GLAMPING | Spring Glamping at Wigwam® Holidays Clarion Lodge, Otley in Yorkshire

March 18, 2018 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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Glamping, Glamping Site Reviews, Homepage Feature

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Where did I go?

Clarion Lodge Campsite
West Chevin Road
Menston
Ilkley
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS29 6BG

www.wigwamholidays.com

Need to know

£48 per night for 2 people
Weekly prices from £280 for 2 people sharing
Arrivals between 2pm and 6pm, departure by 11am
Cabins all have heating, electricity and a basic kitchen area
Big Chief cabins sleep up to 5 people and do not include a bathroom
Bedding is not provided
Dogs are welcome
Ideal for exploring Ilkley Moor

The accommodation

On site at Clarion Lodge campsite there are 3 spacious ‘Big Chief’ Wigwams, one of 3 different cabin styles offered by Wigwam Holidays. I arrived late on a chilly Friday night to find the lights on, the key in the door and thankfully, the heater already on inside my cabin.

The cabins are spacious and have a U shaped seating configuration, plus a further sofa opposite the kitchen area. With the addition of sliding wooden boards the main U shaped seating area can be made into an enormous bed, and along with the second sofa made up as a bed, the cabins can sleep up to 5 people. As I was traveling alone, I opted to make up a single bed (bring your own bedding), and then set about unpacking.

My bed set up inside the cabin

There’s a basic kitchen inside which includes a kettle, toaster, fridge and a microwave as well as plates and cutlery, so I’d planned my meals accordingly, and handily had some freeze dried camping meals with me, meaning my late dinner was just a case of boiling the kettle. The Chevin Inn pub is very close to the site (a few minutes walk) which looked lovely, though I didn’t get chance to try it out.

Kitchen facilities inside the cabin

The cabin warmed up quickly and I immeditely felt at home, and despite only having a sleeping bag with me, I spent the first of two comfortable nights in the cabin.

The view from Beech cabin

On site

Although this is a small campsite, you’ll find everything you need for a short stay or holiday. The site has good facilities that include toilet and shower blocks and a washing up cabin with sinks and a great little area packed full of tourist information leaflets. The friendly site owners too are happy to advise you on the local area and are full of recommendations of things to do and places to see.

There is no shop on site, but it’s right on the edge of the town of Chevin, so shops aren’t far away at all.

The toilet and shower block on the left and the little green washing up cabin beyond

Out and about

The weather forced a last minute change of plans for me, instead of heading out to walk on Ilkley Moor as I had planned, due to pouring rain and poor visibility I decided instead to head to Mother Shipton’s Cave in the beautifully picturesque town of Knaresborough followed by an afternoon in the lovely spa town of Harrogate.

Family friendly woodland walk at Mother Shipton’s Cave

Looking back out towards the petrifying well from Mother Shipton’s Cave

Mother Shipton’s Cave was quirky, informative and fun, and afterwards I took the opportunity to take a good long walk following the River Nidd. After my walk I sought out somewhere to eat lunch and whilst there were plenty of cafes and tea rooms to choose from, I liked the look of The Ugly Ducking Tea Room where I had a delicious meal overlooking the River.

I’d definitely recommend a walk beside the River Nidd in Knaresborugh

The verdict

The campsite is pretty and well kept, and whilst it’s the smallest campsite I’ve stayed at and it was out of season, the cabins were all full – proving what a popular choice the Wigwam Holiday cabins here are, whatever the weather!

I’ve previously stayed in the ‘Running Water’ style cabin which includes a full kitchen and ensuite shower room and absolutely loved the convenience of having those facilities inside the lodge, however, don’t let the fact that there’s no sink or bathroom facilities inside the ‘Big Chief’ cabin put you off! No matter which of the 3 cabins you’re in here, you are just a few steps away from the toilet and shower block which also has a standpipe outside.

The only changes I would make would be to include optional bedding packs for guests and I do love a good campfire, even a communal area with a firepit would have been lovely, though I suspect this isn’t possible due to the size of the site.

In terms of value for money, particularly for families and small groups who want a warm and comfortable base to explore the region from, you can’t go far wrong choosing Wigwam Holidays Clarion Lodge. At just £48 per night (it’s cheaper still if you book for a whole week), they represent excellent value for money.

Sweeping countryside views

The views from the site over the moors are extensive and the area itself has lots to offer, from amazing walking on Ilkley Moor and at Chevin Forest Park through to great fun family days out at places like Mother Shipton’s Cave in near by Knaresborough and Bolton Abbey.

In my opinion Wigwam Holidays Clarion Lodge is the ideal choice for young families and I thoroughly enjoyed my short stay!

Find out more

Thank you to Wigwam Holidays who invited us to stay.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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