I stayed at the UK’s original glamping destination with al fresco massages and farmhouse style tents.

According to The Sun: CAMPING – you either love it or hate it.

After surviving apocalyptic rain and witnessing tent pegs flying at night, I had already tried glamping - but it didn't bring me joy either.

But now, in my early 40s, I realized that I simply didn't know how to do it right.

All I needed was to return to the roots of glamping.

A long time ago, before tipis took over festival fields, Feather Down was a true pioneer in the world of glamping.

This company, which started from a small farm in Hampshire, now has 57 farms across Europe, with 22 in the UK.

I visited one of these farms, just 30 minutes south of Shrewsbury, near the village of Stapleton in Shropshire.

We were warmly greeted by Kevan and his wife Joy, who own the 200-acre Upper Shadymoor farm – a real paradise in nature.

Kevan led us along a path to our tent for the weekend, Damsel Lodge - a tent styled like a 19th-century farmhouse.

There are six tents on wooden frames, a children's playground, a communal pizzeria, and firewood.

And the nicest part – the tents are equipped with bathrooms with hot water and a wood-burning stove.

Although the stove heats more slowly than an electric kettle at home, we enjoyed tea made over a fire we kindled ourselves. It added a unique flavor.

Comfort and coziness

Damsel Lodge has two bedrooms: one with a double bed, the other with bunk beds, and a cozy cabin bed that accommodates two children or one adult.

The first night was a true fairy tale.

While we unpacked, Kevan dropped by with a BBQ set filled with local produce.

For 35 pounds, we got an excellent deal: four hamburgers, six sausages, chicken wings, two pheasant fillets, and enough buns for all three nights.

Meanwhile, a bit further down the picturesque lane, other families were heating pizza after buying homemade dough from Honesty Shop.

Romantic atmosphere

At sunset, we lit the grill and the fire.

While the flames burned, we played cards and showcased our caveman skills with a few drinks.

As darkness fell, we lit oil lamps.

And dinner under their romantic light felt like a scene from a Jane Austen novel.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of birds and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee already boiling on the BBQ outside.

Soon, Kevan came by with our breakfast basket filled with warm croissants, pains au chocolat, homemade jam, and salted butter.

This was the perfect meal before our next walk around the farm with Kevan.

Kevan, a natural teacher, guided us through stinging nettles along paths deep in the forest, encouraging us to engage all five senses and taste wild garlic and fresh cherries picked straight from the tree.

We visited the local hens and collected their eggs.

There were also sheep, swans, six beautiful working dogs, two Shetland ponies, and a horse.

For an additional fee, you can enjoy wild swimming, inflatable paddle boarding, and kayaking on the stunning lake or float in a hot tub.

We even treated ourselves to a massage in the open air.

Outside of Upper Shadymoor are fantastic hiking routes and plenty of country pubs to explore.

We especially enjoyed the pub The Bridges in the nearby village of Ratlinghope.

If you, like I used to, hate camping, give Feather Down the chance to change your mind.

Feather Down offers not just glamping but an experience that combines comfort with nature. This place is suitable for both family vacations and romantic getaways from the city hustle and bustle. Here, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rural life, enjoy comfort and evening gatherings under the stars.

This form of holiday allows you to rediscover nature while enjoying all the benefits of civilization, making it a unique option for those who want to spend time outdoors without major compromises.