It’s known for pumpkins, witches and a whole lot of bad weather – but could autumn really be a glamper’s paradise?
Yes! Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t pitch a tent during October half term, but find yourself a waterproof, cosy wigwam and I promise, you’ll have a ball.
Our family fell in love with camping this summer, and really enjoyed our first experience at Humble Bee Farm in Flixton, near Scarborough.
We returned last weekend to get closer to nature the wigwam way, delighted not to have to bother with tents, airbeds and middle-of-the-night shivering.
It took about two hours from Halifax (straight after school on Friday with a Burger King stop on the A64) and it was starting to get dark as we drove through the site. The kids instantly perked up and peered out of the window, entranced by the Halloween decorations glowing in the headlights.
We found our Big Chief wigwam opposite the kids’ play area and our three little monsters bounded straight in. We couldn’t believe how spacious it was, with sofas, a coffee table, shelves, work surface, fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle and the holy grail of autumnal camping – an electric heater!!!
All traces of tiredness disintegrated, the kids wanted to explore so we switched on the heater, grabbed head torches and ran to the duck pond, shining flashlights onto skeletons, pumpkins and hay bales.
It was drizzling but no one cared, and back at the wigwam we sat around the fire bowl drinking hot chocolate until late.
There are two possible configuration at bedtime, but we opted for a big bed under the window, and one along the wall. You have to bring bedding – although you can hire it if you wish – and one flat king sheet covered almost the entire bed. We brought a combo of duvets and sleeping bags, a spare sheet just in case, and a string of fairy lights for added cosiness.
The good thing about glamping is you can bring as much or as little as you like. Don’t want to pack bedding? Hire it. Prefer not to worry about pans and crockery? Order it in advance, and you can get a washing up bowl, sponge and tea towel too. Fairy lights, BBQ packs of meat, marshmallows; you can order plenty of luxuries to make your stay even easier.
We brought everything ourselves though, and apart from forgetting the odd thing, managed really well.
Pyjamas on and teeth brushed, the kids curled up together for a comfy, cosy and warm nights sleep.
Next morning – crack of dawn, of course – we stayed warm and dry through the rain, enjoying breakfast while planning our day.
Humblebee Farm has loads going on throughout October, with a pumpkin patch and carving, fancy dress and interactive Halloween shows with Esmerelda the Witch. We decided to try the Spooky Trail (trail sheets from reception), set up in the fields behind the wigwams.
It’s supposed to take around 25 minutes and although it did take us longer, it was easily manageable for the kids. Clues lead you along the trail where you will find skeletons, cobwebs, spiders, witches, pumpkins and ghosts. Our big girl loved running and climbing on the hay bales, while her brother – a new school starter – practiced sounding out the letters hidden along the way.
We had also packed a magnifying glass and an autumn scavenger hunt on a clipboard, and they loved finding snails, berries and conkers, as well as the challenges on the trail.
All three kids returned with huge smiles, muddy boots and fists bursting with conkers, excitedly popping into reception to share their adventure and collect spooky prizes and sweets.
By now it was raining pretty heavily. Having a warm and dry place to shelter was worth its weight in gold, as we passed a few hours reading, playing games and having a cup of tea.
That night there was a Halloween Party in the barn, open to both the public and glamping guests. We accompanied our little witch, police man and spider to the barn, which was lit up with Halloween lights and bustling with laughter. Esmerelda the witch held court with party games and a fancy dress parade, while carved pumpkins flickered alongside the pond.
All partied out and hot dogs eaten, the kids fell fast asleep in the bed, while Mr Mumbler and I sat outside, cosied up under the stars with blankets, a hot water bottle and baked potatoes cooking on the fire pit.
He thought it had been even better than our summer camping experiences, and I had to agree. Everything is so beautiful and atmospheric in the autumn, and the Halloween decorations and pumpkins really captured the kids’ imaginations. Because the nights drew in earlier, they were able to explore in the dark without staying up too late and although the rain meant we didn’t get outside as much as we would have liked, we still got plenty of fresh air and didn’t bounce off the walls like we would in a tent.
In fact, we’ll probably start an annual tradition of camping in the autumn – just as long as there’s a heater!
Pumpkin Patch, October 26-31, 2019. Noon-4pm. £5 per child.
Pick a pumpkin, carve it then take an exciting walk around the Halloween Spooky Trail. Meet the farm yard gang and enjoy the play area. Book online or pay at reception on the day.
Halloween Fun, October 27 & 30, 2019. £8 per child.
Esmerelda the Witch welcomes you to Humblebee Farm for a fun-filled interactive Halloween show! Choose your pumpkin, carve it out and enjoy lots of family-friendly Halloween fun on the farm. Suitable for all ages. Fancy dress welcome! Shows at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm on October 27 & 30. Book online in advance, or just turn up on the day and pay at reception.
December 14, 2019. £10.
Join Emerald the Elf and her friend Rudolph, to help rescue Santa in time for Christmas! Collect your tickets from reception, then board a special sleigh to start your festive journey to meet Santa and receive a special gift. The yurts will be transformed into magical locations for this fun-packed family show, with interactive games and challenges. Shows at 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm. Pre booking is essential.
All Halloween and Christmas events open to the public for local families to enjoy. Booking is essential, please book a ticket here, (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/humble-bee-farm-18539922315), call 01723 890437 or email [email protected] . Bring a picnic and spend a day on the farm, or book glamping accommodation and stay the night
Humble Bee Farm, Flixton, Scarborough YO11 3UJ
T: 01723 890437
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