I am not a camper. Remember Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap? If we share any similarities, it’s our views on camping.
I don’t have much luck with tents, whether it’s broken tent poles or a tent that isn’t waterproof – I don’t think there has ever been an instance where a tent hasn’t made me want to cry.
In essence, the very thought of camping in a tent makes me want to crawl into my comfortable double bed and never leave. I love my home comforts, so much so that I didn’t even move out to live at uni.
For the past 20 years, my family and I have taken our annual family holiday at Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay. It’s a brilliant family friendly park a five minute drive from the town centre. We stay in one of their eight-berth dog friendly static caravans, which after this many years really feels like our home-away-from-home.
Alongside a range of modern, spacious statics are touring and camping fields for those a little more out-doorsy. The latest edition to the site is their premium camping pods. Hendra have had wooden pods for a couple of years now, but the luxury pods are brand new for 2018.
Now this is some camping I could get used to. The pods are located in their own secluded field lined with trees. It makes you forget you’re really on a huge campsite and provides a little more privacy. The pods and large and roomy, and were built by the on-site team using locally sourced timber.
Outside, the premium pods have a big decking area and outdoor seating beneath a veranda. There is also a lockable outdoor storage box for storing your camping gear. This outdoor space is the perfect dining and cooking space, and ideal for barbeques or your camping stove. There is a private toilet block just for pod users, and an outside tap for things like filling up your kettle.
Inside, the pod sleeps four people, with a single bed with a pull-out underneath as well as an innovative table/bed. The dining table can be pushed down and the cushions lay flat to create a comfortable double bed – you just have to bring your own bedding.
There is also a fridge, kettle, crockery, washing up bowl and sweeping brush, with electricity and heating. There are two large windows that are double glazed, as well as a tall, lockable door. These pods are so much more secure than your average tent, so you can go out and enjoy the area without stressing about your tent.
When we woke up in the morning, we headed over to the Oasis Fun Pool. The on-site mini water park features three water slides, water rapids, a children’s play area and an inside and outside pool with pool-side seating. Our group has an age range of 3-50, and there really is something for everyone at Hendra.
After swimming, we headed down the road to Paulo’s Circus, who are pitched up 2 minutes away from the campsite. Tickets are £7, but you can often get discount vouchers around town. Each year they change their show-stopping performance and create new daredevil material and choreography. From aerial hoops and high line, to Mr N the clown dancing to Beyonce, you will certainly be entertained.
In the evening, Jake and I headed to the on-site shop to stock up on snacks and treats. We had picked up a DVD from Morrison’s and settled into our pod for the night. I feel like I need one of these pods in my back garden. It would make the perfect she-shed office space or a place to cosy up and have a drink on girls’ night. It was great to have the pod for two nights in the middle of our caravan holiday. When you’re living in such close proximity to everyone, it can get a little cooped up. It was lovely to have my own space where I could go and chill out when I needed to.
These premium pods are £125 per night over August (2018 tariff prices, these may change), but I think this little cabin would be perfect for an Autumn break, for example October half term. I would definitely consider booking a night or two during next years’ holiday too!
Meredith Blake haha! This actually looks amazing I love little getaways especially if they are dog friendly! Have saved this to show the other half so we can take our pup! – Alicia Xo
How cool do these pods look – perfect for a nice long weekend break x
Cuteness overload – these pods look amazing! x
I would LOVE to visit one of these pods some day! There’s a huge campsite of them about an hours drive from me. They just look so cosy and cute <3
Katie x
http://www.katie-middleton.co.uk
I’m exactly the same, camping in a tent isn’t really my thing but these look fantastic and cosy even when it starts to get a bit chilly. I’d definitely stay in one of these. x
is this the cutest thing EVER?! what a lovely little break!
Rosie
Those pods look cute and cosy. Definitely an escape x