Glamping at Top of The Woods, Boncath, Wales

So nice we did it twice! I have to say it's not often that I rebook a place, simply because I love to try new places but Top of the Woods, in Boncath West Wales is worth a revisit, in fact, I can see it becoming somewhat of an annual tradition especially as it offers family and dog-friendly accommodation. Perhaps because you really can switch off here, phone reception doesn't exist and only the thinnest slither of wifi can be found near the main farmhouse and it's patchy at best but that's not why you come somewhere like Top of the Woods, you come to make real connections, with nature, your family with new friends, in a gorgeous rural location completely off-grid.

Top of The Woods offers 3 glamping options - Pioneer Camps, Nature Domes and Safari lodges, all of which are comfortable and high-end with private & undercover cooking areas but some offer more facilities. 

On our first visit, we stayed in a Nature Dome and our second in a Pioneer Camp, so I will focus on these for this review as I can offer my first-hand experience of them. There is also meadow camping for those who want to bring their own tent, with lovely views and large wild meadow for children to run and play.

 

Nature Domes - these are great even for the slightly off-peak months, we stayed in one in September and the dome remained cool during the day and nice and toasty in the evening with the use of the wood burning stove, honestly we didn't feel chilly once. The domes all come with awesome views across the welsh countryside where you can enjoy a cafetiere coffee in the morning which you can find in your own undercover camping kitchen, which really does have everything you need to cook up a feast. The dome also has solar lighting throughout and blackout curtains to help keep out that very early summer sun. The interior itself is also stylish with wood flooring, welsh wool blankets and rugs and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Pioneer Camps - our stay this year was during a heatwave and I'm so glad we opted for a Pioneer Camp tent which in the extreme heat offered more ventilation than the Domes (don't be put off the Domes, it was extreme heat) and while they are slightly more back to basics than the Domes, we loved it. The camps are surrounded by a wildflower meadow and woodlands and come with their own firepit & wagon-style covered kitchen. There is raised wood flooring inside as well as a log burner which we didn't need to use on this occasion and soft crisp bedding which meant we got a good night's sleep.

Regardless of whether you decide to camp or glamp everyone has access to an array of facilities on site which not only ensures you stay comfortable but also encourages a connection with nature and community. The Dutch barn is a focus point of the site and offers a large all-weather covered picnic area, freezers and charging points should you need them (but as I said there is zero phone reception here). Right next to the dutch barn is the hammock garden, which both myself and my kids loved as well as the communal fire pit which hosts campfire stories during the summer holidays.

While refreshingly there isn't a "play park" as the whole site is there for children to explore, there is a willow garden, a games room with plenty of board games, a waterfall trail and lots of space to run free. The site is also completely car-free with wheelbarrows on hand (again very popular with my kids) with parking only being a short distance away but knowing there are no cars driving around brings an extra peace of mind to parents with kids who will naturally enjoy running across the meadows. If you wake up early you can also join Jon to meet their three resident Kunekune pigs which are adorable.

Wild Swimming in the River Teifi

 

Things to do close by

I would highly recommend the Waterfall walk which takes you through the stunning Fynnone woods to Fynnone waterfall which really is somewhat of a hidden gem and makes for a great adventure-filled day out that costs nothing except a packed lunch (and spare clothes if you plan to take a dip in the waterfall pool). 

We also really enjoyed a visit to both Newcastle Emlyn Castle and Cligerran castle, both of which are free to enter and explore and for those who love Wild swimming then there is a great spot suitable for young and old on the river Teifi just behind Cilgerran castle. 

If you like partial to ancient neolithic history then I also encourage a visit to Pentre Ifan, a neolithic chambered Dolmen thought to date from 3,500 BC as well as the surrounding Ty Canol Ancient woods.

There is also plenty of coastline to explore and we really enjoyed hiring Kayaks in Cardigan and then enjoying a short walk over to Pizza Tipi for some of the best Pizza you will taste in Wales. 

You can of course opt to take it really slow and just enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Top of the Woods, which is what a lot of people come to do. 

Top of the Woods Eco camping and Glamping is found in Boncath, Pembrokeshire and is open from the end of March 2023 to October 2023, so if you looking for a springtime adventure next year keep this place in mind.