Glamping at YHA Manorbier, Pembrokeshire

This post is not in association with the YHA & we paid for our trip in full, although I have worked with the YHA in the past

Hand's up who loves budget-friendly family travel (or solo travel) in amazing locations, I know I do and who doesn't love glamping! Not everyone knows that the YHA or Youth Hostels Association as it's otherwise known not only offers bunk & private room rooms but also camping and glamping options at some of their locations and I've been keen to try out their glamping options for a while, as the kids and I have stayed in a few different YHA's in the past but never their glamping.

We love West Wales but hadn't yet visited Manorbier so when I spotted two nights available in the YHA Manorbier Camping Pods I thought why not. YHA Manorbier has 3 large camping pods which comfortably sleep 4 on two single beds and one double futon (with fresh bedding included) there is also space for a dog if you want to bring your four-legged friend along for the ride. While the pods are fairly basic they have everything you need to be comfortable and cosy including a small wall heater for those colder nights (although we didn't need to use it), lights and plug sockets to charge any tech. Each pod also has its own decking area with chairs along with some additional picnic tables.

 

YHA Manorbier, however, doesn't just have Camping Pods but they also offer Bell Tents through the summer months, LandPods and a very cool and shiny Airstream, which I would have booked but it only sleeps two people but it's definitely on the list for a solo adventure at some point. 

Guests of course also have year-round access to the camping facilities including showers, hairdryers, toilets and lounge, there is also a self-catering kitchen although this is closed due to Covid, however, their Cafe is open all day and very reasonably priced. The only thing I would like to point out is that because it's in a beautiful rural location (which is what we like) that phone reception is very patchy at best with minimal 4g (3g) which was great for us as we wanted to disconnect for a few days, the lounge in the YHA, however, does have some wifi but it doesn't reach as far as the camping field. 

So what did we think of the actual pod? 

It's certainly an easier, quicker and more comfortable option to traditional camping (which we still love but now we have a dog its a real tight squeeze in our car with all our equipment) while still keeping things fairly basic and capturing that camping feel. The beds were very comfortable and had enough space for all of us, including the dog. The decking area was also very handy as we could keep wet or muddy shoes outside as well as enjoy a drink while watching the sunset. Overall we loved the accommodation which was lovely and clean, with easy access to the car park, showers and on-site cafe.

The staff were also incredibly friendly and welcoming and on hand for any questions or recommendations on local walks. We also enjoyed at least one lunch and one supper at the on-site cafe and the food was fresh with good options for both myself and the kids as well as being very really reasonably priced. 

We went just before the summer holidays so the site wasn't too busy while still taking advantage of the summery weather and our dog enjoyed all the walks and trails literally right on our doorstep including exploring Church Doors Cove and Shrinkle Haven. I will be following this post up with a list of things to do in the area as we were really spoilt for choice for free outdoor activities.

We had such a lovely time that we are planning on another visit as there was so much to do in the local area and we didn't have time to do all of them.

Do also check out our stay at YHA London Central, YHA Ironbridge and YHA St Briavels Castle