Glamping Essex with Hot Tub
Accommodation out of the ordinary, Tey Brook Orchard offers glamping and wild weddings in Essex on a 400 acre farm 6 miles south west of Colchester, located in the village of Great Tey at the confluence of the Roman River and the Tey Brook. The farm benefits from the rich alluvial soil of the river valley which is naturally high in organic matter. The farm is not only host to livestock, vegetables and wildlife but we also have 7 listed buildings which include a 15th century farmhouse, a granary, wagon lodge and large thatched barn which forms part of a medieval hamlet. The Colchester Archaeological Trust has previously excavated a Bronze Age burial site amongst other ancient remains in several of our fields. Nat and Archie (The BrowningBros.) have brought glamping to the farm.
The site is a wonderfully secluded spot tucked away between an apple orchard and 20 acres of woodland with acres of space to roam free. It is a fantastic spot to bring the children for a weekend in the countryside, or to relax with a few friends around a campfire. We are just 50 minutes outside of London, by train, yet nestled peacefully in a tranquil rural setting.
We have an exciting range of quirky accommodation available to our guests including bell tents, yurts, shepherds hut and grain silo. Our larger dwellings are perfect for families and friends, whilst the refurbished Grain Silo and Shepherd’s Hut both make for particularly romantic abodes for couples. All accommodation comes with a private firepit/BBQ grill, table and chairs. Inside you will find a cosy double bed, furnishings and bedding. We provide additional single mattresses in some accommodation allowing space for up to four people to sleep comfortably under the stars. We now have electricity in each tent so an LED lamp is provided with two USB points for charging phones and another plug socket. All other lighting is from candles!
DWELLINGS
Our glamping dwellings sleep from 1 to 6 people depending on the accommodation. If you are a larger family it may be possible to add additional mattresses. You can either bring your own mattresses/bedding free of charge or rent from us for an additional cost (currently £25.00).
Please note interior furnishings are more or less the same in each dwelling.
BELL TENTS
BALOO – Sleeps 1 to 5 people
Positioned fairly centrally within the site and hidden within the trees for a real woodland experience. Ideal for families, this dwelling has a double bedstead with up to 3 mattresses either side. Also included are 2 bed side tables, lighting, furnishings, mirror and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them.
COLONEL HATHI – Sleeps 1 – 5 people
This luxury bell tent is nestled amongst the trees at the back of the site in a secluded and peaceful spot. A little further to walk to the facilities but lovely and private! The dwelling comes with a double bedstead with up to three mattresses on the floor. Also included are 2 bed side tables, a bedside light, a mirror and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them.
BAGHEERA – Sleeps 1 to 5 people
This luxury bell tent is tucked away in a grassy glade in the woods just a short walk away from Orchard Wash House and Orchard Kitchen.
This bell tent comes with a double bedstead with up to three mattresses on the floor. Also included are 2 bedside tables, lighting, mirror and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them.
SHERE KHAN – BELL TENT – Sleeps 1 to 5 people
This luxury bell tent is tucked between the Grain Silo and Colonel Hathi. It is approximately 100m from the main facilities, but hidden amongst the trees for a true woodland camping experience. This luxury bell tent comes with a double bedstead with up to three mattresses on the floor. Also included are 2 bed side tables, lighting, mirror and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs and pillows create a snug feel to the tent.Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them.
YURTS
RAFIKI – Sleeps 1 to 6 people
This dwelling is situated out in the meadow in a prime spot to soak up the afternoon and evening sun. A short walk from the car park as well as the Orchard Wash House. Ideal for families, this large Mongolian yurt has a double bedstead with 4 single mattresses either side. Also included are 2 bedside tables, lighting, furnishings, mirror, and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them. The skylight allows you to truly fall asleep under the stars, the only draw back is that you may be woken at first light so worth bringing sleeping eye mask.
SIMBA – Sleeps 1 to 5 people
This Mongolian Yurt is ideally situated for the afternoon sunshine and is slap bang in the middle of the site, immediately on your left as you enter over the bridge. Across the meadow, a short walk away, you are close to the Orchard Kitchen and Orchard Wash House. This tent comes with a double bedstead and up to 3 mattresses on the floor. Also included are 2 bedside tables, lighting, mirror, and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them.The skylight allows you to truly fall asleep under the stars, the only draw back is that you may be woken at first light so worth bringing sleeping eye mask.
MUFASSA – YURT – Sleeps 1 – 6 people
This beautiful handcrafted Mongolian yurt is positioned at the far end of the site. If you are keen to enjoy your own company and have a little more privacy, whilst listening to the brook meander past, then this is the best choice. On the downside – it is the furthest from the facilities!
This yurt comes with a double bedstead and up to 4 mattresses on the floor. Also included are 2 bedside tables, lighting, mirror, and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them. The skylight allows you to truly fall asleep under the stars, the only draw back is that you may be woken at first light so worth bringing sleeping eye mask.
MOWGLI – YURT – Sleeps 1 – 5 people
This 16ft traditionally crafted yurt has been beautifully handmade by a lovely chap from Somerset who has been building these structures for years. The olive colour of the canvas makes it blend in beautifully to its surroundings in the meadow. The yurt is positioned in the very centre of the site, a short distance from the facilities. This yurt comes with a double bedstead and up to 3 mattresses on the floor. Also included are 2 bedside tables, lighting, mirror, and table at the end of the bed. Carpets, rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the tent. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them. The little log burner keeps this nice and snug in the Spring and Autumn months. The skylight allows you to truly fall asleep under the stars, the only draw back is that you may be woken at first light so worth bringing sleeping eye mask.
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION
THE GRAIN SILO – Sleeps 1 to 2 people
The Grain Silo is our most romantic getaway, tucked away in the woods at the back of the site. Once upon a time, this structure was used to store grain on the farm following the annual harvest in August.
The Silo has a double bed, bedside tables, lighting, drapes and throws, mirror. Rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the Silo. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them. The little log burner keeps this nice and snug in the Spring and Autumn months. The skylight allows you to truly fall asleep under the stars, the only draw back is that you may be woken at first light so worth bringing sleeping eye mask.
THE SHEPHERDS HUT – Sleeps 1 to 2 people
The Shepherd’s Hut was bought by our great grandfather about sixty years ago and has been refurbished into a charming, small but cosy dwelling for 1-2 people. It has the least space of all our accommodation but is certainly the snuggest with its own little wood burner. It sits in the far right corner of the meadow under an oak tree. The Orchard Wash House and Orchard Kitchen can be seen across the meadow a short walk away.
The hut comes with a double bedstead, lighting, mirror, and table at the end of the bed. Rugs, and pillows create a snug feel to the hut. Bedding and bath towels are provided for as well as extra blankets should you need them. The little log burner keeps this nice and snug in the Spring and Autumn months.
SELF CATERING CABINS
We also have 2 self catering cabins available on the lake. Please enquire.
FACILITIES ON SITE include
- Wood-fired hot tub in the woodland
- Fully equipped Orchard Kitchen with a large pizza oven and bar area
- Fridges, gas ovens, toaster and kettle
- Pots, pans, cutlery, plates and glassware are all provided so all you need to bring is food, drinks, and some relaxed vibes. We sell bags of chopped logs!
- Contemporary Orchard Wash House boasts 4 hot showers and 4 loos
- Individual fire bowl/BBQ at each dwelling
- Communal fire pit
- Communal charcoal BBQ
- Beautiful marquee for additional undercover space to cope with the unpredictable British weather!
- Free car parking
FARM ACTIVITIES
We have a local company (http://www.outdoorhirecentres.com/colchester.html) who can provide larger families with bikes, kayaks, canoes, archery and other fun outdoor activities so it is a good idea to book this up prior to arrival.
Outdoor Hire Centres – Explore Essex & Suffolk by bike, canoe or camping – Colchester
www.outdoorhirecentres.com
Outdoor Hire Centres Ltd offer bike hire, canoe hire and camping hire throughout Essex and Suffolk.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
- Frinton-on-Sea
- Clacton-on-Sea
- West Mersea, famous for their rock oysters
- Colchester Zoo
- Colchester Leisure World
- Gosfield Lake Resort
- Go Bananas
- The Railway Museum
- Ardleigh Reservoir
- The Essex Golf & Country Club
- Abberton Reservoir
GLAMPING WEDDING AND EVENTS
Wild weddings also at Chalkney Water Meadow, please enquire.
PRICES
Bell Tents sleeping 4 people from £120 per night
Yurts sleeping 4 to 6 people from £120 per night
Shepherds Hut sleeping 2 people from £60 per night
The Grain Silo sleeping 2 people from £60 per night
Nomadic Tents sleeping 5 from £80 per night
Cabins sleeping 4 and 6 people from £200 per night