It has been a busy year but we made it through our first glamping season, we thoroughly enjoyed it and we’re looking forward to toasting our success as we reflect over the Christmas period!

We started off by introducing some new features. For children – a bespoke mud kitchen so they could get close to nature and let their imagination run wild and we transformed the area under the cabin beds into a cosy den with bean bags, rugs and fairy lights – a great place to snuggle up with a book. We also installed Valleyside Hut – an honesty shop selling essential items, snacks and local produce – this proved very popular and our best seller was definitely a Twirl bar!!

In April the children enjoyed exploring the site during an Easter egg hunt and they all managed to find the treats at the end.

In late spring and early summer we had a bumper crop of strawberries and courgettes which our glampers enjoyed along with the fresh free-range eggs from our chickens. The paella meal kits were also a huge hit and we’ll be continuing these for our second season.

We also found out we were shortlisted for some awards and in the close season have been awarded two – Runner-up for best new tourism business at the South West Rural Business awards and we received bronze in the same category at the Devon Tourism awards. We’ve also reached over 50 five-star reviews and recommendations across Facebook and google so it has been the perfect end to our first season.

We’re already planning for 2020 including the opening of Valleyside Barn. In the meantime we’re going to take a break over Christmas so that we’re raring to go again in January. Until then we wish you lots of Christmas cheers and a happy and healthy 2020!