A Weekend Glamping at Birdsong

I should probably keep this to myself. As when you find a seriously great family holiday place, you don’t want the world to know. But we had such an amazing weekend glamping at Birdsong, I can’t help but write about it. However if reading isn’t your thing, do head over to my instagram to see a video of our time.

Are We Nearly There Yet?

Now I’ve always wanted to glamp. And this year we thought the kids were old enough for us all to enjoy it. As Daisy is nearly 5 and Laurie nearly 3. Birdsong is located at Chigborough Farm & Fisheries in Essex which we found on Canopy & Stars. We chose it because it was just over an hour’s drive from London, so we wouldn’t have to suffer too much “are we nearly there yet?” It’s a beautiful part of Essex, near to Heybridge Basin. Which is where the canal joins the Blackwater Estuary. A great place for boat rides, ice creams and of course fish and chips.

A Secluded Haven

Birdsong itself, is a wonderful secluded haven. Though on a campsite, it’s location is a closely guarded secret. On arrival you park and find a wheelbarrow with a key and a set of directions. The wheelbarrow’s purpose, to transport all your luggage in. The children thought this was brilliant! The camp itself is hidden by a locked gate, a forest and stinging nettles. Daisy and Laurie learnt pretty quickly to stay clear of them. Our hosts Sam and Paul were just a phone call away, but we didn’t see them once.

Glamping Not Camping

Staying at Birdsong was definitely not camping.  Real beds, sofas, a fridge, lighting and plug sockets all made it feel just like home. Daisy was delighted by her triple bunk bed, and naturally chose to sleep right on the top bunk. You still had a short trek to the toilets in the middle of the night. But the toilet and shower was our own. Plus the hot tub was a real bonus. On average I think we went in it about 4 or 5 times a day. Our skin taking on prune like characteristics.

Keeping The Little Ones Entertained

On site there is a great play area, well equipped games room and plenty of fishing. Though I think making homemade pizza’s in the pizza oven was the highlight for our kids. Nearby there are lots of activities to keep little ones entertained. We brought our bikes with us and cycled to Heybridge Basin (just a mile and ½ away). Where there is an excellent Tiptree tearoom over looking the Estuary. There are several National Trust properties nearby including Paycocke’s House & Garden. Daisy particularly enjoyed dressing up in their Tudor costumes and my husband their cream tea. We went on a wonderful canal boat ride and visited the pretty village of Tollesbury. With it’s unique Salt Marshes and wonderful outdoor swimming & beach area, Tollesbury was a great find. We all loved it.

Top Tips for Glamping At Birdsong

• Less is more (remember you have to transport all your goods via a wheelbarrow!)
• Bring more than one swimsuit, you’ll be in & out of that hot tub
• Make use of the pizza oven for homemade pizzas
• Bring your bikes, it’s so much nicer than driving.
• Beware of the stinging nettles!

Birdsong sleeps up to x5 in a double bed and a triple bunk. It costs from £110 per night for 2 adults. Children are an extra £15 per child per night.

This is not a sponsored post and we paid to stay at Birdsong.

If you fancy reading about other family friendly staycations we’ve been on, then have a look at this eco-friendly b&b in Devon, or the amazing self catering cottage on the Dartmoor.