For those looking for a festival with rest and relaxation on the line-up, look no further than Summer Camp – a series of micro-festivals running for four long weekends in July. Set in the elegant Walled Garden on the private grounds of Hawarden Estate, North East Wales, Summer Camp offers a blissful rural escape for explorers, families, couples, and friends to enjoy ‘workshops, feasts, wellness, and freedom’.
Brought to you by The Good Life Society, creators of intimate events, experiences, workshops and holiday accommodation, Summer Camp is a celebration of nature and the great outdoors. Guests can look forward to a peaceful retreat in which to unwind, eat delicious food, meet new people, and learn creative and outdoor craft skills.
Rather than the typical festival bill of thumping music and a patchwork sea of tents, Summer Camp attendees can expect an unrivalled programme of expeditions, workshops, and inspiring talks from a stellar line-up of world experts in nature and craft. Highlights from the line-up include; fishing fly tying with Atsushi Hasegawa, pottery with Katalina Caliendo, natural wine tasting with Eoghan Neburagho, guided foraging walks with Lisa Cutcliffe, as well as live music and DJ sets.
A ‘small, friendly, comfortable retreat’ Summer Camp is limited to 125 guests and experts, allowing attendees to rest, recharge and learn in a place of sanctuary, far from the hustle and bustle.
A special highlight is the food offering, spanning wine, cheese, and cider tastings; campfire cooking demos hosted by well-known guest chefs; and expertly prepared dinners served on the brand-new terrace in the storied Hawarden Castle Walled Garden. The culinary line-up includes the likes of chef, presenter and author, Romy Gill, plus cook, food writer and broadcaster, Valentine Warner.
As the sun goes down, guests can gather around the dinner table and unwind, before enjoying light evening entertainment, cosy campfire chats, and drinks from the fully stocked bar.
Guests can expect to leave feeling inspired and refreshed. It’s easy to see why when relaxation comes in the form of wellness classes, a pop-up spa, unlimited access to the wood-fired hot tub and sauna, and wild swimming in the estate’s private lake overlooking the historic Hawarden Castle grounds.
There is a range of accommodation available with an option to suit everyone. From peaceful camping pitches set amongst apple trees, pre-pitched bell tents with cosy bedding, to luxury glamping tents kitted out with just about everything, a great night’s sleep is on the agenda. There are also a small number of campervan pitches available in a quiet corner of The Walled Garden.
For those looking for a little added luxury, the recently renovated Georgian Gardener’s House offers beautifully furnished private rooms with king-size beds, three bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a new custom-built luxury Beekeeper’s shepherd Hut, complete with a double bed, private outdoor area, and fire pit.
Non-camping day tickets are available for those who would like to attend the events without the need for accommodation.
A far cry from the standard festival portaloo, The Walled Garden has been equipped with brand new hot showers and pristine toilet facilities, meaning guests don’t need to worry about forgoing home comforts and loo roll. Plus, there’s free wifi and secure phone charging facilities.
Tara Gladstone, Senior Director of The Good Life Society, comments: “We don’t do anything in half measures. We have strived to create the perfect weekend escape and every detail has been carefully thought out from the moment guests arrive to the moment they leave feeling transformed.
“Set at the foot of the historic Hawarden Caste, The Walled Garden offers a location like no other for guests to get involved with as little or as much as they like and enjoy a slice of North Wales heaven. With children and dogs very much welcome, Summer Camp is the perfect escape for all.
“We have guests travel from as far as America and from all across Europe. Whether guests are travelling from further afield or just down the road, we can promise a weekend of fun, empowering them with the tools to live The Good Life.”
The Summer Camp events are conveniently located just a 15-minute drive away from Chester, which has direct train links to London in just 2 hours. Tickets are on sale now and start from £110 per person per day.
Summer Camp takes place on the following long weekends:
- July 7th – 10th
- July 14th – 17th
- July 21st – 24th
- July 28th – 31st
