The glamping trend shows no signs of slowing down, with a thirst for getting back to nature tempered with the need to come back fully rested (not always easy on a camper bed!) House of Coco’s Lauren Kate Hughes unplugged and checked in for a few nights off-grid at The Nest in Lincolnshire.
For glamping regulars, it’s a common occurrence to book somewhere online and arrive to discover a few basic yurts in a field devoid of any personality, just off the motorway. Even worse are glamping huts lined up neatly, each a carbon copy of its neighbour and lacking individuality. While this back-to-basics approach is undoubtedly rewarding, those of us who like to romanticise the whole experience are looking for something more thoughtful. Enter The Nest, with its three individual safari-style lodges, complete with wood-fired hot tubs, a lakeside sauna and deep oval bathtubs made for long soaks with a view. Even more importantly, it offers complete tranquillity.
It’s much easier to romanticise the whole glamping experience with a rom-com-worthy lake on your doorstep, personal hot tub and plush interiors that offer extraordinary comfort in the wild. Yes, we want to get lost in the forest, but that’s even more appealing when we get to sink into a bed topped with cosy blankets and fluffy pillows at the end of the day.
The Nest works well as a glamping destination throughout each season. In late autumn and winter, a traditional Aga warms the tent and provides a place to cook hearty dinners. Outside, guests can warm up in the lakeside sauna after braving a cold-water dip, hopping between the two for a contrast therapy session in the wild. In spring and summer, the landscape comes alive with colour, providing a scenic backdrop for more leisurely lake swims and long, al fresco lunches.
While glamping sites are undoubtedly more popular in the summer, these cosy, well-equipped safari tent-cabin hybrids make a convincing case for an autumn trip if you’re looking for something to look forward to after the summer. Teal, one of the three lodges on the far side of the lake, has now been winter-proofed with added insulation and central heating, while Cuckoo and Pinkfoot open for the spring season from March 27 through to November.
Set in the picturesque south of Lincolnshire, the nearest town to The Nest glamping site is historic Stamford (around ten minutes’ drive). But spending time here, you really do feel in the middle of nowhere. I checked in for a two-night stay with the sole aim of recharging – and this is why it could be the wellness-focused glamping stay you’ve been searching for.
The Nest glamping: Wild swimming, sauna sessions and fireside meals
The Nest is fully kitted out for a wellness break, with a lakeside sauna offering calming views of the water, a wood-fired hot tub per lodge, spacious decking areas for lounging, and deep stand-alone baths with the option to roll up the bathroom ‘wall’ and become at one with nature during a leisurely soak. You can also book a treatment to enjoy on the deck and really lean into some wild wellness, including Indian head massages, deep tissue massages, and pregnancy massages, as well as facials and yoga sessions.
For cold-water swimming fans, the lake offers a scenic place for a dip in the wild. Though be warned, it can be chilly when the sun isn’t shining and is very deep, so one for confident swimmers only. Guests at The Nest can also pick up a kayak from the shore (there are two available) and enjoy a gentle glide along the lake.
Sleeping under the stars
The bedroom set up at The Nest feels particularly homely. We stayed in Pinkfoot, which has a cosy double bedroom, complete with drawers and lamps for a home-away-from-home feel in the bedroom. The big difference is the stunning views out across the lake – and there’s also the chance to whip up the bedroom ‘wall’ for an indoors/outdoors experience.
Each lodge would sleep two couples, a group of four friends, or two adults and two children, comfortably in two bedrooms. There’s also an additional ‘cabin bed’, which is a bit cosier and would suit two children. Guests at The Nest are most likely to spend most of their time in nature, with so much of it literally on your doorstep, but it’s nice to know there’s a comfortable bed to come home to after a day’s exploring.
Al fresco dining
One of the joys of glamping is some al fresco dining, whether that’s by the fire wrapped in blankets during cooler evenings or a sun-soaked picnic. The traditional Aga in each lodge at The Nest doubles up as a cooking stove, and there’s also a portable hob supplied, so it’s easy to recreate your favourite dishes. We opted for warming whiskey sours on the terrace with the fire pit glowing in the background, before enjoying a slow-cooked extra spicy beef curry that had been left to simmer all afternoon and delicious red wine (picked up from the nearby Shekleton Wines). Everything about The Nest encourages a slower pace – a much-needed shift for frazzled city dwellers.
Hampers and platters can be ordered prior to the stay for those who want to opt for a fancy meal without the hassle of cooking. There’s also a fully-equipped BBQ for quintessential summer evenings. The on-site pizza oven also deserves a special mention. Let the hosts know in advance, and they’ll prepare everything you need, including ready-to-roll pizza dough, mozzarella and passata so that you can craft your own pizzas – particularly special eaten after a hot-tub session.
For the truly adventurous chefs, The Nest owners allow fishing enthusiasts to bring their own rods and try their hand at trout fishing in the lake. However, they ask that you keep one trout for cooking (on the BBQ is recommended) and release anything else back into the lake. Guests can also rent a fire-pit and a marshmallow kit for a toasting session by the fire. On a clear night, this can be teamed with some stargazing for a magical end to the evening.
Exploring Stamford
Stamford is just a short drive away and has plenty to explore, if you’re willing to break out of your glamping bubble. If you want to venture out for dining – or just to have a wander around a pretty English town – Stamford is just ten minutes away by car. Here you’ll find hearty pubs, wine bars, restaurants, plenty of charity stores for thrifting and independent shops.
If you arrive on a Friday, pop down to Broad Street and Ironmonger where you’ll find around 70 stalls selling local produce, crafts, clothing and homeware. Stamford Arts Centre is a hub of activity – check out the programme to book in a theatre trip, comedy show, jazz performance or art exhibition.
Need to knows
You can book The Nest for £780 for 4 nights based on 6 guests during the off-peak season.
To book, visit www.thenestglamping.co.uk/book-your-stay
The Teal lodge is available all year round with central heating and full insulation, while Pinkfoot and Cuckoo are available from spring to autumn. We’d recommend a trip at any time of year – each season has its own magic.
Pictures: The Nest and Lauren Kate Hughes
