From wild camping in tiny tents in the woods to camping at festivals - we're fairly used to sleeping in the great outdoors - but this time we tried something a bit different.... glamping.
For those unaware of glamping, it's a play on words "glamorous camping" - you'll still experience usual camping but with extra luxuries.
This weekend we stayed at Canvas and Stars on Hale Farm in Chiddingly, East Sussex they have just set up a bell tent village and I have to say, it was beautiful.
Set in a meadow next to the campsite on Hale Farm, Canvas and Stars offers gorgeous scenery with the added bonus of sleeping in a bell tent, decked out with a double bed (and extra beds for the kids as needed) with comfy bedding, a fire pit outside, a kitchen area in a marquee for all to use with a fridge, gas burners and all the utensils you could need.
When we arrived everything was set up with a little welcome pack, flapjacks, toiletries and an activity sheet for the kids.
Our kids headed straight for the dressing-up rail - a great idea complete with leopard print chair and picture frame for those all important photographs to be taken.
There is a large chill out tent with comfy seats, rugs, board games and other goodies to keep the little ones entertained and a gorgeous pamper table with mirror, beauty products and a magnificent chair.
You are welcome to use the compost toilets which are in wooden cabins on the campsite or there are two portaloos. These are the best smelling and best looking ones we have ever been in.
Our children were happiest running around the meadow, chasing butterflies just behind our tent they could have played for hours. The sunset was amazing with uninterrupted views.
In the mornings you can wander over to the farm and feed the animals, food is 20p per bag and they have goats, donkeys, ponies, geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, sheep and pigs. There is a lovely walk towards Heathfield where you'll pass corn fields and end up by a lovely pub.
There are showers and a washing up area on the main campsite which you are welcome to go and use.
In the evenings a gin van from Mama Gin pulls in serving everything from traditional G&T's to cocktails - what a treat for the adults.
The fridge in the marquee is stocked with wine and prosecco and there are also s'mores kits and wood for the fire pits all available to buy - just ask.
All 10 bell tents were in use and the site was very clean, friendly and quiet in the evenings. Rubbish bins and recycling boxes are in the marquee you are also welcome to charge your phone here if you need to.
The owners were lovely, very helpful and on hand to help with anything.
The bed was warm and comfy and the children said their beds were more comfortable than their beds at home (they even slept in until almost 9am).
It was an absolute treat to stay there - so great that it is all set up, all you need to bring is some clothes, food, a cool box and a torch in case you want to go exploring in the evenings. We would love to stay again - thank you Canvas and Stars for making our first glamping experience magical.
