It’s

It’s
official: camping is cool. Pop-up tents have graduated from
festival tagalongs to state-of-the-art bunting-clad bell tents,
log cabins have become more visually appealing
than our interiors board on Pinterest, and beachside bothies have
transformed into something of an architectural marvel. The thing
is, the purpose of these boltholes is to offer visitors a space to
refuel and recharge while being at one with nature, so to properly
feel the benefit of the great outdoors, you’ve got to be prepared
to go off-grid. And, no, we’re not talking about dragging your
duvet outside for a sleepover in the garden. We mean heading into
the depths of the great British countryside: Oxfordshire.

Okay, okay, Oxford hardly qualifies as “remote”,
particularly given its edgy hangouts, culture-rich corners and
lively student population, but head 40 minutes’ south of the city
centre and you’ll find vast stretches of untouched greenery. We’re
making a beeline for Banbury, partly for its painting-like
landscape, but largely to bed down at the UK’s coolest glamping
site – the Fat Pheasant Shepherd Huts.

Spread across 500 acres of rolling countryside, this working
farm is home to three design-driven cabins – Maggie, Dolly and
Huxley – each of which has its own private field. Upon arrival,
you’ll be greeted by your incredibly attentive host, Jo, who will
cheerfully wave you off with an enormous wooden hamper packed with
fresh local produce. Then, after following a winding dusty road and
a series of hand-etched signs, you’ll be ready to indulge in some
genuinely restorative country living.

Bedrooms

We’re staying in Huxley. All three cabins have an open-plan
layout, with silhouette-hugging king-sized beds framed by
floor-to-ceiling windows (with blackout blinds in place to block
out the dazzling sunrise). You’ll be sinking into pink pin-striped
linens and resting your head on sumptuous pillows. While there’s no
WiFi, a handy built-in USB port for charging those all-important
gadgets means you’ll be ready to take some snaps of your glorious
surrounds.

Is there a bathroom?

Of course. Long gone are the days of emptying the bucket.
Concealed behind a walnut-wood sliding door is a sleek and stylish
bathroom. Decorated with matte-black tiles and gold-plated taps,
the spacious walk-in shower comes complete with an impressive
selection of organic toiletries. More of a bath kind of person? No
problem. You’ll find a candyfloss-pink clawfoot tub out on the deck
for al fresco bathing, made even more inviting by a bamboo screen –
not that anyone will disturb you.

What’s on the menu?

Anything you like. A fully furnished kitchen comes stocked with
all the essentials: think a Le Creuset dining set, glass jars
stocked with English breakfast tea pouches and fresh coffee
granules. In the compact drawers, you’ll find every kitchen utensil
you could possibly need – there’s even a hob on hand in case the
weather decides not to play ball. Outside, a massive, ready-to-use
gas-powered BBQ awaits, while the fire pit screams “post-dinner
marshmallow toasting”. You’ll also find an eight-seater wooden
table, sporting hand-picked flowers and lantern-cradled
candles.

Amenities

Duck-egg blue bicycles are available for hire, allowing you to
take a spin around the breathtaking landscape. You’ll find a shelf
in your hut laden with books to read, and a top-notch selection of
board games, too. Scrabble, anyone?

How about their green credentials?

We’d argue you can’t get much greener than this. Us Brits love
to talk about the weather, so it’s only right we give you the
heads-up on the temperature side of things. A wood-burning
fireplace takes centre stage in the cabin, with a pile of freshly
chopped wood at the ready; there’ll be no need for woolly knits
here. Recycling-wise, two outdoor bins make for a smooth
waste-disposal process.

What about accessibility?

Each cabin comes with its own bell tent, and four easy-access
beds cater for wheelchair users. Huts, however, don’t have
step-free access.

What’s the crowd like?

It goes without saying that animals have the right of passage
here, so don’t be surprised if you spot the odd pheasant. You’re
unlikely to encounter another human for the entirety of your stay,
though, which may work in your favour if you’re looking to whisk
your main squeeze away for a romantic getaway.

Things I should know

Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit so that you can enjoy the hot
tub. Slot some logs into the attached fire and sink in for a
countryside sundowner. It would be rude not to enjoy an
early-morning brew in the toasty water.

Within a short walk I can find…

Nothing. While there’s a parade of independent shops a 10-minute
drive away, we recommend stocking up on supplies pre-arrival.