Glamping and Camping

Bowland Wild Boar Park

Nestling beside the River Hodder in a remote valley beneath the rugged ridgeline of the Bleasdale Fells, Bowland Wild Boar Park maintains a tradition dating back to the middle ages – along with a host of fun activities for the whole family.

The Wild Boar was a fearsome creature which once roamed wild across the ancient Forest of Bowland – inspiring fear and reverence among local foresters in equal measure.

Today, wild boar continue to flourish in the Forest of Bowland, but only within the confines of one of the Forest of Bowland’s most popular – and sustainable – visitor attractions. And as well as nurturing the Forest’s only remaining population of wild boar, the park is home to a whole host of fascinating animals – from owls and deer to ostriches and meerkats.

Located between the pretty farming village of Chipping and the ancient hamlet of Whitewell, the Wild Boar Park lies at the heart of an especially scenic corner of the National Landscape known known as ‘Little Bowland’.

As the name suggests, visitors can expect to get up close and personal with the area’s population of wild boar – and usually a handful of super-cute stripey boarlets – but the park’s other residents are equally engaging – especially for children.

Alongside traditional farm animals like rare breed sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks, visitors can also see native species like red deer and rabbits. In addition, the park has a whole menagerie of altogether more exotic species, ranging from the perennially popular meerkat family, to emus and ostriches, alpacas and llamas. Some of these animals can be hand-fed and petted at certain times of day – check the website for details as timings vary.

The park also has an adventure playground and zipwire, tractor and trailer rides and signposted short wildlife walks suitable for the whole family. And after a busy morning getting to know all manner of furry and feathered friends, why not adjourn to the café for hot and cold snack? There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a separate ice cream parlour for those long hot days of summer.

We also have our Rare Breed meat sales in the shop. Indoor activities come rain or shine in the Barn and Education Centre next to the Playground.*

• Ice Cream Parlour and Café serving homemade food (Take away only)
• Barrel, Tractor and Trailer rides *
• Lamb Feeding, Chick Holding *
• Tank Experience
• See Llamas, Red Deer, Ostriches and lots more!
• Camping pods
• Mobility scooter/Tramper available to book

The park is open weekends and midweek during peak season from 10.30am to 4.30pm and dogs on leads are welcome.

Brickhouse Touring Caravan Site

We are a small, quiet, family run site offering a friendly welcome to those wanting a peaceful break in a stunning location; making it well suited to mature caravanners and quiet families.

We are situated on the edge of Chipping village which is an ideal location for those wanting to explore the beautiful countryside the Ribble Valley has to offer. We have on site – all pitches are hard standing with electric hook up, toilet/ shower block, information cabin, laundry and dog wash.

Chipping village has two pubs (both serving food), a farm shop, Cobbled corner cafe and Brabins shop and tea rooms ( Britains oldest continually trading shop since 1668).

Browsholme Hall

The Parker family has been associated with the Forest of Bowland for more than five centuries and their family seat of historic Browsholme Hall is the oldest family home in continuous occupation in Lancashire.

Browsholme Hall is a magnificent Grade I listed Tudor Hall, displaying an eclectic collection of museum quality artefacts alongside a recently restored Eighteenth Century Tithe barn.

Set amid 600 acres of picturesque parkland, informal gardens and extensive woodland, Browsholme tells a social story of family and local history spanning some 500 years; its origins within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and its interaction with the local and regional community.

The Parker family has been associated with the care and custodianship of this pretty corner of the Forest of Bowland for 16 generations and they continue to maintain their obligations to the area and preserve their ancestral legacy with pride.

The hall itself dates back to 1507, and despite numerous updates and alterations over the years, Browsholme boasts one of the finest surviving antiquarian interiors in England, displaying a vast collection of family treasured collected over five centuries ranging from the skull of a martyr thought to have been executed following the pilgrimage of grace, to bronze age swords, Roman glasswork and a comprehensive collection of oil paintings.

The grounds are a wildlife-rich natural oasis, comprising mature woodlands, ornamental lakes and acres of beautifully maintained formal and informal gardens.

Although it is still very much a family home, Browsholme is open to visitors on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the spring and summer months and also hosts special events, functions and bespoke weddings.

Opening Times

Guided Tours: Every Wednesday until October 26.

Tearoom and gardens: Wednesday 11am – 4pm until December 14.

Accommodation

Accommodation is also available within the estate grounds in a handful of cottages and eco-lodges – contact Browsholme for further details or visit the website.

Dale House Camping Barn

Our charming barn is available for groups of up to 14 people. It has two mezzanine sleeping areas, a large double height dining and seating area with a log burning stove. There is a small kitchen, 2 toilets and 2 showers. A private south facing garden affords fantastic views over the meadows towards Stocks reservoir and Gisburn forest.

The barn is also a great space for entertaining or business meetings with a focus on good food and enjoyment of the outdoors. It can be booked for private catered events and meetings.

Hartley’s Huts

Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, this glamping pod is ideal for hikers and bikers who want a base more substantial than a tent and less fuss than a hotel. Want privacy with absolutely nobody else around? We can almost guarantee you won’t see a single person while you’re at the pod, so you can sit back and enjoy the stunning panoramic views that stretch for miles over the Dunsop and Ribble Valleys from the hot tub, champagne in hand, with nobody to disturb you. The pod is made out of a solid wood frame and boasts three sides of glass to fully take in the panoramic views.

Little Oakhurst Luxury Glamping

Do you desire a night of peace and quiet? Want to relax under the stars in your very own Luxury yurt with a wood fired hot tub? If you do, then Little Oakhurst is the place for you. From the moment you arrive on the farm, you are made to feel part of the family.

The yurt is tastefully decorated with scrumptious home-made Nana’s cake on arrival and fresh milk from the cows. You can kick off your shoes, light the fire and snuggle under the blankets. Each Yurt has its own luxury bathroom facilities, one with a roll top bath. So, throw open the doors and admire the view!

Moss Wood Caravan Park

Moss Wood Caravan Park is set on the coastal plain just outside the Forest of Bowland, south of the historic city of Lancaster and near Cockerham Sands on Morecambe Bay. We have 31 hard standing pitches to accommodate touring caravans, and 140 holiday homes on the park. We are proud winners of the Lancashire Tourism Award in 2019 for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism – and have been recognised for our environmental work nationally such as through the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme.

As innovators in sustainable tourism, our park is full of greenery and is an oasis for native wildlife – perfect for a peaceful and relaxing country escape. If you want to relax on the park you may enjoy our fishing lake, a stroll down the Woodland Walk, or try out our Nature Trail to spot some of the species that call Moss Wood home. Other amenities on our park include WiFi which allows you to engage with us over social media where we love to see pictures of wildlife you’ve spotted at Moss Wood.

If you want to explore the area, the Forest of Bowland is right on our doorstep and full of wonderful walks and attractions we highly recommend, with businesses who share our eco-friendly ethos. They are even cycling distance if you prefer to leave your car for the day! A little further is Blackpool, Lancaster and the Lake District.

To book go to https://mosswood.co.uk/

Orchard Glamping

Orchard Glamping is the perfect retreat in which to explore the great outdoors. Located on a beautiful patch of land, part of the Richardson’s family farm in Catterall, near Garstang, Preston. The site is run by Rebecca Richardson and her husband Tom, alongside Tom’s grandfather, Ted and his wife Doris. Positioned next to the canal, the river and a small woodland, the site offers a multitude of activities for families and couples who just want to get out and immerse themselves in the countryside.

The site is also close to the Trough of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The glamping pod is designed with families and couples in mind and can sleep up to 6 guests. For those who love to explore outside, campers will find the pods cosy but also practical, especially on wet weather days. Wet boots and coats can be stored outside with a warm welcome inside. Decorated in a modern country style you will feel right at home with all the comforts and amenities available in the pod.

All pods have a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, under floor heating and hot water. All bedding and towels included plus Wi-Fi, television, built in BBQs and firepits. The pod has been hand-built by a local company and is more like a luxury self-contained apartment sure to impress our visiting guests.

To book go to https://orchardglamping.com/contact-booking/

Peaks and Pods

Perfectly positioned on a small dairy farm in North Yorkshire, these five camping pods are in a league of their own. These cedar-clad beauties boast panoramic views, well-appointed terraces, and comfortable double beds. All the pods also have their own private bathrooms (either ensuite or just a short stroll away), but the luxury doesn’t stop there. Four of these beautiful pods even have their own hot tubs. The eco-conscious owners have earned themselves a Green Tourism ‘Gold Award’ for commitment to sustainability.

The pods guarantee a cosy night’s sleep with great insulation, heating and double-glazed doors and windows – this is definitely a few steps up from regular camping. Each one is nestled into its own bank next to a dry stone wall to protect you from the elements and all have their own bespoke wooden patio shelter with festoon lighting.

Inside there is a fully-equipped kitchenette and tasteful crockery, along with an array of utensils, and stowaway wooden tables and chairs. Sleeping up to four (five at a push in the Green Top pods), each has a handmade double bed with a pocket-sprung mattress and sofa bed – ideal for adventurous families. Bedding and towels are provided. Each pod has its own fire bowl that doubles as a barbecue and comes with free kiln-dried wood – just add marshmallows!

Wander round the site and you’ll be happy to discover ‘The Hub’, a fantastic all-weather communal space that comes complete with a wood-fired pizza oven. It’s a great place to relax and socialise.

Ribble Valley Holiday Homes

Set in a peaceful location close to the historical village of Ribchester, is a small hamlet of cottages with private hot tubs and spacious, open plan living. Tennis courts, cinema rooms and snooker tables are available in the larger properties, which can accommodate up to sixteen guests with the smaller homes suitable for up to four. Summer relaxation and festive gatherings have been firm favourites since opening in 2016. Over ninety guests can be accommodated in total, making the cottages a popular choice for local wedding venues.

Log burners, comfy sofas and underfloor heating create a homely and inviting atmosphere, perfect for family holidays, celebrations with friends and rural escapes. Ideal for both short and long stays, each of the cottages are well equipped with Smart TVs, Wifi, en-suite bathrooms, king size beds and modern fixtures and fittings. Every home has a unique character, with some stretching over four floors and others providing ground floor, accessible accommodation. One is home to a piano and another a sauna!

There really is no need to leave the tranquillity of your cottage in such a picturesque setting within the Ribble Valley. If you do, friendly local pubs, an old-fashioned, glass house restaurant and rustic wine shed are all within walking distance. It is also a true paradise for cyclists and ramblers alike. The welcoming team are always on hand to ensure your cottage is spotlessly clean, to recommend local activities and to make you stay truly unforgettable.

Riverside Caravan Park

Situated where Lake, Coast and Dale unite, Riverside Caravan Park and cottages offers you the chance to escape from the worries of life and immerse yourself in our rural retreat. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a regular bolt hole, we can offer you a blissful hideaway.

The Gathering Fields

After returning to her childhood home, natural therapist Helen Leece established a centre for wellbeing and renewal high among the hills on the western fringe of the Forest of Bowland.

The Gathering Fields is a rural Retreat centre teaching Yoga, Meditation, Cookery and Wild medicine. The centre can be hired by companies and community groups and hosts a variety of retreats based around wellbeing in nature.

Standing some 140 metres above sea level, Swainshead Hall Farm, enjoys an elevated position offering amazing views of both the fells and the wide sweep of Morecambe Bay, with the hazy outline of the Lakeland Fells peeping over the northern horizon.

It’s a truly enchanting view that’s entirely in keeping with the aura that permeates this magical rural hideaway overlooking the upper Wyre Valley and the Ward Stone – the highest point in the Bowland Fells.

Helen returned to her family home – a working hill farm of some 280 aces – after a varied career which saw her qualify as a holistic therapist and practitioner of Ayurveda – an Indian-based holistic medical system incorporating diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine.

She immediately set about diversifying, converting the outbuildings into cosy bunkhouse accommodation and indoor and outdoor spaces for learning and discovery, which she christened ‘The Gathering Fields.’

“This little community has been a place where people have come together in friendship for centuries and we want to preserve those traditions,” said Helen. “The name the Gathering Fields seems to capture that instinct for like-minded people to share each others’ company in a relaxed and open setting.”

Ideal for extended families or informal friendship groups, community groups and charities, the Gathering Fields offers yoga, Sound relaxation, herbal foraging with a medicinal twist, Flower essence making or simply revelling in the glorious countryside on the doorstep.

Alongside the camping barn – which was once a cowshed – there’s also a paddock to pitch tents and a wonderfully expansive covered outdoor seating area complete with communal firepit to while away the evenings around the campfire.

A recently restored community pub is a shortish hike across the fields, while the ridgeline of surrounding hills can be reached on foot within an hour. The Gathering Fields also makes the perfect base for exploring the quiet roads and wild trails of Bowland on road, mountain or electric bikes.

“We encourage a ‘back to nature’ approach to stays on the farm,” said Helen. “But while it’s deliberately rustic, the camping barn has all mod cons, with hot and cold water, heating, toilets and indoor kitchen and plenty of room to dry out wet clothes and boots.

“Families love the sense of space and safety and seem to settle in and get comfortable in their surroundings very quickly. We know the surrounding area really well and can point guests in the direction of the best places to walk, cycle, explore – and enjoy a pint! We’ll even supply torches if they fancy a night hike.

“We welcome guests to share stories, skills, open fires, music, make friendships and from here we can bring people together to grow a community.”

Wenningdale Escapes

Nestled amongst the fairways of Bentham Golf Course, our lodges and pods are perfectly situated for peace and tranquillity amid the surrounding hills. Relax on the private deck or enjoy the range of activities on your doorstep, with walking, cycling, golfing and fishing all on hand.