What's the score?
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the fast pace of the city then yes, it’s a sign you’re getting old, but embrace it, we say. Pack your bag, put your foot down and you’ll be at Secret Meadows in Hasketon, Suffolk in time for lunch. Now you’re surrounded by 115 acres of wildflower meadow and dense woodland, it’s time to set up camp. But hold on, before you start running back to the smoky safety of the city in horror, don’t – you won’t find any dank, smelly tents here. Farm owners Charlotte Daniel and husband Ross have created a luxurious, safari-style setup that barely qualifies as camping.
The tents
Step inside one of the farm’s seven luxury lodge tents and you’ll feel as though you’re standing in a chocolate-box country cottage. Each comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, private toilet and shower with hot water, and there’s a separate bedroom with a huge four-poster bed, so you’re not exactly roughing it. That said, those wanting to embrace country living can busy themselves by making fire: there’s a box full of wood for you to chop and throw into the wood-burning stove. Once the sun goes down, light the oil lanterns, get the BBQ fired up and settle down in your hammock to watch the stars. If that ain’t one for the Instagram family album, we don’t know what is.
Get the BBQ fired up and settle down in your hammock to watch the stars
The grounds
Spend a couple of hours walking through the farm’s dense, buttercup-filled woodland, which is owned by the Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust and is home to more than 50 species of bird, including the nightingale – if twitching’s your thing, pack the binoculars. Alternatively, raid the farm’s bountiful pantry before you head off, then laze by one of the tranquil ponds and dig into goodies including crusty bread with creamy local cheese when the munchies hit.
Nearby
If the sun’s out, the coastal town of Aldeburgh is only a short drive away, and its pretty shingle beach is dotted with small boats and colourful fishermen’s huts.
Secret Meadows: Need to know
Address: White House Farm, IP13 6JP
Price: from £131 per night (sleeps 6)
Getting there: 2.5 hrs by car or 1.5 hrs by train
Booking: canopyandstars.co.uk
Grab a lobster roll from one of the fresh-fish shacks by the sea, then take a stroll to the Red House: it’s the former home of composer Benjamin Britten.
Once you’ve had a healthy dose of history, head to the Ice Creamery for a larger, less healthy dose of locally-made ice cream, packed full of cookies or peanut butter.
