We booked and paid for our stay at the Timber Tents at Madhatters Camping and Glamping
As a family we love camping. There is nothing like a getaway to spend a couple of nights in a tent, surrounded by a campfire. Recently due to work commitments getting away for the weekend is becoming a lot harder and packing and pitching a tent for a one night stay is due too much sometimes. This is where glamping comes in. We can still get away and enjoy all the things we love about camping without the stress and time spent in pitching and setting up a tent.
For the past 4 years we have been visiting Madhatters Camping a lovely little site in Ely, so around an hour from us in Peterborough. Our first visit was in 2020 when lockdown was just being lifted. We felt so safe with the precautions in place and we grew to really love the site. Which is why we recently visited for the 6th time in 4 years. This time however, due to those work commitments, we decided to book a very last minute stay in one of the 3 Timber Tents they have on offer.
Timber Tents at Madhatters Camping
We stayed in King of Hearts timber tents and as a family of 5 there was plenty of space inside. This timber tent is usually for 4 guests, however they can accommodate an extra person for a small additional charge. There is a spacious area in front with a fire pit, table and chairs and a BBQ all included. We stayed very early in the camping season so the wildflowers were not in bloom, however usually each pitch is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers giving you even more privacy.
Inside the timber tents at Madhatters Camping there is a large spacious room which has the beds. Our tent had a double bed, 2 day beds and then a roll out bed as our 5th guest option. There was an option for a trundle, however we didn’t feel this was needed for one night. Underneath the beds are large beanbags and a large cushion, so there are plenty of seating options. Plus there was a log burner so you can feel nice and cosy with a fire burning. Each of the 4 beds had an electric mattress topper too to help keep you extra toasty, as well as plenty of blankets. We certainly didn’t feel the cold from outside.
As well as the comfortable sleeping area there is also a well stocked kitchenette. Where there was pretty much everything you would need for your stay. I was really surprised to see a mini
What’s included?
When we pack for camping we are used to having to bring everything included the kitchen sink. So when we booked our last minute stay we were a little unsure of what we would need to bring. I knew that we wanted to have a BBQ so we did pack a little single use one, as well as the obvious bits such as dish sponge, washing up liquid etc. However when we arrived we needn’t had worried, because there was everything we needed available.
The bedroom had blankets, electric mattress toppers and cushions. There is a small hamper full of board games and card games too.
The kitchen had utensils, cups, plates and bowls. Everything you need to cook with as well as oil, washing up liquid, sponges and a tea towel. There was a toaster, mini oven with hobs, a slow cooker, kettle aswell as Tea, coffee, sugar and hot chocolate! The mini fridge even had a small freezer compartment.
What about toilets?
The only thing missing from the Timber Tents at Madhatters Camping is an en-suite toilet, however the toilet and shower block are really close. They are well maintained and throughout all of our 6 visits they have never been dirty, unkempt or out of the essentials (toilet paper/soap). Even when we camped during high peak season the toilets were always really clean.
As well as the toilets and showers, there are also 2 well sized family rooms with everything you need including a small bath! So perfect for the little ones to get clean.
Things to do
On the site there is a small play area, I would say it is best suited to younger children, with ample seating. There is also a playing field which the boys loved as there was plenty of space to run around and kick a ball. If you visit reception when it is open there is a free Madhatters Trail for children to do too.
Locally Ely, is only around a 20-30 minute walk from the campsite, where there is frequent markets, a cathedral and plenty of shops to visit. There is also Wicken Fen a local National Trust estate that is worth a visit too.
Sustainability at Madhatters Camping
As a family trying to make the right choices where sustainability is concerned, we were pleasantly surprised on our first visit to see how far Madhatter Camping goes to promote sustainability and the care of the planet. Each pitch has 2 buckets for recycling and the bin area is split into different categories. There are plenty of signage to show which rubbish goes where and there are places for everything.
Other camping options
Madhatters Camping offers different camping solutions. There are non electric pitches surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, electric pitches, the timber tents, pitches for caravans and motorhomes as well as a wild camping area too.
We love the variety Madhatters offers which is why we have returned year after year.
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