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Big Bear Lodge

UK England West Midlands Shropshire Oswestry

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 a scattering of grass camping pitches, hardstandings for the campervan contingent, pre-pitched tents for any guyrope greenhorns 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 adjacent to the camping pitches, 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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Details

Facilities

An amenities block with 3 showers (including 1 for disabled guests), heated towel rails, rainfall shower heads and washing-up facilities. Pods are fully insulated, carpeted, double glazed (with blinds), and come with lighting, heating, power, a porch and decking.

Suitable For

Everyone! Campers, glampers, families, groups, dogs...

Nearby

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 & 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.

Open

Open all year round. Check in times are 3pm-7pm & checkout is 11am (early and late check ins sometime available subject to availability and a small charge).

Pricing

Camping pitches £15 per night.

Hard standings from £25 per night.

Pods and pre-pitched tents from £40 per night.

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The Owner Says

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 – we spy photo opps.

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.

The Big Bear facilities include fresh water adjacent to pitches, a new amenities block with three showers including one for disabled guests, heated towel rails, rainfall shower heads and washing-up facilities with hot and cold water. Dogs are welcome on site but must be kept on leads.

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.

Accommodation

5 non-electric grass pitches, 3 hard-standing electric pitches, 4 glamping pods, 2 standard (bring all your own equipment) and 2 luxury (with beds, TV and kettle).

Little Bear Camping Pod

Pod Sleeps 4

Little Bear pod is a standard camping pod which can sleep a family of 5. The pod is heated, carpeted and fully insulated with sheep wool ensuring you are kept cosy through the night. There is also a picnic table outside. A small double bed, bunk beds for children.

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Mammoth Gamping Pod

Pod Sleeps 5

Mammoth Gamping pod is a now a luxury camping pod which can sleep a family of 5. It is heated and insulated with sheeps wool, making it a lovely place to stay all year long. It has beds, with bed linen, TV with dvd player, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, plates and cutlery.

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Wolfs Paw Glamping pod

Pod Sleeps 2

Wolfs Paw with decking area, BBQ and fire pit provided. The pod is fully insulated, heated and has double glazed window.

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Eagles Nest Glamping Pod

Pod Sleeps 2

Eagles nest can comfortably sleep up to 2 people on a double bed, The pod is heated and has fitted plug sockets with USB charging points. We also provide you with a kettle with tea and coffee and a television/DVD player. Make sure you pre-order your chilli pot and snacks and have them delivered straight to your pod!

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Location

Contact Big Bear Lodge, Big Bear Lodge, Melverley, Nr Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8PH

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Getting There

The postcode for your Sat Nav is SY10 8PH. If you're using a smartphone, enter the name Big Bear Lodge. When you reach the village of Melverley, the site is signposted at the end of the road. Some Sat Navs have been known to direct you off the lane, so be sure to stay on the lane until you reach the lodge. The campsite is first on the right – you'll see the welcome board. The B&B lodge is next on the left and the glamping pods are immediately on the left after the lodge. Do not turn off the lane to Big Bear Lodge until you reach the site.

The nearest mainline railway station is Welshpool (0845 748 4950) which is 8.7 miles away. There is a coach stop at Middletown, Powys at the Breidden Hotel (3.4 miles) or Nesscliffe, Shropshire (3.7 miles).