Description

Glamping in South Wales

Penhein Glamping is one of the best glamping sites in South Wales. It’s award-winning and a boutique campsite with six Persian-inspired tents nestle together in secluded woodland on a family-run farm in Monmouthshire. The glampsite is steeped in adventure and surrounded by idyllic views.

Penhein Glamping has been regularly rated one of the top 20 UK glamping sites by The Times and The Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph. It has won AA Gold Pennant Status for the last 3 years and was named as the AA Glampsite of the year for 2018-2019. They are also the proud recipients of a 2018 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and were announced as winners of the iNews Staycation Rural Escape of the Year Award in December 2019.

Owners Helen and James Hearn are committed to giving their guests an authentic rural adventure, but recognise that when it comes to camping, little luxuries can make a big difference. So as well as the basics one might expect, Penhein also provides some surprising indulgences and a few thoughtful home comforts.

THE TENTS
The six dome-shaped alachigh (pronounced “alla-cheeg”) tents at Penhein are inspired by Persian designs and have been custom-built for glamping in Wales. They are individually decorated and named after the woods and fields on the farm.

With one double bed (can be converted to two singles) and two single truckle beds, as well as a sofa bed, each tent can comfortably sleep a family of two adults and up to four children, or five adults. There’s a specially-made kitchen area with running water, a table and chairs, and cupboards kitted out with cooking essentials – from pots, pans and cutlery, to meat rub for the barbecue and a cafetiere for freshly-brewed coffee. In the centre of the huge domed ceiling is a skylight with a view to the stars, whilst a wood-burning stove keeps things cosy and warm, doubling up as a hobtop for kettle boiling and pot warming. Conveniently, each tent has a private en suite flushing loo attached to the side.

SHARED FACILITIES

Chehel Sotoun (the name is inspired by the grand pavilion where the king of Persia would host lavish receptions in the 17th century), is a pop-up entertainment tent. Available on request for a small fee, it offers a fantastic space (12mx6m) in which to host group activities or celebrate special occasions – from sit-down dinners to off-site workshops, wholesome pilates to memorable parties.

Enclosed within a shared shower block clad in Mandarin Stone tiles and with underfloor heating, are four monsoon showers and a Victorian roll-top bath for guests to relax and unwind after a day spent outside.

In the communal tent, named Petro after James’ grandfather’s farm in Iran, guests can cosy into armchairs and bean bags to enjoy board games and cards. There’s space enough for every guest, and those who have booked exclusive hire of the campsite can decorate the tent and dress Petro up to the nines for a fabulous private party under canvas.

When campfire cooking feels too much like a challenge guests can use the ‘Cheat’s Kitchen’ – a communal cooking room with hobs and a microwave.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Arrive at your tent to find a locally-sourced welcome hamper with Penhein’s compliments, with some lovely local goodies to set you up for your stay and their own specially blended Penhein Coffee.

Penhein also provides guests with some unexpected little luxuries and handy extras that will turn your camping trip into a brilliant glamping experience – from store cupboard staples, cooking utensils and crockery, to bedding, towels and blankets.

A full list of what’s included, as well as Penhein’s suggestions of what to bring, can be found on their website and will also be shared with guests upon confirmation of their booking.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & RURAL ADVENTURES
Set in the middle of 450 acre farmland, the coppiced wood that is home to Penhein’s glampsite opens onto a wildflower meadow and rolling green hills. With panoramic views as far as the Severn bridges and yet only half an hour from Bristol or Cardiff, Penhein’s unique location is perfect for exploring the Welsh countryside. Guests are free to roam the fields and wander down nature trails, play games and picnic by the stream at the bottom of the valley. For those who want more organised activities they offer bushcraft, foraging and the Penhein Treasure Hunt amongst many others. There are also lots of local attractions to discover.

THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA