Glamping at High Oaks Grange

Bluebell, Buttercup, and Daisy are among eight glamping pods positioned at the top of High Oaks Grange — a spectacular 60-acre estate overlooking the Vale of Pickering. Named after the wildflowers you’ll find in abundance here in the North York Moors, these pods are as cute as they sound. Each is a curved timber cabin that’s set up for a couple or a family of four. They have everything you need for a simple self-catering holiday which combines indoor-outdoor living. And they are dog friendly to boot — what more could you want?

Split between Double Glamping Pods for couples and the larger Family Glamping Pods, each cosy cabin boasts a single open-plan living space that combines a kitchenette, lounge, and dining room. Both varieties feature en-suite bathrooms, and the family versions have cleverly concealed bunk beds that are a real hit with kids. Bedding and towels are provided and if that’s more than you expect for a pod stay, you may also be surprised to learn that there’s heating, a 32" LCD Smart TV and high-speed WiFi. These are compact spaces that offer great-value stays but their clever curvy design means they still feel spacious enough for up to four. A round wall of glass offering views of the countryside also helps with that.

This of course is glamping, and part of the appeal is the connection with what's outside the window. There, you have a small deck with outdoor seating and a barbecue as well. Together with the hob, fridge and microwave that are inside your pod, you have enough to make simple meals throughout your holiday. You can stock the fridge with goodies from Cedarbarn, the farm shop that’s handily next door. It also has a cracking café.

On site, you share a children’s play area and a secure dog field with other guests of High Oaks Grange. There are lodges, cottages and a manor house here as well — perhaps you'll opt for one of these when you return next year (we're confident you'll be back). There are also footpaths leading east and west from here and it’s just a mile to the market town of Pickering where you can visit the ruined castle, mooch about the shops or hop aboard a heritage train to the seaside at Whitby. A wooded walk of about the same distance in the other direction takes to the pretty village of Thornton-le-Dale. For further exploration, the whole of the North York Moors National Park is yours to discover – and Dalby Forest, one of the closest highlights, is just 10 minutes’ drive away.