On my must visit in 2013 list: The Bivouac

By Anna | February 20, 2013

Somewhere very high up on my must visit in 2013 list is The Bivouac in Masham, near Ripon, North Yorkshire.

By a 70-acre woodland – complete with a 19^th century Druid’s temple – and set in the 20,000 acre Swinton Estate, its accommodation is in hand-crafted woodland shacks and the facilities, including a gorgeous-looking café, are in converted barns.

It’s a unique destination for a rural, outdoorsy getaway. But more than just a “glampsite”, it’s also a wedding venue with ceremonies taking place in the woodland in front of a large stone altar, the Druid’s temple.

Beth Hardwick and husband Sam conceived of and run The Bivouac.

Beth said: “My husband and I travelled after marrying and we put together a list of all the things we cared about. Sustainable living, families, community, simple but comfortable etc… Bivouac was born.

“We wanted a space to inspire folk, to allow them to stop and be.”

Not much to argue about with that philosophy. How often do we take the time to stop and be?

The Bivouac has an eco-friendly and sustainable ethos.

“Everything is recycled and handmade, found and reused. We are mostly off grid and we keep the land as natural as possible throughout,” Beth says.

It is a place for long walks, getting back to nature and healthy, local food.

Accommodation is in meadow yurts, luxury woodland shacks and a 12-bed bunk barn.