This feature is part of Little Vikings Great Yorkshire Family Escapes, a whole year of inspiration for anyone looking for a family break in Yorkshire. Over the next few months, we’ll introduce you to the best places to stay on the Yorkshire Coast, in the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the towns and cities in between. You’ll discover why it’s a great place to stay with kids, and some ideas for things to do while you’re there.
Location – Next to Northwood Trail in the woods just outside York is Jollydays Glamping. This retreat from the world has been in the woods since 2009. You can now enjoy the seasons all year round by staying in one of the new bothies, each hand-painted and taking inspiration from the Fairy Sanctuary next door. Jollydays glamping breaks are suitable for groups, families and couples wanting to escape from it all. Two hundred acres of magical woodland surrounds the glamping site, which can only be accessed by one small private road, so you really are escaping the world. With nature right up to your doorstep, sit and dream, or use it as a base to explore the surrounding area. Escape, relax and enjoy the magic. Why not have a lie in, listening to the sound of the woods, then stroll down to the Northwood Kitchen café/ bar amongst the trees for organic coffee and a treat….
Where you’ll stay – With each accommodation spread out in the woodland, you are not cheek-by-jowl with neighbours, so there’s plenty of privacy and space to hang out in the woods. The bothies have two double bedrooms and a sofa bed, a wood-burning stove and instant hot water for those chillier nights. The large raised veranda outside has a seating area for eating alfresco and an extra space to BBQ undercover. Not forgetting the dining and living space inside to have a candlelit dinner and relaxing space on the sofa, all surrounding that big wood-burning stove – bliss…For those seeking something more rustic and even closer to nature, the woodcutter huts may be the thing for you, although be warned, a deer on the deck at dawn may wake you up! Nature is everywhere; expect hares, deer, badgers, squillions of birds and of course plenty of insects! This is no hotel mini-break; you are essentially outside, close to nature, with little or no insulation. This woodland camp is a 100% no-frills escape from most electronica where you can enjoy Shinrin – Yoku or Forest Bathing, the latest well-being craze and something Jollydays has been passionate about for years.
Food and drink – Northwood Kitchen is the gorgeous cafe of Northwood Trail, the Fairy Sanctuary on the same site. If you’re there when it’s open, we’d really recommend popping in for delicious coffee, cakes and light meals. You can knock up your own meal within your bothy or hut, but if there’s not enough space in the car for food, you can have your grocery shopping delivered straight to the camp! Everyone is welcome to use the communal pizza oven, and there’s a tea tent – a communal relaxing space where you can enjoy a tea or coffee (and charge your phone!). The Log Store and Shop is an on-site honesty store where you can stock up on local produce including beer and wine. York is a short drive away and is brimming with cafes and restaurants – find our pick of the best here.
Things to do nearby with kids – Guests staying two nights or more get free entry to the Northwood Trail, England’s Fairy and Hobgoblin Sanctuary, which is a magical place for families to explore. Also close by is The Balloon Tree Farm Shop, much loved for its cafe and play area. Just a 10-minute drive away is Murton Park where you can step back in time and Beetle Bank Farm with animals and adventure playground, both popular with families. York Maze is nearby and an excellent summer family day out. All of York’s top attractions and activities are just a short distance by car; find lots of inspiration for things to do in York with kids here. Jollydays is also well located for a trip out to the Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors.
More info – Jollydays Glamping, Buttercrambe Rd, York YO41 1AN; email hello@jollydaysglamping.co.uk; call 01439 314014
