting marshmallows!