Caalm Camp Yurt Holiday in Dorset | Glamping at its best

Are you tired of the same old holiday options? If so, it is time to try something unique. How about staying in a yurt? It is November, I hear you say - not the ideal time for a camping holiday. But let me tell you staying in a luxury yurt is a great adventure - a rustic experience with some creature comforts added so that your holiday is the best of both worlds. And you do not have to head to Mongolia or Kyrgyzstan to experience it. Located in the heart of the Dorset countryside is a family-run, luxury yurt retreat called Caalm Camp. Here you will find six traditional Mongolian yurts situated in a peaceful field on a former dairy farm. The rural retreat is run by Mark and Caryl Ralph and offers the ultimate camping experience no matter which season you visit in.

We recently enjoyed a weekend break in one of the yurts and it was a fabulous experience. As we arrived at Caalm Camp, we were met and welcomed by Mark (our host) who showed us around the site and led us to our yurt. Myself and Bhavin were put up in the 'Daisy' yurt.

The rural setting was lovely and serene and in no time we had settled down and found ourselves immersed in the joys of the countryside.

The Yurt

The yurt was lovely - hand painted in the Mongolian style and bound by horsehair ropes. The yurt was spacious, well equipped and furnished with a comfortable wrought iron double bed, fur blankets, cushions, 2 day beds, drawers for storage, electric lighting and sockets and a wood-burning stove that ensured that we stayed warm and comfortable. There was even a single ring hob within the yurt perfect for an early morning cuppa. We enjoyed ours in the seating area outside the yurt.

Soft cotton linen, a booklet with information on the local area and the wood-burning stove lit before we checked-in so that we walked into a yurt that was warm and cosy - all these little touches added to our wonderful experience. Caalm Camp also offer free wood for the wood burning stove and the fire pit (outside the yurt) for the duration of your stay. This is often an extra at most other camping sites.

Onsite facilities | The Old Haybarn

The onsite facilities at Caalm Camp make your stay a very relaxed and enjoyable one. Located a short walk away from the yurts is the Old Haybarn. It houses a spacious and fully equipped communal kitchen. Pots and pans, a number of hobs and microwaves and individual crockery and storage cupboards and fridge for each yurt are provided. The dining area and communal lounge were also spacious and lots of toys and games had been provided for the young guests. Freeview TV and Wi-Fi were available in the lounge. So, if you want a break from hanging out in the yurt, you can come down to the Old Haybarn and enjoy the board games, books, watch the telly or hobnob with the two goats in the barn.

Each yurt has its own (lockable) private shower room in the Old Haybarn. It was spacious, clean, had a heated towel rail and was stocked with fresh towels. The list of facilities doesn't end there. There was also a pool table and facilities for table tennis. The owners have put a lot of thought into making the site a truly great one.

The site also has a communal campfire area which is ideal for toasting marshmallows while enjoying the rural setting.

Out and about

Caalm Camp is located in the beautiful North Dorset countryside and there are many popular tourist attractions nearby – Longleat Safari Park, Stonehenge, Wookey Hole, Stourhead (National Trust) and a number of beautiful Dorset villages to explore. You can also explore the Jurassic Coast.

Our experience

Staying in the yurt was a truly unique experience. Even during the frosty months, it can be very cosy inside as we gathered from our stay. The yurts are well insulated so you can expect a comfortable stay. The yurt has a screened skylight at the top which means that you can lie in the bed at night and stare up at the stars. On the first night of our stay, the sky was clear and we enjoyed star gazing - it was quite an experience.

We enjoyed every aspect of our stay - the sense of peace and tranquillity on the farm, listening to the wind and star gazing, keeping the woodstove stocked with wood in the evenings, listening to the distant mooing of the cows and sitting around the woodstove enjoying a glass of drink. Staying in the yurt was like leading a different way of life and we did not miss anything. We liked it a lot and would definitely go back.

Crisp morning views across the campsite

Booking

I think these yurts are suited to couples looking for a romantic break as much as they are suited to families with children who are looking for an outdoor adventure. If you have never been glamping, this would be an ideal place to experience it.

Caalm Camp | Goods Farm, Stour Row, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 0QH
Telephone | 01747 838565

Tips

• Don't forget to bring marshmallows for toasting on the open fire pit outside your yurt. 
• The doors to the yurts are not of the standard height, so mind your head while entering/exiting.
• You can receive a massage in your yurt whilst staying at Caalm Camp. Contact Caalm Camp for more details or to book an appointment.

Our stay was arranged by Caalm Camp. All opinions, as always, are our own.

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