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Elderflower Fields is known to be one of the best family festivals out there. Taking place over the May Bank holiday weekend for many this event signifies the start of festival season, heck the start of summer! I attended Elderflower Fields for only my second time this year, bringing my son, his friend and her Mum along for the ride. As the event is so local to us (just a 10 minute drive from home) we’ve just visited for the day previously. This year we were going all in, camping from the Friday through to the Monday. So just what makes the Elderflower Fields Festival so fabulous? 1.The Location The festival takes place in Pippingford Park in the heart of the Ashdown Forest. Stages and activities are dotted throughout wooded areas with views across rolling landscapes. Children love the natural play spaces including hidden streams and grassy meadows. 2.The Activities Whatever floats your boat there is so much going over the weekend – from yoga to tree climbing; dance workshops to football. It pays to be organised and book at few things ahead but if, like me you leave everything to the last minute that works too. Some of the highlights for us were a creative art workshop, family pub quiz, pond dipping, Woodland Tribe adventure play, Parkour and a hands on creepy crawly experience. Read more about activities here. 3.The Music No festival is complete without a non-stop, all-singing, all-dancing line-up. Elderflower Fields is no different. From intimate acoustic sets to lively big band performances, the festival showcases an eclectic mix of talented musicians. We loved the chaos of the Taylor Swift karaoke, The Carnival Collective and Raz & Alfa whilst Son Guarachando provided the perfect chilled soundtrack to the Sunday afternoon. 4. The Food From the moment we arrived we were planning the logistics of sampling all the delicious food on sale. The main festival arena was surrounded by sumptuous smells making it impossible to stick to the Pot Noodles we’d packed! In the end we opted for several visits to the Waffle on a Stick stand; the most delicious Asian food from Thai Angle; classic pizza delights from the Pizza Wagon and a few visits to Juice Up for smoothies. 5. New Sports What better time to try a new sporting activity than when surrounded by friends in a wide open space. Elderflower offers a range of sporting activities as well as arts, crafts and music. This year saw opportunities to have a go at yoga, tree climbing kayaking and parkour (as well as much more). We absolutely loved playing disc golf which is a cross between Frisbee and golf – new to us but enjoyed by all! 6. Art Trail Get lost in the art trail which weaves in and out of the magical woodlands areas running through the heart of the festival. Created by Schools Without Walls this unique and colourful art trail combines the talents of a number of local schools. A true masterpiece. 7. Silent Disco The best way to dance in the woods, surely? Hush Beats provide the playlist for the highlight of every evening – the silent disco. Put your head phones on, grab your friends, get ready to lip synch and dance like nobody’s watching! 8. Camping With a mix of wild camping, family camping, glamping and camping with vehicles you’ve can tailor make your camping experience at Elderflower Fields. We chose to camp in one of the general camping fields fairly close to the car park (less distance to cover with heavy kit!) As though being at festival isn’t enough, camping here on the Ashdown Forest is a joy in itself. Nothing beats an evening sunset with Pooh country as a backdrop and the buzz live music… 9. The woods at night Pippingford really comes to life at night time with magical light displays illuminating the trees, nature walks highlighting nocturnal wild life and star gazing galore. 10. Short drive home Best thing is that all of this takes place less than a 10 minute drive from Uckfield! You can even pop home for a shower if you want.. or is that cheating? Tickets for Elderflower Fields 2026 are on sale now.
In a space like a child’s bedroom, space is a premium. There is nowhere more important in the world for a child than their bedroom, so it needs to be somewhere that is practical, comfortable, and reflective of their personality, but this can be tough when space is limited, and they use the bedroom for different activities. This post will explore how versatile bunk beds can serve multiple purposes while preserving space. Maximising Space with Multi-Functional Bunk Beds Bunk beds are primarily for sleeping and are a great way to get two beds that take up the footprint of just one. In addition to sleeping arrangements, modern bunk beds are often designed to be multi-purpose and can incorporate elements like study desks, storage solutions, and play areas. A modern bunk beds for kids allows you to maximise space in the bedroom and prevent a cluttered and chaotic space. Designing the Ultimate Sleepover Setup Everyone remembers fun sleepovers as a child, so you will want to make sure that when your kids have friends to stay that they have a fun, comfortable, and memorable experience. There are some bunk bed styles that are conducive to this, such as models with trundle beds (low beds on wheels that can be pulled out from under the larger bed) and additional pull-out beds. Beds like this do not permanently occupy floor space, so they can be neatly stored away and only brought out during a sleepover to maximise space and comfort. Incorporating Study Zones Underneath Bunk Beds In addition to being a space for sleep and play, a bedroom can also be a dedicated study space where your child can do their homework away from household distractions. Integrating study areas beneath bunk beds provides a quiet space for homework and creative activities – just be sure to consider lighting and ergonomics so that it is a comfortable and practical study zone. Safety Features in Modern Bunk Bed Designs Of course, safety is always a top priority as a parent. This is particularly important when it comes to choosing a bed because this is when they will be unsupervised. Many modern bunk beds are designed with safety in mind, including features like sturdy guardrails to prevent falling from the top bank, sturdy ladders for safe climbing, and compliance with the latest safety standards. Be sure to show your child how to use the bunk bed safely to prevent accidents. Bunk beds can be a smart, space-saving option for a child’s bedroom that can help create a practical, fun, and comfortable space for multiple activities. Modern designs can help transform the bedroom into a multipurpose environment.
There’s something undeniably magical about escaping into nature—leaving behind screens, schedules, and the everyday noise. Glamping strikes the perfect balance between wilderness and luxury, making it an ideal choice for a couples’ retreat. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply craving some quality time together, the UK offers stunning glamping spots that blend high-end comfort with peaceful seclusion. Here are some of my favourite romantic glamping destinations across the country—perfect for your next unforgettable escape. 1. The Tawny, Staffordshire – Treehouse Tranquillity Set on the edge of a former country estate, The Tawny offers an enchanting escape with treehouses, shepherds’ huts, and cabins—each thoughtfully designed and nestled in stunning natural surroundings. With outdoor bathtubs, curated picnic hampers, and stargazing experiences, it’s a dream destination for couples seeking a secluded, luxurious retreat in the heart of the wilderness. 2. Camp Katur, North Yorkshire – Off-Grid Bliss To get something a bit more rustic, Camp Katur can be found in a 250-acre estate with geodomes, tipis, and safari tents. Off-grid, quiet, and perfectly atmospheric, except it is lit with fairy lights and enclosed with forest. Couples are invited to experience trekking in woods and fire pits, stargazing hot tubs in the outdoors. Couples are increasingly turning to glamping getaways to create unforgettable moments—like marriage proposals. With such stunning surroundings, it’s no surprise that many choose to add meaningful touches, from personalised gifts to bold, statement engagement rings that reflect their unique love story. These distinctive and daring rings perfectly complement the one-of-a-kind experience of a glamping escape. 3. The Nest Glamping, Pembrokeshire – Seaside Seclusion Nestled in the rolling hills of West Wales, The Nest offers custom-built cabins and charming shepherds’ huts just steps from the seashore. Surrounded by private hot tubs, idyllic meadows, and with easy access to sandy beaches, it’s a romantic escape ideal for scenic walks and breath taking sea views. 4. Love2Stay, Shropshire – Spa Meets Safari Love2Stay may be your place in case you are fond of making nature and wellness go hand in hand. Offering wood-fired lodges, natural swimming lake, spa treatment on site, this is a luxury resort where a couple can find romantic and relaxing experience. Just imagine yoga in the early morning, and then wine at night looking at the stars. Final Thoughts Glamping romance is all about slowing down and reconnecting—not just with nature, but with each other. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows over the fire, soaking in an outdoor tub, or surprising your partner with a spontaneous gesture, every moment becomes part of a lasting memory. If you’re searching for a truly unique destination for your next couples’ getaway, one of these glamping spots in the UK could be the perfect fit. And who knows? You might just find yourselves falling in love all over again. Have you shared a special moment with your partner in a magical setting? Drop your favourite glamping locations in the comments—we’re always on the lookout for new romantic adventures!
When I hear Helly Hanson I think of sailing, or maybe skiing – but not necessarily hiking. With all their years of expertise in designing extreme sports gear they’ve become pretty clued on kitting us adventurous types out for a range of conditions and activities. Hiking and is just one of many outdoor pursuits they cater for, so I thought it was about time I check out this major player in the outdoor clothing market. I worked with the brand who provided the reviewed items for the purpose of this review, however as ever feedback will be my own thoughts and sincere opinions. Women’s Vancouver Rain Jacket Priced at £120 and available in a range of colours this jacket is light weight, durable and pleasing to the eye. I particularly like the range of colours they have for the Vancouver which include feminine tones like violet and peach. I opted for Green Mist which I love. A lot of my outdoor clothing tends to be in quite neutral tones so this is a breath of fresh air. The jacket is made well. The zip is clean and easy to use. It feels sturdy and as though it will stand the test of many a hardy hike. The jacket also features a 2-layer construction, full seam-sealing, adjustable hood and hem, zipped hand pockets, and elastic cuffs, ensuring both a comfortable and functional experience. It fits perfectly feeling warm but not restrictive. Definitely a keeper. Women’s HH LIFA® Active Solen Tank Priced at £40 the Solen Tank is designed to offer protection from the sun during all days hikes. I ordered a large which was probably the wrong size for me. It felt a bit too baggy and shapeless. I’m usually a size 12 so would recommend ordering a medium if you’re a similar size. Despite my error in the sizing I really liked the material which feels incredible breathable thanks to their Lifa active technology which moves moisture away from the skin. I also really like the freshness of the bright white. I’m terrible at keeping whites white so the novelty of wearing something so sparkling clean totally won me over! Women’s Daybreaker 1/2 Zip Fleece Priced at £65 the day breaker fleece is a cosy staple that you can’t go without. Again, coming in a range of colours this fleece is available in almost every possible shade – with some colours now on offer at just £33. This is the type of top I’ll wear endlessly in the winter. Soft to the touch, super warm and easy to wear it works perfectly as an underlayer in colder weather. An absolute classic and something I’ll be wearing endlessly. Whilst Helly Henson isn’t always the most affordable outdoor brand out there, they make quality garments that will live up expectations. I think they are especially worth considering when investing in more technical clothing such as jackets. I’ve been impressed with the products I’ve reviewed and will definitely be adding them to my kit list. If you’d like to explore their full range check out their website here.