Today’s interview is with Simon at The Firs Yurt Campsite, Malvern, Worcestershire
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?
We are both in our 50’s and from Malvern, Worcestershire
Have you always wanted to run a glamping site? How did you get interested in it?
We started in 2012. Before starting the Glamping Site we owned a 5 star (Gold Award) bed and breakfast and so were accustomed to providing guest accommodation at the highest standard. I met with the Malvern Hills economic development officer in 2011 who gave me the idea of yurts.
What made you pick the location for your glamping site?
I was brought up in the area and Castlemorton is a beautiful expanse of unspoilt commonland. It is a significant part of the Malvern Hills and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our yurt site is on Castlemorton Common with fantastic views of the Malvern Hills.
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?
We tend to get families with young children and groups of women aged anywhere between 20 and 50 years. They are attracted to the area because the Malvern Hills is a known tourist destination.
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?
Some like to prepare food on site but most choose to eat at the many pubs in the area. There are three pubs within walking distance of the site each offer a diverse choice of food ranging from ‘pub grub’ to restaurant cuisine.
Our BBQ’s are very popular and they are good quality appliances.
We converted a former stable block into a fully equipped kitchen. So there is a cooker with oven and hob, a microwave oven, a full size fridge, a freezer, toaster, kettles, food preparation areas, ample pots, pans, plates, mugs glasses etc etc.
The yurts also have a fridge, kettle, hospitality tray with tea coffee, biscuits, sugar, hot chocolate and more. The fridge is stocked with water, milk and orange juice.
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?
I am reluctant to identify a single activity; however, if I had to I would say there is great appeal exploring the Malvern Hills either on foot, mountain cycle or horseback. The scenery is beautiful, views from up high are breathtaking and there is a feeling of freedom and clean air!
What do you think sets your glamping site apart from others?
We have set our standards high. Nothing is ‘Heath Robinson’ and we make the effort to make our guests welcome and feel as comfortable as possible. The feedback we get is very positive in respect of the facilities and the area.
There are lots to do… hacking (on horseback) on the common land, taking part in adventure activities, walking, river cruise, shopping, visiting castles and National Trust/English Heritage properties. This is England at its best!
Our yurts are very well equipped and nicely furnished. Each yurt has king size metal frame bed with luxury bedding and this is complemented by two single beds with the same luxury bedding. There is a dining table and chairs, large sofa, chest of drawers and ample other storage. Thanks for stopping by. Before we carry on I need to thank http://www.bencarlson.co.uk/ for their continued support and the support of their local community. Having a company and team like this means a lot to us as we continue to grow our personal blog.
Outside on the veranda there is a further patio table and chairs with parasol, a chimenea and quality BBQ. Then there’s the posh loos and walkin showers, and the previously mentioned kitchen.
What has been the most memorable moment that has happened on your glamping site?
The great time a group of young women experienced celebrating the forthcoming wedding of one of them (or in other words a hen party).
Most of our guests are really taken with the location as well as the first impression as you enter a yurt. This is particularly enhanced by the lighting in the yurt. Guests appreciate the little luxury extras we provide, cakes, biscuits and the likes.
Maybe we haven’t been going long enough to have experienced a particularly funny incident.
Do you provide any services/entertainment/activities onsite or elsewhere for your guests?
We provide breakfasts including baked croissants, pastries, pain au chocolat etc. We also sell sausage, bacon, egg, hash browns, and black pudding for guests to cook themselves.
An area in the kitchen is dedicated for guests to buy simple provisions such as tins of baked beans, tomatoes, packet rice and lots more
What plans (if any) do you have for your glamping site in the future?
We have just started to expand by adding a new large bell tent. We will no doubt add more either later this year or next season.
