I have never been camping before until I went on a single Mum’s Retreat to Bradshaw farm in the Midlands, located close to the historic market town of Market Bosworth and Bosworth Field where the Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485, 22nd August and Richard III died. There’s loads of history around this area and lots to do once you’ve finished exploring the area, breathing in the country air, sitting in the hot tub, for an extra £10 per hour or enjoying a guided walk or petting zoo on the next door farm.
If you want a bit of fun and life at the weekends in the summer Bradshaw farm hosts events and festivals and has a wine and beer license at the weekends. During the week there are plenty of great pubs the closest the Nags Head in Stapleton village within staggering distance that will be delighted to welcome you after a day out hiking.
But the real beauty of this idyllic spot is the retreat. It’s vast and quiet and the lovely already erected bell tents save you the hassle of set up although you do need to bring your airbeds, duvets, pillows and bedding, none of that is provided.
A holiday abroad wasn’t on the cards for us this year and with the price of fuel I decided if we were going to enjoy the English countryside and the scorching weather we’ve been having why not stay close to home. Leicestershire hosts some of the most beautiful countryside and places of historical interest for the kids in the country so it seemed like a great choice for our family summer holiday this year.
We had a fantastic time hosted by Wendy and her friendly nothing is too much trouble husband. These people love what they do and want to ensure you have the best time staying with them.
The farm shop isn’t fancy and a little bit chaotic but the food we purchased was delicious and they have everything covered from ice to power charging to keep your electronics juiced up.
It’s a real field to table philosophy and we learned a lot from other campers glampers from solar experts to getting our Halfords festival cooking backpack gas stove pre purchased for £30, working.
We made some of the best food on that tiny gas canister stove. There’s something about eating under the stars, living without power and waking up to silence and then nature’s chorus. No cars, no industrial drone, takes a bit of getting used to, it’s eerie at first but after a few days you slip into a sort of reverie, hard to explain.
Of course we’d all love a five star hotel experience being waited on hand and foot but if the budget won’t stretch to that this year for £12 per night you can pitch your tent and have access to all the facilities including sipping Prosecco in the hot tub gazing at the stars.
What could be better than that?