CAMPING may conjure images of sagging tents, damp sleeping bags and a dreaded midnight trek to the communal toilet block. But that’s not the case at Lee Wick Farm.
Buried in St Osyth, Essex, this glampsite offers a compromise to satisfy my husband’s need for hot showers, a proper toilet and real mattress, while allowing the rest of our family and friends to embrace the wild.
Home to 20 glamping pods and cabins as well as a secret garden area, this is far from your average camping experience.
We opted for a sleek Lushna cabin, which comfortably slept our family of four and offered uninterrupted views across tranquil fields.
My husband Mark was relieved we had our own private bathroom, along with a compact but well-equipped kitchenette.
Guests can bring their own bedding, or those who like to travel light can add linen to their booking so their beds are ready for a snooze on arrival.
Outside, the cabin boasts a private hot tub in an enclosed garden, providing plenty of open space for the kids to run around safely during the day – so the adults had a rare chance to sit down and actually relax.
Local attractions are just a short distance away, too.
On our first afternoon we took a walk down the lane and across the marshes toward the rugged Colne Point Nature Reserve, which felt like a proper expedition.
Wildlife is abundant along this shoreline, including local adders which bask in the grass.
It was a brilliant, old-school adventure that kept children and adults amused, but make sure you bring sturdy footwear just in case you lose a shoe in a bog (like one of our group!).
For a change of pace on a sunnier day, we headed to Curve Water Park. A few minutes from the farm by car, the park features an inflatable aqua assault course which resulted in plenty of competitive laughs and inevitable wipeouts.
For those wanting a more civilised pace, the park also offers paddleboarding and kayaking, allowing you to glide peacefully along the water before grabbing a drink at the dog-friendly lakeside cafe.
Lee Wick Farm is perfectly positioned for coastal and historic day trips too.
A short drive takes you to the sandy beaches of Holland-on-Sea where you can grab a bag of chips, or Clacton Pier where arcades and amusements offer entertainment as well as shelter when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Or head slightly inland to the picturesque village of Dedham. Located in the heart of Constable Country, it’s the perfect place for a stroll or boat ride along the River Stour.
And after an action-packed day, our cabin back at Lee Wick Farm allowed us to embrace the wilderness without sacrificing our home comforts.
We left with tired legs, bbq-filled stomachs and the realisation that the great outdoors is much more enjoyable when you have a warm cabin, private hot tub and a glass of cold prosecco in hand.
GO: LEE WICK
SEVEN nights’ self-catering in a Lushna Petite cabin costs from £174.13pp, based on a family of four staying in September. For details see leewickfarm.co.uk.