Glamping – the fashionable way to camp these days and the Tepee Valley Campsite in County Armagh is glamping at it’s absolute finest.
Situated between Markethill and Tandragee, Tepee Valley is a tranquil haven of unique and varied accommodation set amongst the rolling hills and fields. My best friend Alison and her husband were keen to take their 3 young girls so our group of friends assembled for a weekend of outdoors fun. First job was to decide which abode to choose. The options: two yurts, a gypsy caravan, shepherds hut, tepee, log cabin or geodesic dome all with wood burning stoves and all with electricity.
The large yurt is perfect for a family of 4 or 5, spacious and comfortable it has a double bed, day bed, fridge, it’s own shower and toilet and is beautifully finished with Moroccan touches. Housing my friend’s family for the two nights they had an abundance of room for the kids aged 3, 2 and 6 months and the outdoor kitchen and barbecue was the perfect communal area, thankfully its stayed dry at feeding times!
Next door to the large yurt is the cutest shepherds hut, fitted with all things vintage including enamel pitcher and basin, it looks the perfect romantic treat for two.
The log cabin, also suitable for a family of four was home to three of our group. With a shower and toilet room, kitchen, TV and veranda the lodging allows you to enjoy the rustic surroundings with all the comforts of home. Beside the log cabin usually stands the tepee, however it is currently in the process of being replaced.
The Rosie Lee gypsy caravan is a thing of sweet Irish childhood memories. Having encountered these on many family holidays around the south of Ireland I was immediately drawn to it but along from this was the smaller yurt and my abode of choice for our stay. A double bed, dresser, dining table, wood burning stove and cosy furnishings including sheeps wool rugs invited us into the wooden latticework structure.
The small yurt shares the well kitted out kitchen cabin and adjoining shower and toilet room with the neighboring geodesic dome. The cabin was clean and well equipped – right down to the enamel mugs and dishes.
I couldn’t resist taking a sneak peek into the dome, the window allowing its residents to wake up to the glorious landscape stretching out before it. Light,bright and airy it too has a double bed, dresser and table and chairs by the window to make the most of the view.
The landscape has been cleverly sculpted to give privacy to each unique sanctuary and their individual outdoor space. We spent most of the weekend enjoying the quaint surroundings, the kids loved running around the open space, playing with the giant games and chatting to the friendly alpacas, goats and sheep. OK maybe that was me! There was even fresh eggs for sale! The site is blissfully tranquil, there’s nothing better than waking up to the dawn chorus and spectacular sun rise or listening to the rain pattering gently on the roof whilst lying warmly snuggled up in bed with the heat of the wood burning stove.
There’s plenty to do of a weekend in the surrounding areas too. Clare Glen and Gosford Forest Park are a few minutes drive, both places offering gentle walks in wooded surroundings with the former having a beautiful walk along the banks of the river Cusher. Visiting the latter you’ll pass through the village of Markethill, handy for picking up supplies or like us grabbing a bite to eat at the Time Out Cafe. Good coffee and tasty treats! Slightly further afield is Armagh City and the Armagh Planetarium, full of family fun whatever the weather. You can read a little about the planetarium here.
The campsite is well looked after with someone on hand to show you around and bring you more logs etc. It’s clear the owners are passionate about their business, constantly improving it and really thinking about the type of accommodation they wish to provide. We all had a fantastic time at Tepee Valley, each of us enjoying our choice of accommodation and surroundings. It’s not often I get the chance to spend time with my friends and their growing families so to have the idyllic setting of Tepee Valley appealing to young and old they’ve given us a truly special place for making memories. Amidst the pack up we were already discussing a yearly visit! Well, I would love to stay in the gypsy caravan…. or the geodesic dome… or perhaps the Shepherd’s hut – that’s a few more visits at least!
So whether you’re looking for a romantic rural retreat, a fun family holiday, or a group getaway the wonderfully unique Tepee Valley Campsite has it all.
For more information and booking click through to the Tepee Valley Campsite website.
More photos on my Instagram gallery.
