Caalm Camp
UK England South West England Dorset Shaftesbury
The complexities of a traditional yurt are what make it such a beautiful structure, but back when marauding Mongols roamed the Asian plains they were first and foremost a practical home. Ancient nomads would assemble together to move these makeshift houses, untwining the complex latticework, rolling up the outer shell and loading camels, donkeys and horses with their wares. After long hauls in the sun or tramping through the snow they would set about the tiresome task of reconstruction. Woodwork was rewoven, felt pulled into place, horses unpacked and a fire re-kindled. Only then could a weary traveller search for food and water.
The trials of this nomadic life have, thankfully, slipped into a bygone era and nowhere could they feel more foreign than in the countryside of South West England. Here, as the name suggests, an encampment of traditional Mongolian yurts aims to take you as far from the stress of travelling as possible, offering an oasis of calm with a dash of sumptuous luxury. The yurts may still be authentically Mongolian but inside, the addition of modern comforts, like springy double beds and electricity, make for a 21st century glamping haven.
Set in the beautiful countryside of rural Dorset, Caalm Camp is a family-run retreat that boasts exceptional facilities. The yurts themselves are surprisingly spacious with ample room to sleep six people and a toasty log-burning stove in the centre. Smoke from the fire is piped away through ‘the crown’, a carefully crafted centrepiece in the roof where a Perspex dome allows you to kick back and watch the stars from the warmth of your abode. From each yurt it is a short walk to the Old Hay Barn, a converted barn that stands as a testament to the site's working history as a dairy farm. Now equipped with a fully-furnished kitchen and cosy living space, it’s difficult to imagine the place stacked with hay bales. The inviting communal lounge complete with games, books and a TV is the perfect rainy day retreat. Not all facilities here are communal, however. Each of the seven yurts onsite have their own fridge in the kitchen along with their own wet-room that houses a shower, toilet and vanity unit for storing toiletries.
Caalm Camp boasts plenty of space for kids to play, as well as a wooden playground, while stepping from the boundaries there are loads of good walks in the local area. Duncliff Wood is packed with bluebells during the spring while a wander up Bulbrrow Hill rewards you with exquisite panoramic views over Dorset and its surrounding counties. Nearby, beautiful Shaftesbury is a short drive away, its quaint, cobbled streets leading to and fro from the elegant old church by the market place.
Amid such quintessentially English surroundings the Mongolian yurts of Caalm Camp could almost feel out of place. But with so much love and attention put into the site – from the hand painted lattice work of the yurts to the wheelbarrows waiting by the car park – this is a place where you can’t help but feel at home. An authentic glamping getaway in a prime location.
Our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Book with complete confidence at Caalm Camp with the Glampingly Coronavirus Booking Guarantee. We guarantee the following clear policy for your booking:
- A low deposit of 30% to secure your booking
- Balance due 30 days before your holiday
- Complete flexibility to move bookings up to the end of 2021 in the event of Coronavirus restrictions
- Due to the flexibility provided we are unable to offer refunds
- This guarantee supersedes any other policies
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Details
Facilities
Each yurt has its own dedicated wet room in the The Old Hay Barn, with flushing toilet, shower and a vanity unit for storing your toiletries. Towels provided. Table tennis, pool table and wi-fi are available. The Old Hay Barn houses a well-equipped modern kitchen, with plenty of cooking utensils provided. Each yurt also has its own fridge. Relaxing therapy treatment sessions in your yurt by expert Pauline Elsworth can also be booked in advance. There is plenty of room for football or bike riding along with many fantastic walks in the area (particularly Duncliff Woods in the spring with its famous bluebells). Wild animals range from rabbits to buzzards, along with deer in the neighbouring fields and frogs that like to hop into the lobby.
Suitable For
Glamping only. Well-behaved large groups welcome. Sorry, no dogs.
Nearby
Along with the bounty of local walks, there is a 15 mile cycle trail along the old railway line 5 miles from camp. Todber Manor Fishing Lakes (01258 820384) are in the nearest village for keen anglers, while two equestrian centres, Pippin’s Equestrian (01747 822997) and Pevlings Farm (01963 370990) are close at hand for those hoping to hack through rolling countryside. Shaftesbury (01747 853514) is perhaps the most obvious nearby attraction, a delightful town with a small museum (01747 852157) and St Peters Church, a standing reminder of its medieval magnificence when it boasted a castle, twelve churches and four market crosses. Further afield Sherborne in Dorset, is famous for its abbey (01935 812452) and castle (01935 812072), while Stonehenge (08703 331181) and Salisbury offer more culture and history. The fabulous coast of South Dorset is also an hour away.
Food & Drink
The Udder Farm Shop (01747 838899) is 1.5 miles away, while, closer still, The Kings Arms (01747 838325) serves excellent food. The nearest village shop lies a couple miles away in Marnhull. A local independent supermarket and deli, Dike & Son (01963 362204) in Stalbridge, does a home delivery service. Either phone and book delivery in advance, or cycle to the shop.
Open
All year round.
Pricing
Weekend breaks from £240. 'Get-A-Way' two night breaks from £170. Midweek breaks from £240. Week long break from £399. 25% deposit required when booking.
Why book with Glampingly?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
Social Distancing Measures
This site offers our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Accommodation
6 cosy yurts that accommodate up to 6 people each.Buttercup Yurt
Snowdrop Yurt
Bluebell Yurt
Foxglove Yurt
Cowslip Yurt
Location
Getting There
From London or Exeter, turn off the A303 at Chicklade and follow the A350 to Shaftesbury. At Shaftesbury, take the A30 direction Yeovil and after approx 3 miles, turn left at the Kings Arms. Go to the end of this road and at the T junction turn right. Continue for a third of a mile through a narrow cutting and as it opens up and you will see Goods Farm on the left, opposite a Royal Mail brick post box.
South West Trains (08456 000650) run an hourly service to Gillingham (08457 484950) from London Waterloo (08457 484950) and Exeter (08457 484950).
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Why book with Glampingly?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions