Glamping at Long Meadow Campsite, The New Forest

I was immediately struck by how pristine the entire site is, and despite it being a bank holiday and the site being technically full, there was still so much space between pitches, and indeed between the 3 glamping bell tents, so the site felt spacious and the bell tents, wonderfully private.

Outside the tent, there’s a barbecue and a picnic table with a parasol, all looking out onto a wide open field (often full of deer). Inside the big bell tent, there’s a comfy double bed, two single futon chair beds, 2 large indoor/outdoor beanbags, bedside tables, fairy lights, an electric cool box and a storage unit containing kitchen essentials.

I set about making the bed and lugging inside my camp stove, pots and pans and various other things and then went on to pour myself a glass of wine and make a simple supper of crusty bread and cheese, enjoyed whilst sitting outside gazing out at the herd of deer and several ponies.

The perfect family campsite

Whilst of course on this occasion, I stayed on my own – the bliss of having enough time and space to read an entire book in just 24 hours is indescribable – the site is perfect for families.

The no noise after 10pm rule was abided by and early morning noise from kids was also thankfully minimal. It felt like a welcoming, well-kept campsite, full of lovely, considerate campers which as far as I’m concerned is a massive bonus and not always easy to find.

For those with kids, there’s so much space for them to run around or ride bikes, that given the campsite is secure, you might actually get a little peace and quiet of your own while they play and make new friends.

As I discovered though, you don’t have to have kids to love this campsite! I spent a couple of hours exploring the forest and despite trails being relatively busy, it was easy to wander off for a spot of quiet Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing) and nature meditation, which I loved.

The facilities on site were all spotlessly clean each time I used them, the washing-up area provided clean sinks and hot water and there were also plenty of bins and a chemical loo disposal point.

Out and About

For those that like cycling and walking, there’s easy access to plentiful forest trails right from the campsite, with meandering woodland that leads to a lovely river, ideal for paddling in on warm days and easy access to the village of Brockenhurst where I thoroughly recommend you purchase a naughty treat or two from The Bakehouse.

Local pubs to note include The Huntsman of Brockenhurst and The Snakecather, whilst further afield a visit to Burley Village, known for its fudge and witchy shops is well worth a visit too.

For those on holiday/staying longer than a weekend, seaside towns like Bournemouth provide a great option for an easy day trip, there’s the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu and you can even get the ferry over to the Isle of Wight from the nearby port town of Lymington.

More About My Stay

23rd August – 26th August 2024, I visited over the late August bank holiday weekend, staying in a fully furnished bell tent that can sleep up to 4 (2 adults and 2 children).

Camping New Forest operate 10 fab campsites in The New Forest, and it’s an area packed full of things to do. Perfect for everything from relaxed woodland walks and bike rides, to afternoon tea in quaint villages and visits to the beach and of course, the free-range ponies, pigs and cattle are a joy to see!

DISCLOSURE | I was invited to stay at Long Meadow Campsite by Camping New Forest. I have not been paid to write this review, but I did receive free accommodation.

Where to next?

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she’s written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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