How to make the most of your stay when the weather isn’t on your side

Written by Alice; Home Farm Team Member

On one particularly grey and drizzly afternoon this summer, I got chatting to one of our glampers and expressed my regret that the weather hadn’t been better during his stay. His optimistic response surprised me. He said that the weather was a win-win for his family: had the kids been at home on this overcast day they would have spent the whole time glued to their tablets. Instead, they were running around the Home Farm meadow playing hide and seek in the long grass, football on the lawn and ping pong in the barn. His gratitude for seeing his family enjoying a digital detox and reconnecting with one another - rain or shine - is what we’re all about. 

While we always hope the sun is shining down on the site, the unpredictable weather patterns we are seeing might mean that your stay with us might be a little wet. But don’t be disheartened! There is plenty to do on site and in the local area to keep spirits up and your happy campers, well… happy! 

Making mischief and chilling out onsite

Board games and hot chocolate in the barn

We kit the barn out each year with a selection of family board games - although you’re very welcome to bring your favourite games or a pack of cards from home to whip out whatever the weather is doing! We have long bench tables as well as sofas in the barn, as well as a basket of blankets and hot water bottles in case it’s a little nippy to make an afternoon of games cosy and comfortable.

Massage in the meadow with Inspirations Beauty

Relax and unwind to the pitter-patter of raindrops falling on Inspiration Beauty’s massage tent overlooking the meadow. Rachel and Emma offer an indulgent range of treatments and with years of training and expertise are bound to leave you feeling rejuvenated mind, body and soul! Book your treatment with them directly: www.inspirationsbeautyclinicstalbans.com

Yoga classes, workshops and retreats in the SouLand yoga yurt

Join Zoe and the SouLand yoga tribe for intimate yoga classes and workshops in her beautiful hand-made yoga yurt. Adjacent to the barn, and blessed with a wood-burning stove for those chillier days, Zoe runs daily classes to nourish and restore. Better still, glampers receive a discount on her classes. Book your space on the SouLand website.

Get crafty in the barn

Keep the kids (or big kids!) entertained with some arts and crafts in the barn. There is a Hobby Craft just a couple of miles away in Borehamwood, or you could buy your materials online and arrange for the delivery to come directly to the site. We’ve seen tie dying, kite building, mask-making and just about everything in between being made in the barn. The site team are always happy to help you set up a workstation or even get involved if you’ll let them!

Wine Tasting with the Hertfordshire Wine School

We believe the best way to learn about wine is to taste it! Why not arrange a workshop with the experts from the Hertfordshire Wine School for a relaxed and informal introduction to wine in the barn. You’ll learn about different wine styles, grapes and wine regions and taste 6 delicious wines from around the world. By the end you’ll be able to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro! 

Peaceful reading in your tent

As much as we can facilitate you doing something, we also encourage you to do nothing. It can be hard to find time these days to snuggle under a blanket with a cup of tea and delve into a good book. If you’ve forgotten your current read at home then we’ve got you covered with a bundle of books in your tent and plenty stacked on the shelves in the barn. Take a moment to enjoy a digital detox and embrace the rain for guilt-free alone time.

Getting off site to explore the local area and beyond...

Explore Historical St Albans

For our guests not local to us in Hertfordshire, St Albans is a perfect afternoon outing, especially on a rainy afternoon. With shops, cafes, pubs, attractions and, of course, the cathedral, there’s plenty to see, do and eat just a thirty minute drive from our site.

Visit our local distillery Puddingstone Distillery for some gin sampling and a tour

Did someone say Gin O’Clock? Join other like-minded gin lovers for an evening gin distillery tour at Puddingstone Distillery in Tring. Held on Thursday nights, founders, Ben and Kate Marston present an insight into the history of gin, Puddingstone Distillery and how they make Campfire Gin. The two hour evening session includes two gin cocktails from the Campfire Gin menu, gin samples and a branded Puddingstone Distillery glass to take home.

Day trip to the Warner Bros. Studios

Harry Potter fans will be pleased to hear that Home Farm Glamping is just 7 miles from the Warner Bros. Studios in Watford. Enjoy a magical afternoon exploring iconic sets and discover what it took to bring the Harry Potter books to life! 

A jaunt to London city 

Being only a five minute drive from Elstree & Borehamwood Station (taking you on the fast train to Kings Cross in 20 minutes), Edgware tube station (the end of the Northern Line) and Stanmore tube station (the end of the Jubilee line) we’re conveniently located for a day trip into London. Whether you’re a culture vulture, shopaholic or foodie there’s always something going on in the capital to keep you entertained on a wet afternoon!