the-hydeaway

Easter at The Hydeaway: Reviews, Sunlight & New Touches

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:12:43 GMT

See what guests are saying about our Isle of Wight camping retreat

‘’The site was very quiet and very peaceful, in a great location for shops and attractions, even if you are walking.’’

‘’A great location with great facilities. Good for backpackers.’’

We update the site weekly, adding bits here and there; more solar lights are being installed this week for upcoming guests. Come and have a look!

Regards,

Jan

We recently enjoyed a great Easter weekend with friendly guests at our campsite, and we're grateful for their excellent reviews:

‘’Waking to a warm, glowing sun on an early spring morning is a delight.’’

‘’The toilets and showers are really nicely done, hot water, all in all a lovely stay!’’

We’re Open — Just in Time for Spring

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:26:51 GMT

Discover Isle of Wight glamping as the season begins

Here at last……!

After a challenging delay due to flooding, we’re so excited to finally be opening our glampsite! With beautiful spring sunshine, warmer days, and the land looking fresh and green again, it feels like the perfect time to begin.

We’re delighted that our first campers are already booked in and have taken advantage of our 30% off offer, available until the end of April—an ideal opportunity to enjoy a peaceful countryside escape as everything comes back to life.

Waiting for the Land: A Short Delay to Our Isle of Wight Glamping Season

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:07:23 GMT

It hasn’t quite been the start to the season we had planned…

The recent heavy rainfall left parts of the field waterlogged, so we’ve made the decision to delay opening slightly.

Rather than risk damaging the fresh spring grass by walking and driving over it while flooded, we chose to let the land recover properly. Protecting the field now means it will look and feel its best when you arrive.

The water has receded, the grass is bouncing back, and we’re quietly getting everything ready behind the scenes. We’ll keep you updated.

Thank you so much for your patience — we’re really looking forward to welcoming you very soon

🐑 Woolly Visitors on Grass-Cutting Duty

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:33:38 GMT

Over the past few weeks, 41 sheep have been grazing on our fields — visiting eco-friendly lawnmowers kindly loaned to us from a nearby farm.

These hardworking grazers have nibbled their way through the grass, weeds and even the thistles, helping us care for the land in a completely natural way. Their grazing has kept the fields healthy and trimmed, while their droppings have returned valuable nutrients to the soil.

Now that their grazing mission is complete, the flock has returned home to their own farm, leaving our fields tidier, healthier, and beautifully refreshed.

A New Bike Store for the Glampsite

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:06:41 GMT

We’re excited to share that our brand-new bike store is now in place on the glampsite. Built from natural timber and topped with a smart green corrugated roof, it’s designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding countryside while offering secure, weatherproof storage for your bikes and outdoor gear.

This addition is part of our commitment to creating a thoughtful, well-equipped space for guests who love to explore. Whether you’re cycling the local trails or simply bringing your own set of wheels for convenience, the new store is ready and waiting for your next adventure.

🌿 Celebrate The Hydeaway’s Grand Opening – 30% Off Spring Stays 2026

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:48:31 GMT

After years of dreaming, planning, and nurturing, The Hydeaway is almost ready to open its gates — and we can’t wait to welcome our very first guests in spring 2026.

To celebrate our official opening, we’re offering 30% off all stays from Sunday 1st March to Thursday 30th April 2026 . Whether you’re drawn to the comfort of our luxury bell tents or prefer to bring your own tent or campervan, this offer is the perfect excuse to escape to nature and experience something new. (Please note: Easter weekend from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April is excluded from the offer.)

A Place to Pause, Play, and Reconnect

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Gurnard on the Isle of Wight , The Hydeaway is more than just a glampsite — it’s a place to slow down and truly soak in your surroundings. Picture yourself waking to birdsong, sipping coffee by your own firepit, and watching the sun dip over the valley as the day winds down.

Each of our four themed bell tents — Woodland, Meadow, Sunset, and Seaside — is designed to bring you closer to nature, without giving up comfort. Think soft bedding, rustic charm, and the gentle glow of a log-burning stove. For those who prefer to pitch their own tent or park up their campervan, our scenic pitches offer the same calm and connection to the land.

Why Visit in Early Spring?

Spring on the Isle of Wight is something special — wildflowers begin to bloom, red squirrels dart between the trees, and the coastal paths are at their quietest and most beautiful. It’s the perfect time to breathe fresh air, stretch your legs, and watch the island come to life after winter.

With Cowes and Gurnard beach just a stroll away , and Parkhurst Forest nearby for woodland walks, The Hydeaway offers a peaceful base to explore it all.

How to Book

Simply visit our website, select your spring 2026 dates between 1st March and 30th April , and your 30% discount will be applied automatically at checkout.

We can’t wait to share this place with you — the sunsets, the stillness, and the small details that make The Hydeaway feel like home.

Wander Where the Wild Things Are: The Isle of Wight’s Most Beautiful Nature Walks

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:14:30 GMT

From ancient woodland trails to sea-cliff strolls, here’s your guide to the best Isle of Wight walks for nature lovers, daydreamers, and glampers with muddy boots

The Isle of Wight’s Walking Spirit

The Isle of Wight has a rhythm all its own—slow, steady, and full of quiet wonder. Whether you’re glamping in a bell tent at The Hydeaway or simply here for the day, the island’s network of trails invites you to lace up your boots, breathe deep, and explore landscapes shaped by sea, sky, and time.

Here are our top picks for nature walks that capture the spirit of the island—wild, peaceful, and irresistibly photogenic.

Parkhurst Forest – A Red Squirrel Haven

Just a short wander from The Hydeaway lies Parkhurst Forest, an ancient woodland threaded with trails that feel utterly timeless. Home to the island’s famous red squirrels, this is the place to swap screens for birdsong and sunlight dappling through oak and hazel. Keep an eye out for buzzards circling overhead, and if you’re quiet enough, you might spot a deer slipping between the trees.

Best for: Woodland wanderers, wildlife watchers, and early morning explorers.
Distance from The Hydeaway: Walking distance.

Newtown National Nature Reserve – A Coastal Sanctuary

Managed by the National Trust, Newtown is a tranquil patchwork of creeks, meadows, and saltmarshes—a paradise for bird lovers and anyone craving calm. Once a medieval port, now reclaimed by nature, it’s a reminder that slow and steady can be beautiful too.

Pack binoculars and take the circular route from the visitor centre to the harbour. Depending on the season, you might spot curlews, egrets, or migrating oystercatchers.

Best for: Birdwatching and gentle estuary walks.
Vibe: Stillness, sea breeze, and wildflowers.

Tennyson Down – The Poet’s Path

Named after Alfred Lord Tennyson, who found inspiration in these very hills, Tennyson Down offers one of the most iconic walks on the Isle of Wight. Starting from Freshwater Bay, the chalk ridge rises steeply before unfurling into sweeping views across the Solent and the English Channel.

At the summit stands the Tennyson Monument, a fitting reward for your climb. Bring a flask of tea and soak in the silence—it’s pure poetry.

Best for: Adventurous walkers, sunset seekers, and romantic souls.

St Catherine’s Down – History Meets Horizon

For those who love a view (and a bit of mystery), St Catherine’s Down delivers both. The ridge is crowned by the 14th-century St Catherine’s Oratory, known locally as the Pepperpot—a lonely stone tower that has guided sailors for centuries.

On clear days, you can see across the island and far out to sea. The walk can be steep, but it rewards you with cinematic scenery and a true sense of space.

Best for: History buffs and hikers who love a challenge.

Compton Bay & Brook Chine – Fossil Coast Magic

For a walk that blends wild beauty with natural history, Compton Bay is unbeatable. The cliffs here are streaked with colour—amber, red, gold—and beneath your feet lie the remains of ancient giants: dinosaur footprints visible at low tide.

The coastal path between Brook and Compton is windswept and elemental, perfect for clearing your head and collecting sea-glass memories.

Best for: Beachcombers, fossil hunters, and free spirits.

TL;DR

1. Parkhurst Forest: Red squirrels, ancient oaks, and birdsong galore near The Hydeaway.

2. Newtown National Nature Reserve: Saltmarsh serenity and migrating birds on a historic estuary.

3. Tennyson Down: Breathtaking chalk cliffs and endless sea views.

4. St Catherine’s Down: Panoramic walks with a dash of island legend.

5. Compton Bay & Brook Chine: Fossil-studded beach walks beneath towering cliffs.

Map & Walk Highlights

If you’re planning a few days of Isle of Wight glamping at The Hydeaway, here’s how to make the most of your walking adventures. These routes balance beauty, accessibility, and that satisfying post-walk glow.

Local tip: The Isle of Wight’s footpaths are wonderfully well-marked—look for the green “public footpath” signs or the acorn symbol for the Coastal Path. Most trails are dog-friendly, but leads are required around livestock and nesting birds.

Glamping bonus: If you’re staying at The Hydeaway, bring your walking boots and a thermos. You can set off straight from your bell tent glamping base, follow the hedgerow paths into Parkhurst Forest , and be surrounded by birdsong within minutes.

Your Perfect Base for Walking & Glamping on the Isle of Wight

After a day on the trails, there’s nothing quite like returning to the soft glow of your bell tent, a crackling firepit, and the distant hoot of an owl settling into night. Nestled in Gurnard, just minutes from coast and countryside, The Hydeaway is the ideal base for walkers, nature-lovers, and dreamers seeking quiet comfort amid the wild.

Here, you can rise to birdsong, wander ancient woodlands, and end your evening under a canopy of stars—all without leaving the island’s most scenic corner. Whether you’re exploring red squirrel trails or the coastal paths of the Isle of Wight , your next great walk begins right outside your tent.

Book your stay at The Hydeaway and discover the simple joy of slowing down, walking gently, and sleeping close to nature.