Leamington and Warwick Living May - Jun 2024

O U T O F A F R I C A
in the heart of Leicestershire
Escapism. That’s been the fodder of
my day dreams recently. I honestly
feel like I haven’t taken a deep breath
in months - I’m sure we can all relate
to those stretches where life feels like
a hamster wheel.
Well, if that’s you too, I think I have
the perfect antidote. I was recently
invited to stay at a glamping tent with
a difference - an Out of Africa-themed
safari tent, nestled lakeside in the
glorious surrounds of Brook Meadows
Farm Camp Site.
This is no ordinary tent though - inside
the khaki canvas of the Marabou Safari
Glamping Lodge you’ll find a kitchen
with a fridge and a hob, a full bathroom
with a luxury roll top bath, two double
beds (including one mosquito netdraped
four-poster), two tented singles
and the absolute jewel in the crown - a
bespoke cabin bed festooned with fairy
lights. This bed caused literal squeals
of delight with our accompanying sixyear-old,
who bundled herself into the
space immediately, declaring she never
wanted to leave.
The interior has been so thoughtfully
conceived, with layered details - antique
furniture, vintage glassware, quirky
lighting and a vast array of jungleprinted
velvets and cane detailing.
Owner Claire’s eye for design is evident,
and all the elements are functional as
well as beautiful.
We don’t necessarily equate camping
with a good night’s sleep, but this is
glamping, so the beds were supremely
comfortable and the bedding cosy.
We awoke well rested, to the distant
moos of the farm’s cattle and dappled
sunlight on the canvas.
lake - who knew that waiting for the
whistle of a stove-top kettle would
be the needed prompt to take a deep
breath. There’s something luxuriant
and lovely about the necessity of
camping, glamping or otherwise, to
slow things down; you’re more mindful
in everything that you do - from rolling
up the canvas covers on the windows
to lighting a fire, things take more time
and that’s perfectly lovely.
As well as being the heat source of
the tent, the wood-burning stove was
also our oven - we loved the elemental
nature of it, not to mention the
amazing flavour it gave our sausages!
There’s a fire pit with cooking grill
outside too - ready to make the most
of the summer months.
The farm is a working one, and we
were treated to a talk about the calving
season - even getting to see a calf that
was only a day old. The farm is also
home to a flock of happy hens, and
owner Mary will help little visitors to
collect the day’s eggs, some still warm
in the nest. This connection to nature,
and to food production, is so vital for
children to understand, and the whole
process is brought to life on the farm.
Mary even discussed how the different
chicken breeds produce varying
colours of egg shells - something we
were treated to in our own hamper.
There’s lots to enjoy in and around the
farm. Optional extras include a range of
gorgeous handmade, locally sourced,
hampers delivered fresh to the door;
wood fired pizzas on site every
Tuesday and Saturday and a coffee
shop with artisan homemade coffee
and cakes. As part of a working farm
guests can take a 4x4 tour of farm or
settle in on a straw bale for a Saturday
night ‘moovie’ in the cowshed cinema.
Brook Meadows have also partnered
with local petting farm Mini Meadows
to provide visitors to the lodges and
tents with passes to enjoy.
Many of us holiday with our four legged
friends in tow - and your furry child will
be well catered for with a little welcome
pack of their own, featuring homebaked
treats, rope toys and a natural
nose and paw balm - you won’t be the
only one feeling relaxed after a stay!
If you are looking for a true retreat, in
the most beautiful of surroundings, I’d
implore you to book a stay at Brook
Meadows - I know I’ll be back next time
I need to take some time for myself.
Katie Thomson and family stayed as a guest of Brook Meadow (01858 880886
www.brookmeadow.co.uk). A four-night self-catering midweek stay in Marabou costs
from £145 per night based on two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional
person, up to eight people.
Or a four-night midweek stay in a lakeside cabin costs from £120 per night based on
two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional person, up to four people. Nonelectric
camping pitches cost from £24 midweek and £26 Friday to Sunday or Electric
camping pitches from £34 midweek and £36 Friday to Sunday. Cost includes one
vehicle for 2 people and the pitch. Based on a two-night minimum stay at weekends.
Mornings were slower, with a coffee
taken out on the deck overlooking the
Brook Meadow, The Wrongs Farm, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Market Harborough
Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ
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