Today’s interview is with Avril from Cae Wennol Yurts

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

My name is Avril and my son is called Dylan. I was born in the little village Rowen and grew up speaking Welsh and attending the local school. I then moved away.

I returned approx. 18 years ago, with my husband and son and farmed the small holding. My husband died in 2001 so I decided to diversify and it took me three long years to attain planning permission for the yurts.

Have you always wanted to run a glamping site? How did you get interested in it?

My idea for glamping was born from the love of living outside and returning to a more natural life.

What made you pick the location for your glamping site?

The Yurt site is on my small holding and I always considered it a special place. Its history dating back to Roman times.

Do you get a wide range of different people from different walks of life or are there certain types of guests who come to stay at your site?

The people that visit Cae Wennol range from all different walks of life and all gain a new experience from their visit. Children especially enjoy the freedom and the natural ponds and habitat.

When guests stay, do they usually cook on site or do you find a lot like to go exploring and eat out at local places?

Guests staying vary, cooking facilities are, the pizza oven, conventional barbeque, masonry barbeques and wood burning Rayburn and a gas hob. Many guests make their own dough and choose the pizza oven.

Alternatively there is The Groes Inn which is a ten minute walk or The Ty Gwyn Hotel in Rowen which is a short drive away or one of the many varied eating places in Conwy a ten minute drive away.

If there was one activity to participate in, landmark, or place of interest that you would recommend guests visit while staying at your site, what would it be and why?

All of Snowdonia. There is Cae Wennol Garden, Snowdon and the National Park, Bodnant Gardens, The Longest Zip-Ride in Europe, The Historic Castle in Conwy town, fabulous beaches…the list is endless

What do you think sets your glamping site apart from others?

My glamping site only has three yurts, all private, with their own separate loos. The Yurt Kitchen provides loads of seating and a great hang out place where guests chill and friendships are forged.

Most guests are torn, they want to stay and chill but so many things to see and do…so evenings are great when everybody returns the smell of wood smoke and cooking and children playing while families discuss their experiences over a glass of wine or beer. In the evening, Cae Wennol is lit with discreet coloured LED lighting inside the kitchen and yurts…Magical!

What has been the most memorable moment that has happened on your glamping site?

Funnily enough many guests arrive with the new addition to the family usually 3/6 months old!

Do you provide any services/entertainment/activities onsite or elsewhere for your guests?

No I provide no entertainment everyone is different and their activities are usually their personal choice.

What plans (if any) do you have for your glamping site in the future?

I may create an eco-hobbit house which can be occupied throughout the year…the priority is personal, private and magical.