With a growing desire for slow travel and alternatives to the usual camping, a Country Durham company is offering just that.
Country Glamping Co. is nestled in the heart of the Durham Dales, close to Barnard Castle and High Force waterfall. The company, set up in 2022 by Sam Igbi and Terry Blackburn, provides luxury glamping pods for couples and families to enjoy amongst some of the most picturesque scenery in the UK.
Portfolio North recently visited to enjoy an overnight stay in one of the three glamping pods on the site.
Sam Igbi and Terry Blackburn both have histories in property and hospitality, having owned and constructed apartments and hotels across the world. Sam has a keen interest in the environment and ensures no single-use plastic is used within the pods, all toiletries and hygiene products are recyclable. Co-founder Terry owns Revamping The North East and regularly manages refurbishments at hospitality venues across the North.
With their combined experience, Sam and Terry have designed high-quality, cosy glamping pods with everything guests might need during their stay. Each pod comes with private parking, bike storage and central heating to ensure the pods are accessible year round.
With three pods to choose from- The Family, The Cosy and The Hideaway- there is a pod to suit different sized groups, from a solo trip to a holiday with children.
Kitchen facilities and walk-in shower are included in every pod, as well as smart TVs in the bedroom and living room.
We stayed in The Hideaway, a cosy and high-quality pod. The linens and furniture were of a very high standard and it was reminiscent of a hotel room. The large windows across the pod allowed us to enjoy the views across the vast expanse of County Durham we could see from our vantage point.
As the evening drew in and it became chillier, the central heating and insulated building was a great help as we enjoyed a film on the smart TV and cooked dinner in the fully-equipped kitchen.
Located on site is The 68 Cafe, a dining space that uses local, organic producers, roasters and farmers for its menu items. Meals can also be ‘picnicked’ so that guests can take food to go whilst out enjoying local walking trails or taking in the sights at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham City.
We took some food to go and enjoyed a visit to Bowes Museum, a large museum and gardens located in Barnard Castle. With collections spanning art, fashion and collected items, the museum and its gardens is the perfect location for a day trip with family.
When we returned to our pod, we walked through some of the nearby fields and enjoyed the warm weather and the remoteness of the campsite. Despite only being a short drive from Darlington, the campsite was peaceful and quiet and felt a world away from the busyness of the city.
As the pods are spread out, we were able to relax without hearing other guests but felt safe with a private access entrance to the site, ensuring we wouldn’t be disturbed.
The team at Country Glamping Co. were professional and friendly and provided plenty of information before our arrival and ensured our stay was relaxing and stress-free.
To find out more about Country Glamping Co., or to book a stay, visit https://countryglampinguk.com/
