They may have always been our political allies but, pledged to the star spangled banner, one American group has long been invading the British countryside. Grey squirrels, hailing from across the pond, can be seen pretty much anywhere these days and the aggressive newcomers have driven out our native red species. The Isle of Wight, however, can claim itself the last island fortress and here red squirrels are a long way from being dethroned. Thriving in the untainted natural landscape, they are particularly at home on the Hamstead Heritage Coast where nature reserves and farmland pepper a landscape perforated by river estuaries. With wildlife thriving and working farm tractors trundling down the track, aptly named Red Squirrel Glamping, makes the most of this idyllic Isle of Wight location. Perched in a quiet corner of Hamstead Farm, this tasteful new addition to the landscape is an enviable place to spend a night or three, and with the tent already pitched all you need do is turn up and light the BBQ.
Tucked against the tree line of a large open field, the two safari tents of Red Squirrel Glamping, offer a room with a view. Several rooms in fact. Sleeping up to seven people, these well-furnished abodes have a double room, with king sized bed, a separate room with bunk bed and trundle bed, and a third area in the living space with a foldable day bed. Despite this, there is still ample room in the rest of the tent, with a well-kitted out kitchen that houses all the utensils and crockery you'll need, along with a comfortable family area with a toasty log burning stove. Throughout it all, hosts, Simon and Victoria, have added thoughtful little touches like books, games and a welcome hamper on arrival that shows the care and attention they have put into the campsite's creation.
Out back a private bathroom for each tent has a proper flushing loo and a modern shower unit. From within its wooden walls you can still just about hear the call of the cockerel as you take your morning shower. Indeed, the chickens really are your closest neighbour, with a coup between the two safari tents where campers can collect their eggs for breakfast. Cows and horses are also close at hand, surprisingly sociable with the kids, or wander amongst the trees looking for pheasants and the aforementioned red squirrel. Stroll too far and you’ll stumble across the farm's secluded stony beach. On a warm sunny day, it's a great place to sit amongst the stones, while children hunt for fossils, and read a book with sailing boats drifting to and fro across the horizon.
For most, of course, it is the overall destination that leads campers towards this glampsite and there’s no denying that the rest of the Isle of Wight is probably what you're rushing to explore. But Red Squirrel Glamping will make you pause for thought. As you watch the ebb and flow of the tide from your wooden veranda, the pace of life seems to slow to that languid holiday pace we’re all looking for. It may just make you forget about the car altogether, taking the scenic coastal footpath everywhere instead.
Red Squirrel Glamping enjoys exquisite views of the Solent and Newton Creek – their beauty drawing you down to the seafront for a closer look. The Newtown National Nature Reserve (01983 531785) is therefore an excellent place to start. The whole estuary is a conservation area of mudflats, salt marsh and meadows. From the visitor point opposite the 17th century Old Town Hall, a gentle mile and a half walk takes you around the village and church of Newtown and out to the old quay and salt-pan feeder ponds where salt was made until the 1930s. Back inland, Carisbrooke Castle (08703 331181) is a superbly preserved Norman keep, well worth a visit, and the pretty village of Calbourne (01983 531227) demands your attention as you pass through en route to The Needles (0871 7200022). Here the heritage coast has several picturesque bays and beaches, including Freshwater and Colwell, while back to its north the pleasant town of Yarmouth (3 miles from the campsite) is one of the prettiest arrival points on the island, with a castle (01983 760678) overlooking the harbour entrance and an excellent array of eateries.
The nearest pub is the Horse and Groom (01983 760672), 1.5 miles away, a family friendly spot with an extensive garden and outdoor play area. The New Inn (01983 531324) is also relatively close at hand and has one of the best reputations on the island for food. Head east into Yarmouth for a wider selection of grub. Try Salty's Fish Restaurant (01983 761550), a watering hole popular with locals as well as yacht crews. Downstairs in the quirky bar, there’s a casual, vaguely Mediterranean feel, while the restaurant upstairs is more refined, but still gets its supplies of fresh seafood from the family boat. At the other end of the scale is the menu at The Wheatsheaf (01983 760456), which runs the gamut of cuisines, from pizzas to fajitas to curry of the day via a range of burgers, and pancakes for puddings. The selection is wide, but it all lives up to its excellent reputation.
