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Sometimes it’s the simple pleasures in life that we take for granted, like spending time with loved ones; enjoying the wonders of nature we have on our doorstep; feeling tiny beneath a twinkling starlit sky and appreciating good company, rather than ignoring it in favour of that shiny, bleeping smart phone, tablet or TV. However, there is a great way to ensure you take none of this for granted and instead immerse yourself in the great British countryside surrounded by close family and friends: Lantern & Larks. Lantern& Larks takes camping, or should I say ‘glamping’, to the next level with their canvas-wrapped 3-bedroom retreats in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK: Lancashire, Rutland, Suffolk and Somerset.
Lantern & Larks, Kittisford Barton, Wellington, Somerset
As we all know, the Westcountry has some of the prettiest countryside, beaches and villages to be found in the British Isles and Lantern & Larks at Kittisford Barton on the Somerset-Devon border will not disappoint. This secluded spot on a 260-acre organic farm oozes peace and tranquillity with beautiful views over the Somerset countryside to the Wellington Monument. Kittisford Barton itself is surrounded by unspoilt countryside and lies just half an hour west of Taunton (and 10 minutes from junction 26 of the M5) making it easy to get to and well located for local amenities.
Accommodation at Lantern& Larks comes in the form of tents, which are more like private, canvas bungalows with a relaxed elegance and solid decked flooring throughout. Each tent features 3 bedrooms; a large open plan living area with lounge, dining area and kitchen; private bathroom with shower and WC (say goodbye to smelly, shared shower-blocks and hello to privacy and toasty hot showers!) and a wonderful open-air terrace with outdoor sofa, armchairs. All the bedrooms are roomy and separated for privacy and comfort with one double; one twin; and a single with fun-loving bunk-beds perfect for toddlers to teens. All the beds are made of solid pine with comfy mattresses and plush duvets. At its heart you will find the fabulous log-burning stove to keep you warm and toasty on those colder nights, surrounded by a large sofa and coffee table perfect for an impromptu game of Monopoly, or to sit back and relax with a delicious glass of red wine in the evening. In terms of cooking, the kitchen has a butane hob for copious cups of coffee, tea and hot chocolate as well as for cooking simple meals or a stir-fried treat and if you want something to warm the cockles on a chillier evening why not simmer a casserole on the wood burning stove or outside on the firepit – simply wonderful!
Lantern & Larks truly takes care of everything for you, so there’s no need to roll up that dusty sleeping bag or pack that ever-deflating air bed as they include all bed linen (with the beds made up on arrival), bath, hand and tea towels with each stay. You also have the use of your own firepit/bbq with an unlimited supply of wood for the duration of your stay too. If you want to make your life even easier you can take advantage of their great range of food hampers including: Breakfast Packs, Campfire Kits and BBQ Packs which include locally sourced and utterly delicious sausages, burgers, drumsticks and ribs. So all you really need to bring is yourself!
In terms of activities, there’s plenty to do for all ages on this huge farm, from meeting the animals, which include friendly goats, cows and Pepsi the farm dog, to collecting freshly laid eggs from the chickens that live in the orchard or you can simply just explore the extensive woodland, fields and ponds on offer too. As well as the animals, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic country walks as there are numerous trails around the farm and walking routes crisscrossing the Blackdown Hills. You are also in a prime position for spotting local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for deer and an endless supply of local birdlife. From Kittisford Barton you can easily explore several manor houses, abbeys and gardens in the local area as well as the coastal areas of Devon and Somerset including the golden sands of family-friendly Minehead or the saltmarshes of Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve which are under an hour away. And finally, if you’re in the need of a little retail therapy, both Taunton and Exeter are also a short drive with numerous shops, boutiques, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
So if you’re in need of disconnecting from hectic city-life and reconnecting with your family, then a relaxing, nature-filled break at Lantern & Larks in Somerset could be just what you’re looking for.
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