Reconnect, Rewild, Recharge: Glamping at The Nest

After a whirlwind week of school exams, looming deadlines, and relentless screen time, the Branson family found themselves craving something rare and restorative: true connection — with each other, and with nature. So, we traded Wi-Fi for woodland walks, spreadsheets for sunset, and emails for evening birdsong, as we headed off to The Nest, a serene glamping haven just outside Stamford, Lincolnshire.

As we battled Friday night traffic, a small pang of anxiety set in: had I packed everything we might need? In the busyness of daily life, preparation had fallen by the wayside. But, as it turns out, one of the many joys of glamping at The Nest is that everything you could possibly need — and more — is already thoughtfully provided.

Inside Our Nest

Arriving just as the sun dipped behind the shimmering lake, the scene felt almost cinematic. The soft, golden light illuminated our weekend home: a spacious, beautifully appointed safari-style tent named Pinkfoot. Sleeping up to six guests, it boasts a king-size master suite, a whimsical cabin bed beloved by our daughter, and a twin room — ideal for family adventures big and small. Families with younger children are also thoughtfully catered for, with the option to add up to two cots per lodge.

Inside, Pinkfoot was pure magic: a blend of rustic charm and quiet luxury. Central to the space stood a majestic wood-burning stove, offering a heart-warming glow on cooler evenings — and a clever way to cook meals with its integrated oven and hob. For convenience, a plug-in electric hob is provided too. The kitchen was impressively equipped, from pots and pans to drinkware and even those often-forgotten essentials like foil, bin bags, and washing-up liquid. Fresh local coffee from Two Chimps and a cafetière ensured our mornings started slowly, savouring every sip.

After an evening of storytelling in front of the fire, we curled into beds dressed with crisp White Company linen, hypoallergenic pillows, and sumptuous duvets that were so cocooning, it was hard to leave them the next morning. Hot water bottles and a generous supply of throws ensured everyone stayed toasty, while waking up to the mirror-like lake views was pure soul food.

The ‘Glam’ in Glamping

The true ‘glam’ in glamping revealed itself with our private, freestanding egg-shaped bath overlooking the water, a flushing loo, and luxurious complimentary bath products. Hot water, fluffy towels, and peaceful solitude made it feel more boutique hotel than rustic retreat.

On Saturday, we decided to embrace slow living to the fullest. We booked the lodge’s wood-fired hot tub — an absolute must — and created our own pizza night using The Nest’s Gozney pizza oven, complete with ready-made dough and delicious passata. Topping our pizzas together as a family became a highlight; there was something beautifully grounding about simple food, good company, and eating under the open sky.

Our daughter loved the independence of her cosy cabin bed nook, where she spent hours listening to music. Meanwhile, Richard and I explored woodland walks, relaxed in the hammock strung between trees, and journaled by the lakeside, letting the birdsong lull us into a deeper state of calm.

We rounded off the trip with a family paddleboarding session and wild swimming — the ultimate bonding experience. Whether you bring your own boards or hire them onsite, gliding across the lake’s glassy surface is an unforgettable memory-maker. For even more relaxation, The Nest offers film-and-firepit evenings, a lakeside sauna and hot tub that can be privately booked.

Although there’s plenty to discover beyond The Nest, from pretty Stamford to local heritage trails, we found it impossible to tear ourselves away. Time seemed to stretch and soften here, allowing each of us the space to unwind and reconnect in our own ways.

As we packed up reluctantly, we all agreed: our stay at The Nest wasn’t just a glamping getaway. It was a much-needed family reset — a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best form of luxury isn’t found in five-star hotels, but in the simple magic of nature, togetherness, and time well spent.

If you’re seeking a luxurious yet soulful escape to recharge your body, mind, and spirit, we can’t recommend The Nest highly enough. Trust us — your future self will thank you.

DISCOVER: thenestglamping.co.uk