Hadrian's Wall Glamping

There’s little chance of getting confused about what’s on offer at Hadrian’s Wall Country Yurts. The clue is in the name and the answer to the first question that springs to mind is: one mile. That’s right – it’s just one mile from the yurts to the wall; a walk of about 20 minutes along quiet Cumbrian lanes. While proximity to this World Heritage wonder is the major selling point of this two-yurt site, it’s not the only one. This place is also just six miles from the Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 10 miles from the Northumberland National Park and 30 from the northern edge of the Lake District. In short; it’s a good spot.

You won’t forget it either as, on a clear day, you’ll have views of peaks in both the Pennines and the Lake District from your yurt. In fact, if you book The Curlew yurt you can even marvel at them whilst enjoying the steamy warm waters of the wood-fired hot tub. The tub is the main difference between The Curlew and The Carrick, the two 18-foot yurts on this tiny site in Border Country. Otherwise they are twins. Both are set up with a proper double bed and camp beds for kids and each warmed by a wood-burning stove. On cold days it’s perfectly cosy and, on warmer ones, you can have a campfire outside instead. There’s a drinking water tap and a compost loo for each yurt – as well as a shared hot-water shower.

The two yurts can be booked together or separately but the clever configuration and 40-foot gap ensures enough privacy even though they share a paddock. It’s one of three on a two-and-a-half acre smallholding with sheep, chickens and occasionally pigs; the permanent home of John and Lizzy who have been here for four years with their three children. This hardy crew think nothing of nipping down to Ullswater (the nearest of The Lakes) for a wild swim and consider the Northumberland National Park and the Pennines within walking or cycling distance. You may not – but with the distances not so very great it is a good base for exploring outdoors whether you drive or travel under your own steam.

Either way, although the accommodation is certainly glamping, don’t expect the wilderness to have been tamed. The yurts are the perfect accommodation here; sturdy, cosy and able to withstand the wind and weather that sometimes howls. Even the Romans gave up on this place – after leaving their edge-of-empire stamp on it. Which brings us full circle, back to Hadrian’s Wall. If you want to visit one of the best-preserved parts of the wall and immerse yourself in the landscape without giving up on comfort, these country yurts are for you. They’re as suitable for couples who love walking as they are for outdoorsy families. Hadrian’s troops may have been eager to leave the area but, thanks to this well thought-out little site, yours may not be.