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Big Bear Lodge

96%
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· Powys, Wales
1 acre hosted by Cassie W.
5 glamping pitches · 1 tent pitch
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Private sites
100% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
Family-friendly camping and glamping with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills

Perfectly poised between the Welsh Border towns of Oswestry and Shrewsbury, Big Bear Lodge offers a secluded camping and glamping retreat in one England's true regional treasures. With the rivers Vyrnwy and Severn close by and the Shropshire Hills alluringly visible on the horizon, guests have no end of scenic walks to enjoy (over 3,500 miles-worth to be precise). Climbing the local slopes from this four acre base in the village of Melverely, affable host Cassie reckons the breathtaking views might just be the best in Shropshire. It's tough to disagree.

Comprising of hardstandings for the campervan contingent, and a quartet of cute Canadian-style glamping pods, there's something for everyone at Big Bear Lodge, including a bed and breakfast onsite too. The latter, a titular wooden lodge, has a luxury ski chalet feel complete with roaring log fire and sun terrace for soaking up the hillside views. Keep your eyes peeled for red kites and buzzards circling in the thermals overhead.

Facilities-wise, this place boasts all the... ahem... bare necessities you're likely to need. There's fresh water, a new amenities block with three showers including one for disabled guests and modern features like heated towel rails and rainfall shower heads. Motorhomes and caravans, meanwhile, are well catered for with hook-ups and chemical disposal provided. But it's the four pods that steal the show. Naturally insulated with local sheep's wool, these cosy cocoons make a great wintertime cabin for couples or an equally lovely summer getaway with the french windows flung open to let the sunshine in.

With its prime location, Big Bear Lodge offers opportunities in abundance for exploring this, arguably, less well known region. Despite being the 'gateway to Wales' and no secret to the rambling world, Shropshire boasts one of the lowest populations per square mile in England, making it a peaceful pocket of bucolic bliss, yet brimming with historical intrigue. There are more than 20 Iron Age hill forts, some 30 castles and numerous abbeys dotted throughout the county, not to mention bohemian towns like Bishops Castle and medieval Shrewsbury to explore. For an ultimate escape within easy reach of cities such as Manchester and Birmingham, South Shropshire is low in traffic and high in spiritually enriching nature. It’s an enviable paradise for locals and an ideal camping climate for the rest of us.

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96%
25 Ratings · 31 reviews
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Daniel J.
August 21, 2023
Non electric Grass Pitch for tents
There was some kind of rock music played untill late at a very high volume witch was very annoying , and there was a dog barking all morning non stop , other than that great little place
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Alex P.recommends
July 30, 2023
Non electric Grass Pitch for tents
This was a great trip at a great site. The facilities were clean, spacious and the shower was good and hot. The hosts were attentive and friendly, and the breakfast they offered was good value and delicious. I am hoping to return here and explore more of the area.
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Charlotte M.recommends
May 31, 2023
Non electric Grass Pitch for tents
Fab family camping
Beautiful, small, quiet and friendly campsite in an incredible location (what a view!). Loved the honesty shop, fire pit and absolutely spotless facilities. We spent time walking and paddle boarding on the nearby river. Close to excellent pubs and cafe/farmshop. My only slight criticism would be the poor water pressure in the push-button shower, otherwise everything was perfect!
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Helen M.recommends
May 8, 2023
Eagles Nest Glamping Pod
Cody warm pod
Loved the pod. Warm and cosy and everything g needed for a short stay. The facilities were clean and it was a beautiful. Quiet place to stay
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Clair C.recommends
November 3, 2022
Mammoth Gamping Pod
Beautiful glamming pod with everything needed, great amenities and location lovely and warm even in October. Great host with amazing English breakfast, delicious thanks Cassie
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Brad J.recommends
August 26, 2022
Eagles Nest Glamping Pod
Very nice spot nice and quiet, will come again certainly just what we was after, enjoy sitting round fire and star gazing had a lovely evening
Location
Powys, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Cassie W.Joined in September 2017
From the host
Your little bears might not want to leave. Big Bear Lodge is a Shrewsbury site with what the owners reckon just might be among the best views in Shropshire – and it's in a spectacularly secluded countryside location where your young can run around and go spotting badgers, foxes, bats, squirrels and even the resident cuckoo that arrives each May. A flock of feathered visitors also flit around this calmly quiet site, including red kites, woodpeckers, swifts, buzzards and even some tame robins. You will hear the local owls hooting at night, and if it's a cloud-free evening you can settle down under the skies for a spot of peaceful stargazing: no light pollution or traffic noise here. Big Bear Lodge is also near where the Vyrnwy and Severn rivers meet so has a wealth of walks very close by – and Shropshire has over 3500 miles' worth of hikes if you want to take things a bit further.
Nearby attractions
There's no shortage of scenic walks to enjoy. The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a short drive away to the south, while closer to camp the the Breddein Hills and Admiral Rodney's Pilar are within sight. From 1200ft up, the panoramic views over Shropshire and the Welsh Borders are spectacular. A visit to nearby Shrewsbury should also be on your list, not least for its fabulous castle (01743 358516) and the Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery (01743 258885). If some well deserved r'n'r is on the agenda, Big Bear Lodge have teamed up with nearby Rowton Castle (01743 884 044), a stunning 17th century Grade II listed venue that offers swimming pools, jacuzzis, tennis, squash, spa and beauty treatments. Big Bear Lodge guests can claim discounted day passes by pre-arrangement when you book.
Food and drink
There are so many lovely places to eat and drink in the area and in Shrewsbury. They are all listed on the website. Many visitors to Big Bear Lodge visit or order takeaway from the  SmokeStop (01743 851944) in Shrewsbury serves up stateside comfort food smoked low and slow in their on site smokers for up to 14 hours. Lepone's Ristorante Italiano (01691 659965) comes highly recommended. This family-run establishment boasts authentic Italian cuisine served with flair. The Royal Hill (01743 741242) in nearby Edgerley is a local institution with a menu of hearty pub grub favourites and a fantastic location beside the River Severn. Casketeers will be pleased with their impressive array of real ales.
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