Brook Meadow brings pure glamour to glamping. Lisa Harris discovers why plush sofas, wood-fired pizza and foodie hampers make camping much more fun. 

Where is it? 

This idyllic campsite is in the village of Sibbertoft, Northamptonshire. A short car ride from Market Harborough, it’s also under an hour from London by train, or two hours by car. 

What’s the accommodation like? 

Grassy camping pitches and campervan hook ups were buzzing with families, while keen anglers pitched their tents lakeside (presumably in hope of catching Big Brenda, the legendary 27lb carp). Glamping spots include a 1967 Airstream, a bell tent and luxury lodges, so there’s a pitch for every style of holiday.  

My good friend Tori and I stayed in the palatial Marabou Lodge, with our two young daughters for a girlie weekend. Inspired by the owners' love for Robert Redford in Out of Africa, Marabou Lodge is technically a tent, with canvas walls and zip-up door, but the two-storey structure’s opulent decor makes my past ‘glamping’ experiences look like roughing it. The lodge sleeps up to eight, in a master bedroom, super-king cubby hole bed, and family room mezzanine. Jungle print, upcycled furniture, iridescent peach dinnerware, and oversized plants make it feel like a true romantic escape. 

What did you eat and drink? 

The lodge has an induction hob and Smeg fridge, for self-catering luxury. The wood-burning stove kept the living area delightfully snug, with a cute cast iron oven on top. I felt very homestead chic as I roasted vegetables over the embers, and finished off our Friday night supper with pantry essentials from home. ‘Moovie’ night was Saturday’s highlight, where an old cow shed has been transformed into a hay bale cinema. The girls rolled around laughing at Peter Rabbit, before we picked up a wood-fired pizza from The Wood Oven, the resident horsebox pizzeria. With dinner sorted, we lit a campfire and toasted marshmallows for pudding. 

The campsite partners with La Fête Fleurie, run by local artisan baker and florist Nicola Ash. As well as running a pop-up coffee shop and cocktail bar in the summer, Nicola delivers gourmet hampers to your tent door (from £10.50pp, two person minimum). Homemade tea loaves, floral shortbread and fig-leaf jam set us up for never-ending afternoon tea, and the girls loved the s’mores hot chocolate kit and sausage rolls.  

What is there to do? 

Set on a 400-acre working farm, Claire Hart runs the campsite while her parents, Jasper and Mary, host visitors. Mary showed us around her garden allotment one morning, introducing the girls to homegrown produce before collecting fresh eggs from under warm fluffy hens. Jasper gave us a farm tour in his snazzy Jeep, including a very British safari of pheasants, cows and calves. 

We made bold plans to visit Mini Meadows petting farm, just three miles up the road – but we were too comfortable to leave. The wooden play area and hidden fairy garden were too enchanting for the girls, and we were beguiled by tea and cake.  

Don’t miss the lakeside wild sauna, yoga classes and seasonal events which pop-up over the summer. 

What do I need to pack?  

This might be glamping, but you’ll still need camping essentials like Crocs, a cosy fireside jumper, and bath towel. Bring basics like oil, teabags, coffee and milk, but the campsite shop is well stocked if you forget the marshmallows or run out of loo roll.  

Lasting memory 

Tori and I sipping tea on the sunny veranda as the kids played happily. Everything was taken care of – what a rare treat to just be, with absolutely nothing to do. 

Sainsbury’s magazine insider tip 

Pizzas are popular at the weekend, so order ahead. Borrow pond nets, croquet or Giant Jenga from reception for more outdoor family fun.