09 Feb Historic Norfolk estate expands and extends its season for luxury glamping escapes at Wild Meadow
For anyone eager for a countryside escape with a group of family and friends, but not looking for a bustling resort or busy campsite, Wild Meadow at Raynham in Norfolk has expanded its offering for a unique getaway. Nestled in the grounds of one of the East of England’s most beautiful stately homes, Wild Meadow now offers even more space for glamorous camping in its truest sense.
After a successful first full season in 2021 and with many people still opting to holiday in the UK, Raynham Estate has expanded to offer eight stunning, hand-crafted yurts, which sit at the focal point of this secluded, rural destination – twice as many as last year. Generously spaced at least 10 metres apart, the yurts are surrounded by a five-acre meadow of wildflowers, and each one is effortlessly stylish, offering visitors an exclusive, relaxing rural retreat, away from urban life.
Lord Tom Raynham manages Raynham Estate including Wild Meadow. Located in the grounds of the 17th century historic Raynham Hall, glamping is just one of the many ways he has made this incredibly scenic corner of Norfolk accessible for more people to enjoy.
“We have learned from customer feedback that people are still nervous about overseas travel and may choose not to go abroad. The main attraction of Wild Meadow, apart from being just a drive away, is always going to be our setting, with our wide skies and the rolling park of the estate. A place where people can come to relax, star gaze, soak in the breath-taking sunsets and recharge with family and friends: there is no need to go abroad when you can enjoy our beautiful, secluded and peaceful location,” says Tom.
Modern, rustic, comfort is at the heart of the Wild Meadow experience. Each yurt contains a super-king bed with sumptuous mattress; luxury bedding; a wood-burning stove and cosy blankets. Outside there are individual barbecue and outdoor seating areas. Plus, importantly, each yurt has its own designated toilet and shower. There is mains electricity to each yurt, powering bedside lights and allowing guests to charge mobile devices so they can stay in touch with the outside world should they wish to. Or take advantage of the perfect opportunity to unplug and disconnect.
“When fitting out the yurts, we anticipated what guests would expect and aimed to exceed that expectation. However, we avoided the temptation to ‘over-design’ as we know our interiors will always be secondary to the views of the park, farmland, and countryside, with Raynham Hall and the estate church in the distance.” Adds Tom.
As well as barbecue facilities, the shared Turnip Tent dining area and cooking tent – named after the Townshend family’s farming heritage – provides plenty of space for a group to prepare and enjoy food together. Each yurt has its own designated fridge and all the cooking equipment needed, however ambitious the chef. Guests can pre-order estate reared Raynham Aberdeen Angus beef for the BBQ or enjoy a locally produced hamper of craft beer, wine, and food. They can also explore North Norfolk’s plethora of food and farm shops in nearby villages and towns.
Wild Meadow remains a traffic-free zone, ensuring a peaceful and safe environment for all guests and for wildlife, such as deer, rare birds of prey, owls, and butterflies. On arrival, guests are provided with a wheelbarrow to transport their belongings from car to yurt, achieving a rustic, off-grid feeling from the very first moment.
Abbie Panks, Head of Events and Marketing at Raynham Estate added “Our first full season in 2021 was, despite the challenges, more successful than we could have hoped. So, this year, we are extending our season and thanks to European Regional Development Fund contribution, we are expanding the site, adding four additional yurts, two of which are en-suite and all four will have wider doors for easier wheelchair access.
She continued; “we now have a better offering for larger, exclusive family groups of up to around 40 people. Plus, this year we can also accommodate bespoke packages and experiences for guests and have partnered with nearby attractions such as Pensthorpe Natural Park so that guests can make the most of their Norfolk stay.”
Since the recent investment, and at full occupancy, the maximum number of guests who could book an exclusive stay at Wild Meadow has doubled to 40, making it ideal for larger parties celebrating special birthdays, family reunions or for groups of friends and colleagues to unwind together.
The estate has also renovated Arthur’s Cottage available for guests. This pretty country cottage, at the bottom of the drive of Raynham Hall, is next to the river Wensum, and is the perfect, cosy, rural holiday hideaway, especially for those who enjoy the countryside but prefer their accommodation with four walls and roof.
The characterful cottage boasts many of its original exposed beams and brick features. There is an open plan living room and kitchen, flooded with natural light from windows looking out over the historic rolling parklands of the estate. It the perfect place for a couple to share a heavenly countryside break. A wood burning stove provides the essential backdrop for cosy nights in after a day out exploring the local surroundings. Arthur’s Cottage has one bedroom with a super king-size, hand-crafted bed and bathroom with rainfall shower. It comes with its own parking space and garden and is (well-behaved) dog friendly too.
When heading out to explore west and north Norfolk, guests can walk or cycle waymarked paths from the yurt meadow to woodland, parkland, and riverside areas. For those wishing to explore a little more of Norfolk, Raynham is only four miles from Fakenham and just a 20-minute drive to the stunning and expansive North Norfolk coast, with its outstanding beaches including the award-winning Holkham beach and Wells-next-the-sea. While fantastic pubs, restaurants and numerous family-friendly attractions including Pensthorpe Natural Park and the National Trust’s Blickling Estate are within a short drive.
Wild Meadow will be open from 1st April to 31st October 2022 with bookings now being taken. A holiday for two people starts at £420 for a 3-night booking in April.
Arthur’s Cottage is available for stays from 1st May 2022 and sleeps two. Prices from £140 per night.
