Evelyn's Garden

Liked Comfy mattress, hot showers, compost toilets, the view from the bell tents.

We also liked the location, we were walking the Ridgeway so it was the location that prompted us to book.

The site was peaceful and the staff team were friendly, professional and very helpful.

We would stay here again, with our own tent.

Disliked Overall, we felt this was a camping experience rather than a luxury glamping one. A few small touches could have made all the difference. Checking stoves work before guests check in, refilling hand soap and toilet rolls before they run out. Hayley and her team were very responsive when we messaged or let them know things were running out/broken but for a luxury experience, we had higher expectations for the price point.

Lack of useful information prior to arrival on Pitch Up. While we appreciate there is a dedicated website for the campsite, these things were not included on Pitch Up or in the booking confirmation and nor were some key points which, had we known, we probably would have booked a Tent pitch rather than a Bell tent:
- Logs are £10/bag, there isn't an option to buy a smaller kindling bag on site for example if you want to use the pizza oven or don't have capacity to take what you don't use with you.
- It's a "Take your rubbish home" site (we were in a car so no problem but if you're walking in and out, it is worth knowing before you go).
- Toilets are right next to the kitchen and there are only two, which if the site was full would probably be an issue for both hygiene and ques.
- The spa facilities are chargeable £10/person - on pitch up it looks like it's included, though good signage around so you know it isn't.
- The Cosmic Bell tent included the bed, bedding and mini outdoor kitchen, there wasn't anywhere to hang wet towels or rain coats inside, the tent was mostly taken up by the beds and no wood is included for the Log burner.

We used the communal fridge and left a few unopened bits on the last day and when we came to collect them they had been thrown out. We hadn't labelled them (though there were no facilities to label things), Hayley and her team explained they had to throw things out which weren't labelled. On reflection, by providing labels and a notice to say this, it would have been useful as it's not something we'd have thought to pack.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hello,
Yes, you are absolutely right, Evelyns Garden is a camping experience for people who dont want to bring there own equipment, tents and bedding. this is NOT a commercial or luxury glamping site.
I personally set it up this way, so people can have an off grid experience, in reflection of how I live, and open my space for guests to come and experience this lovely spot, as this is my home for spring/summer.
Its very good for first time campers, who want to experience camping without the fuss!

I will be talking with pitch to see how I can translate these core values over to this platform.

In response to your following list and for anyone reading:
**Logs are £10/bag, there isn't an option to buy a smaller kindling bag on site for example if you want to use the pizza oven or don't have capacity to take what you don't use with you.**

I make £10 log bags for people to buy, as it's very time consuming to put together. I only make one type now.
Had you communicated you didn't want logs, I would have sold you just the kindling.
I did offer you free kindling, which you declbut assumed you wanted logs too for your burner.

**It's a "Take your rubbish home" site (we were in a car so no problem but if you're walking in and out, it is worth knowing before you go).**

Please note* ALL of our lovely ridgeway users who are walking and cycling are instructed by myself to leave their rubbish, for me to expose of. I offer this to them ONLY- As they barely carry any rubbish, and are mindful of what they can carry/consume. (I dont advertise this on site, as other guests start to leave all there rubbish for me to take away for them, and usually its a lot of rubbish per tent, that I simply cannot get rid of.
(I am an off grid site, so rubbish needs to be thought of, and people need to be mindful of what they consume). I have a food compost on site- so no one is taking food away with them.

**Toilets are right next to the kitchen and there are only two, which if the site was full would probably be an issue for both hygiene and ques.**

For your duration of stay, the site was at its max capacity. I seen no ques? Hygiene is up to the guest. Anti bacterial and hand sinks are available.
The facilities are clean.
Where should the toilets be? the kitchen is not an open side kitchen, so makes no makes no difference to hygiene! Thats just silly!

**The spa facilities are chargeable £10/person - on pitch up it looks like it's included, though good signage around so you know it isn't.**

Correct, the Spa is an additional, as it takes an hour to set up for users. and needs in-talk guidance due to the sauna and cold plunge temperatures.

- The Cosmic Bell tent included the bed, bedding and mini outdoor kitchen, there wasn't anywhere to hang wet towels or rain coats inside, the tent was mostly taken up by the beds and no wood is included for the Log burner.

You are in a bell tent with soft furnishings, hanging wet gear over the carpets, rugs would not be ideal! with or without beds!!
But love that you raised this, as an outdoor wet-store box, I will consider.
Hooks in the showers for wet towels..?? Sometimes the fun is in the improvise.
As it was raining heavily that weekend, a simple message to me also, I could have helped find you a dry place to hang your gear!

**We used the communal fridge and left a few unopened bits on the last day and when we came to collect them they had been thrown out. We hadn't labelled them (though there were no facilities to label things), Hayley and her team explained they had to throw things out which weren't labelled. On reflection, by providing labels and a notice to say this, it would have been useful as it's not something we'd have thought to pack.**

I still would have disposed of your food if it was labelled. as I explained on the day, if everyone has checked out, then guests foods get disposed of.

I think the lack of communication here has been the main problem. I was on site and within walkable distance to you.
You asked if you could leave your car, so a a simple message to say, you have left your food in the fridge would have been easy. (as I felt terrible that I disposed of you items)

You told me your gas stove did not work on the day of check out too, although there are lots of gas hobs to use in the kitchen, I would have swapped your personal one for you straight away. taking a few minutes.

Liked Really lovely quiet and remote location.
Having a covered communal kitchen and seating area was a real treat.
Haley is a lovely host.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Stunning location. Super comfy beds. Everything you need is there.

Disliked Unfortunately our Welcome was very rude and abrupt and she wasn’t there when we arrived so we weren't aware that we couldn’t use the cold plunge. Apparently it was signposted but upon our “telling off” without so much of a hello and a welcome we were told “no one sees the sign” so maybe be there when guests arrive and show them around first or make a better sign. There is no need for rudeness. There was a lot of noise from other people on site and the sawdust toilet was very very smelly. Drinking water from tap was warm. Everything else was great.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Heyy Zara!
Really sorry I come across rude, I merely raised my voice, as it's unsafe for children to be in the area without knowing the rules, and without the proper supervision.

As it was really hot that day, I understand why you would of navigated towards the cold plunges. And perhaps not seen any signage!

I pointed out where the signs were so you could read them, and take note.. And apologised for sounding panicked, before explaining everything.

I was perplexed as to why you re-entered the area again later on that day, without reading the signs I had pointed you too! ?

So after explaining again, which in my opinion was polite, but assumed you didn't want to pay to enter the area, I then guided you to the shaded woodland area to sit on the hammocks, as it was a cooler area.

Our signs are there for very good reason. And can't be missed, after pointing at them as to here they are.

We have compost loos, and if guests don't follow our rules of how to use them properly, (also signed) it can cause a smell, especially when hot.

So it's really important that site rules and signage are read and understood.

As you booked with us via a third party (Pitchup) there's no way we can make sure that these rules are read and signed before arrival.
We can only advise to read the website before coming, and 'hope" that our guests read our signage on site.

Im really sorry I wasn't there to check you in. Being the school holidays and very busy, it's hard to be everywhere at once. But i am very easily found, as the site can be walked from top to bottom in 5 minutes!

I do remember coming to you on more then one occasion to ask if everything was okay and if you had everything you need! And all seemed good!

Any noise issues, you were very welcome to come find me, so I can help sort that situation.

And again, apologies for coming across rude. That most definitely was not my intention, and hope in-between that, you had a great time up here!

I wish you a lovely future!

Haley 🌸

Liked We absolutely loved our weekend at Evelyn's Garden. The field where we were pitched was perfect. There was nothing like sitting in a morning with the sun on your face and no noise at all apart from the birdsong. Evelyn's Garden is a very special place, made even more special by the magical sound bath, sauna and cold plunge on offer too. Nothing to dislike at all. Host hayley, was so friendly and welcoming - and very chilled about everything. Such a vibe ✨️

Disliked Absolutely nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Evelyn greeted us lovely as we arrived. The bell tent is very decent and clean, well decorated. Facilities is just about enough for everything.

Disliked Just one small recommendation of providing more plugs for electricity would be extraordinary

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Lovely location, tent was nice and clean and beds were comfy. Good facilities, everything you need.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Really nice place and good value

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Kids loved the adventure in storm Dave, owner / staff were very accommodating and helpful.

Owners dog had great taste

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked The view, the setting, the tranquillity

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Liked Friendly, laid back, walks, the views

Disliked Getting to the site 🤣

Recommend to friends Visit again