This weekend, we took a mini break to Top of The Woods, a beautiful boutique glamping and camping site in the midst of wondrous woodlands and acres of field. This place really gave us the chance to switch off from the day-to-day stresses of life and bond with our furry pal Charlie.
This blog is sponsored content (gifted stay), but all our reviews and tail-wagging excitement for this place is completely independent.
New Adventures
Taking Charlie on our holiday adventures allows us to share special memories together while enriching his little furry life with new sights and smells. When Top of the Woods invited us to visit their beautiful camping and glamping site in Pembrokeshire, our tails were wagging.
Camping is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors with your pooch, it gives you the chance to bond and connect with the surroundings of nature. Glamping, on the other hand, is a glamorous form of camping, something we were yet to experience with Charlie but we was howling with excitement.
We instantly felt comfort in the fact that we didn’t have to prepare anything. We didn’t have to spend time fitting camping gear into the boot, like a tent, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats. We didn’t have to worry about getting mosquito nets or plastic plates and cutlery or a camping cooker. All we had to do, was pack an overnight bag, the dog’s bed and get to Pembrokeshire. Next stop? Top of the Woods.
Warm Welcome
From the moment we arrived at Top of the Woods we felt relaxed. The peaceful, remote beauty that surrounds the campsite just takes your breath away. With the sun shining and the birds singing, we felt like we could pack up and live in that moment forever. Charlie was sniffing in that fresh country air and loving every minute.
After grabbing our things from the boot, we took a stroll into the courtyard which was surrounded by beautiful Georgian farm buildings. Wow. I think part of us expected it to just be in a field, but this was so much more, it felt like we were in a little village. Soo the co-founder of Top of The Woods and her resident pooch Dylan were already outside and gave us the warmest welcome, making us feel comfortable.
In Awe of the Tour
Before heading to our Pioneer Tent, we were given a tour of the rest of the campsite and the facilities. We enjoyed seeing the other accommodation options, the Safari Lodges, the Bell Tents and the big camping field for those pitching up their own tents. Other facilities included a big communal fire-pit, the showers and flushing toilets at the front, the compost loos near the tents, the fresh water taps. Our favourite part? The Dutch barn.
This big and beautiful barn offers shade from the sun (which was needed) and the rain with a covered picnic area and a whole variety of games to play. We especially loved the straw bales and bunting which added little bursts of colour throughout. They also serve farmhouse breakfasts and campfire dinners in this space and have charging points for that extra bit of power you may need.
Just around the corner from the barn is the hammock garden, with three fabulous traditional Mexican Queen-sized hammocks, each big enough for two adults or one person and one little pampered pooch to while away an afternoon in the shade in total comfort.
Feeling right at home
Finally arrived at our chic, boutique Pioneer Tent complete with an outdoor covered camp kitchen and campfire area. It was a gorgeous space surrounded by acres of meadow. Charlie was relaxed and felt right at home. We said goodbye to Soo and Dylan and started to unpack.
Inside the tent, there was one king-size mattress and one single mattress, including all the bed linen, feather duvets, and pillows. Of course, dogs are not allowed on the mattress or bedding so you have to make sure to bring your dog’s bed or blanket for them to sleep on through the night.
There was also a ‘living room’ space complete with a couple of camping chairs and wood for the fire-pit. The kitchen area had all the utensils, plates, cups, a cooking stove. Everything you could possibly think of was already provided.
We just sat out the front of the decking and just basked in the sun and the silence. Charlie, however, had a different idea and just wanted to explore the fields. We walked around the corner to one of the empty, open fields and Charlie was just loving life, zooming in and out of the tall grass.
As we had an early adventure planned for the next morning, we had two options. We could either take a woodland walk to the secret waterfall route provided or take a trip to the beach. Being from the South Wales valleys, we rarely get to see a bit of coastline, so off we headed to Poppet Sands, just a couple of miles away.
The beach was beautiful, as to be expected from the Pembrokeshire coastline. Dogs were allowed on the right side only, but it was filled with dogs frolicking and playing in the sea as the sun was setting. Charlie, of course, was in his happy place, playing with the other dogs. We waited for the sun to set, then did a spot of shopping for some campfire grub.
Sunset at Top of The Woods
Once we got back from our little adventure, the three of us continued playing games with Charlie on the big open field. This holiday was after all for our little pupper!
Playtime done, we cooked some hotdogs in our outdoor camp kitchen, played some cards and got the campfire on the go. Wood and firelighters were readily available within the tent. After telling each other ridiculous camp stories and watching the sun go down, we took a walk around the campsite in the dark.
The twinkling fairy lights on all the tents, across the Dutch barn, and in the courtyard just made this space complete. We lay in the hammock garden, stargazing in the night sky with our pupper. It truly was a little patch of heaven and the perfect way to end our day.
Thinking of taking a holiday?
In this busy life, we all have where our phones are always bleeping, it’s just nice to switch off and enjoy life’s timeless pleasures. Founders, Soo and Jon are both so very welcoming and can’t do enough to make you and your four legged friend feel at home. Top of the Woods is also so close to a wealth of beautiful dog friendly activities in Pembrokeshire that you’re truly spoilt for choice.
We loved this place so much that we’re looking forward to our second adventure at Top of the Woods where hopefully we can explore the woodlands! If you’re looking for a glamping or camping holiday in Wales or the Pembrokeshire area then we definitely recommend this place as our number one spot!
