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Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans

Ross On Wye Hr9 7 Je, Herefordshire, England
1 acre hosted by Sacha J.
Classic caravans in a classic British setting
We’ve long been champions of traditional, old-school camping; where the pitches are woven among wild grass and entertainment comes from spotting birds among the trees not playing Angry Birds on your i-phone. But nowhere harks nostalgically towards the past quite like Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans. In the heart of the Wye Valley, among spinneys of grand, mature trees and pastures overflowing with cow parsley, this eco-friendly glamping site is a masterpiece of all things retro. The newest of its four vintage vans is freshly restored from no later than the 1950s, while the oldest is a 1930s Cheltenham Gnu and one of only two in the country. Prepare for a genuinely vintage vacation like no other.

Despite the old-fashioned feel of it all – think gas lamps on the walls, original oak furnishings, wood burning stoves and classic, retro homewares – nothing is at the expense of comfort. The lack of 21st century intrusions like WiFi and gadgetry is a blessing, while the provision of almost everything you could possibly need (bedding and linen provided, just bring your own towels) makes it an easy, no-fuss break.

Each of the four vans is unique. Gertie, the 1930’s Gnu, with her outer appearance reminiscent of a first class railway carriage and interior of folky, boho style, sleeps 4. Sybil, the handmade 40s caravan, boasts a pair of double beds and a child's hammock bunk, all inside a dainty, lime green wooden shell. While Elise the 50’s van is ideal for couples, featuring a quirky lantern roof, a king-sized bed and a classic cocktail cabinet. Perhaps most unusual is the World War Two military wagon, weighing in at almost three and a half tonnes. Built to withstand a bomb-blast, this hulking box on wheels is surprisingly well shaped to work as glamping accommodation. One side has been cut out into huge swing doors, opening onto a deck and making use of the uniquely high chassis level – the perfect spot for a sundowner. The upcycled, wooden interior, meanwhile, comfortably sleeps a family of four (or five by way of a campbed on the floor) with a handy kitchenette and wood burning stove.

The rest of the campsite continues the authentic feel. Set in a small wildflower meadow in the garden of a Grade II listed rectory, there’s ample space for kids to run amok – plus the rectory’s tennis court to use. It’s a short stroll to a wooded copse where the shower shack is found. Made entirely from upcycled materials, it’s as characterful as the accommodation and just as well-equipped, with flushing and composting loos, a fantastic hot shower and a wealth of eco-friendly toiletries. The communal fire-place nearby is a natural centre-piece for the site – another place to be enchanted by camping of old, cooking over the flames with a traditional tripod and griddle – and the surrounding trees are ideal for den building and tyre swinging. By the end of your stay, you won’t want to return to the 21st century!

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Location
Ross On Wye Hr9 7 Je, Herefordshire, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Sacha J.Joined in November 2015

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