We kicked off the summer holidays with a family glamping trip to Brook Meadow in Leicestershire, an idyllic hidden gem of a site that offers both camping and glamping options. We stayed from Monday to Friday in the beautiful Safari Tent and here is everything we think you need to know before you book your own trip.

The Safari Tent

The Safari Tent is unlike anywhere we’ve stayed before. Inspired by the owners’ own travels and one of her favourite films, Out of Africa, it is very much like stepping into an African safari. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to create an authentic yet luxurious experience that transports you to another place entirely.

The accommodation is split over two floors, offering plenty of space for families. Downstairs you’ll find a master bedroom with a very comfortable four poster bed, complete with luxury bedding and the nicest pillows. Just outside this room you will find a cleverly hidden second bed tucked away inside a cupboard, decorated with twinkling fairy lights, creating a magical little hideaway that younger children will absolutely adore.

Upstairs is another generous bedroom featuring a double bed and two built-in children’s beds designed to look like little teepees or mini safari tents. It’s such a fun space for children while still being practical for larger families.

The living area is just as spacious, with a comfortable sofa, two cosy armchairs and a large dining table that comfortably seats eight.

The kitchen has everything you need for a luxury glamping stay, including a sink, hob, fridge, freezer and all the utensils, crockery and cookware you’d expect. It really does feel like a home away from home.

The bathroom was another lovely surprise. Rather than just a shower, there’s also a beautiful deep bath, perfect for relaxing after a day spent outdoors.

Outside is where we spent so much of our time due to the fantastic weather we had during our stay. There’s a large outdoor dining table where we loved starting each morning with a slow breakfast and a hot coffee while listening to the birds around the lake. In the evenings, the fire pit became our favourite spot, ending each day roasting marshmallows and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Location

Although the Safari Tent is located on the campsite, it feels surprisingly private. It’s set back from the main camping area, with its own little bridge leading across to the tent, creating a lovely sense of separation from the rest of the site.

Some lakeside camping pitches are located nearby, but even so there is plenty of open space surrounding the tent for children to play and families to relax. The lake sits directly in front of the accommodation, providing beautiful views throughout the day and making it feel wonderfully peaceful.

On-Site Facilities

Brook Meadow has fantastic facilities for both glamping guests and campers.

The on-site reception includes a small shop where you can pick up camping essentials, drinks, pocket money sweets and ice creams and the staff are super helpful and lovely.

For those camping on site, there is a communal shower block and shared cooking area, both of which are well maintained and convenient. Although we didn’t use these we did have a quick look and were impressed with the standard of them, especially the showers as they looked brand new.

One of our favourite additions was the Cow Barn, which opens on selected days and times to host children’s movie nights. With hay bale seating, fairy lights and a cosy atmosphere, it’s a brilliant experience for little ones.

Children are also spoilt for choice when it comes to outdoor play. There are two tree swings, a natural play area, a fairy garden and a pirate-themed play space that encourages hours of imaginative adventures.

You can also go pond dipping in the lake for a deposit of £3 which gets you a bucket, a net and a laminated list of all the different species you can try and find in and around the lake. Once returned you will get your deposit back. This was a great activity that we did over the course of a couple of days on and off and had great fun finding various different creatures and using the sheet to identify them.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you can also book open water swimming sessions and sauna experiences on selected days. Be sure to check the Brook Meadow website for current availability and booking information.

Another lovely extra is the range of hampers available to pre-book. We highly recommend them, the breakfast hamper was absolutely delicious and made our stay feel even more special.

For those that are a bit more adventurous there is also Avalanche Adventure next door where you can book activities such as quad biking and buggies which is so much fun.

Final Thoughts

Our Monday to Friday stay at Brook Meadow was everything we hoped it would be. The Safari Tent offers all the comforts of a luxury holiday while still allowing you to enjoy the beauty of camping and being surrounded by nature. The thoughtful African-inspired design makes it feel truly unique, and the spacious layout is ideal for families.

Combined with excellent facilities, plenty of activities for children and a peaceful lakeside setting, Brook Meadow is somewhere we’d happily return to. Whether you choose the luxurious Safari Tent or one of the camping pitches, it’s a fantastic destination for families wanting to slow down, spend quality time together and enjoy the outdoors in comfort.