Ernest’s Retreat Glamping Site Review – Pod Camping on the Edge of the Peak District
Ernest’s Retreat Glamping Site Review – Pod Camping on the Edge of the Peak District
I keep a list of ideas for places to go camping with the family and Ernest’s Retreat Glamping Site had been on the list for several years. The main reason that we hadn’t been yet is because it’s close enough for a day trip for us. Because of this, staying over is not strictly necessary for us to explore this area but I’m so glad we finally did! This spring we were looking to book a getaway quickly and since I had this saved it was easy to make a decision and book it. If you’re curious about Ernest’s Retreat in Chesterfield, keep reading to find out all the details in my review here.
Ernest’s Retreat – A Quick Introduction to the Site
Ernest’s Retreat is a glamping site right on the edge of the Peak District National Park (just 5 minutes away in the car). It’s a quiet family-run site that offers excellent views over the Derbyshire countryside with wonderful sunrises and sunsets!
There is plenty to do in the surrounding area for people who enjoy the outdoors. It’s also just a 10-minute drive away from the town of Chesterfield which is convenient for food shopping, restaurants and other shops.
Ernest Retreat has 20 pitches in a mix of Rambler camping pods (for 1-2 guests), Camping cabins (sleeps up to 4 people), and Glamper camping pods (sleeps up to 5 people). As a family of 5, we chose an Ernest’s Retreat Glamper camping pod.
The glamping site is situated on a working far so there are cute cows to visit at the bottom of the site too. You can check in to your accommodation between 3pm and 6pm, and need to leave by 10am on the day of your departure.
Staying in an Ernest’s Retreat Glamper Camping Pod
It can be difficult to find glamping pods for a family of 5 so I was very excited when I first came across the Ernest’s Retreat Glamper camping pods a couple of years ago. I’m pleased to say that after finally visiting this site, the pod was great in real life too!
Just like most camping pods, you take most of your camping equipment with you minus the tent and camping mattresses. The glamping pod has two bunk beds inside – one of which has a double bunk bed at the bottom. This makes this pod a great option for families with three children.
The beds were quite comfortable and the mattresses had been prepared for guests with fresh sheets as we arrived. We had brought sleeping bags, and pillows plus our usual camping gear. There’s plenty of space to fit all your stuff, especially since you can put your suitcases/bags under the bunk beds.
These glamping pods are from 2018 and in good condition, especially inside. The walls are thicker than on your standard pod an offer better insulation from both heat and cold. The wooden steps leading up to the pod could do with a refresh though as they had bent quite badly.
The space includes an electric heater, power sockets (electricity included), WiFi (didn’t try this), and there’s a table with a kettle, mugs, and some free tea and coffee making supplies (including biscuits) which is a nice touch.
You can’t park at your pitch but you are allowed to drive up to it to load and unload your car, then you simply park in the generously sized car park. BBQs are allowed outside your pitch in a dedicated spot. Each pod has plenty of private space surrounding it which is great.
Ernest’s Retreat Glamping Site Facilities
There are shared facilities for toilets and showers, separate for men and women. The showers are free to use and fine for a campsite. Handwash and toilet roll is available too.
There’s also a room where you can wash dishes. This has two sinks with plenty of washing up liquid for guests to use. Here, you can also find extra supplies such as pans and cutlery to borrow if you’ve forgotten anything.
In this space, there’s also a chest freezer where you can chill your ice packs or frozen foods. There are also ice creams available to purchase from this freezer by paying with cash or by scanning a QR code. They were £1.50 each at the time of our visit.
There’s a small reception hut where you check in when arriving. This is manned at certain hours of the day if you need any assistance. If no one is there, there’s a phone number to ring. There are also a few communal tables for guests to use. Recycling is available on site too.
Ernest’s Retreat Glamping Site – Would We Visit Again?
We had a wonderful stay at Ernest’s Retreat Glamping Site. The accommodation was perfect for our needs, the views were stunning, and the site had everything we needed. We would be more than happy to return to Ernest’s Retreat for another stay at some point in the future.
