I’VE been on many holidays in my lifetime.

And I’ve seen some truly wonderful places.

But I don’t think a holiday has ever touched me quite so deeply as this one – a short two day stay in a beautiful painted gypsy caravan in The Lakes.

We stayed in the spectacular caravan at The Blue House Bed & Breakfast in Ayside, a beautiful location just ten minutes or so from Lake Windermere.

Just a couple hours drive from where we live in South Yorkshire, on arrival we were greeted warmly by the lovely owner Tina and shown to our small but beautiful lodgings.

And when we entered the caravan? Well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Elsie quite as excited!

After being a little worried that Elsie might not take to the caravan or that she’d find the space a little restrictive, she surprised us all by absolutely loving it and taking it all in her stride.

Our little free spirit knew we were on a mini adventure and relished every minute.

The caravan itself was, as you’d expect from a traditional gypsy caravan, small but incredibly beautiful.

Well equipped with everything we needed to make it warm and cosy (including a wood stove, duvet and plenty of candles) we were all rather stricken by the absolute prettiness of it and how much could be achieved in such a small space!

Just look at the paint work. Kind of puts our decorating to shame. *winks*

And besides the stunning, romantic interior? Well when we opened the caravan door, this is what greeted us…

Rather beautiful isn’t it?

And if all of this isn’t idyllic enough, there were chickens that roamed ( that we all grew rather attached to!…)

There were flowers and more stunning scenery…

And yes, there was a toilet and shower as well (!) plus hot drinking facilities, all just a mere stroll away in the main B&B cottage.

And of course there was food. Each morning were were treated to delicious home cooked breakfasts – including homemade bread and totally free range eggs – in the B&B restaurant in the morning. (Thank you Tina!)

The location itself was perfect for us to explore Lake Windermere and make the most of our few days away from home, which we did with a trip to The World Of Beatrix Potter, South Lakes Safari Zoo (more on these another time) and Bowness On Windermere.

And it was also incredibly relaxing.

What can I say?

As a family we really soaked up the fresh air, sunshine, stunning scenery and made the most of our time with the chickens!

Staying in a gypsy caravan has been a lifelong ambition of mine.

I’ve been obsessed with them since being a little girl and have always loved everything about them – the prettiness, the romance and the freedom as well as their old fashioned charm.

They appeal to my free spirit and romantic nature and I dream about having one of my own one day to cover with fairy lights and use as my writing den! (It will happen people, it’s got to!)

So I was a little worried that this mini break might disappoint.

That our time together as a family of three with a toddler would be full of squabbles, that we’d get ‘on top of each other’ or find being out ‘in the sticks’ isolating.

But I needn’t have had any such concerns.

We all loved the beautiful caravan and our break away as much as we could have hoped. And found that our time together as a family in this stunning, peaceful location was far from stressful or chaotic, and instead a real welcome tonic from the busyness of our everyday lives.

Certainly for me, our little stay has given me much food for thought and if I had to describe our break in one word, it would have to be this: magical.

Because it really, really was.

So magical in fact, that on our first evening, I found myself quite unexpectedly tearful.

As I lay in the incredibly comfy bed, next to my husband as he snoozed and above Elsie as she slept in her special little bed, as the rain came down and drummed gently on the canope, I felt a feeling of total peace.

Serenity even, for the first time in a very long time. And also so incredibly grateful that I got to experience such a magical little holiday with my family and create such precious memories.

As I always suspected, the gypsy caravan holiday truly spoke to my heart.

And if you’re anything like me? Well, I have absolutely no doubt that it will speak to you too, in a very similar way.

——–

Many thanks to Tina and The Blue House Bed & Breakfast for making us feel so welcome and giving us a holiday we will never forget.

If you want a stay that is unusual, charming and idyllic I urge you to give this beautiful place a visit. You won’t regret it. (Although I warn you, you may very well end up wanting to buy your very own gypsy caravan too!)

With love,

Kate

Disclaimer – we were kindly invited to experience the gypsy caravan in return for this review.  (I know, how incredibly lucky are we?!) 

This post is linked to #BrilliantBlogPosts and #SundayStars