Detour Pit Stop #60: Glamper RV, Buckinghamshire, UK
Photo Charlotte Vowden
The RV’s natural habitat may be out on the road, but in the foothills of the Chiltern Hills a majestic grey motorhome has gone rogue.
Hiding in a far corner of Orchard View Farm, neighbouring a field populated by white and fallow deer, the luxury four-person sleeper has come to a temporary halt. Set up exclusively for a static mini-break, it offers the ultimate sleeping beneath the stars alternative to a tent.
Equipped with everything you need so there’s no need to go anywhere (draw the short straw and it’s your responsibility to empty the on-board loo) this 3.5 tonne hotel suite on 16” alloy wheels has a compact double-bed boudoir and shower ensuite, plus kitchenette, lounge and dining area. The second pull-down bed tucks away neatly above the front driver and passenger seats, which can swivel 360° – stop half way if you’re being sociable and in need of two extra places at the extendable dinner table.
Connected to the outside world by super fast 5G wifi (great if you're working from mobile home or streaming movies on a rainy day), the 7.4-metre long vessel has USB ports throughout, as well as an internal heat and water supply that guarantees cosy nights and hot showers. The built-in Nespresso machine is a real treat to wake up to.
For afternoon tea beneath the five-metre awning, book ahead so that it’s waiting for you on arrival. Arranged by Lucy Caillé, who launched her bespoke motorhome rental and sales business GlamperRV six years ago, it’s a fabulous introduction to the homemade, home-reared and locally-sourced delicacies available in the campsite’s award-winning farm shop, butchery and café, The Trough. Breakfast is dished up Tuesday to Sunday from 9-11:45am, but save space for stone baked pizza on Friday, when beers, wines and cocktails are served in the adjoining Outhouse Bar until 9. Fancy roast dinner? On Sunday, they’ve got you covered.
With space in the back of the RV to store secondary adventure vehicles, you could tackle all, or part, of the 170-mile Chilterns Cycleway. A less strenuous alternative is to drive the scenic route from Long Crendon to Waddesdon Manor via Chearsley and Upper Winchendon.
If staying put gives you the urge to pilot a GlamperRV on the open road, next time, graduate to a self-driven rental (which you can do with a standard UK driving licence) or, if you want the freedom to roam on demand, a tailor-made van costs around £100,000. With 140bhp of oomph beneath the bonnet, a GlamperRV can cruise comfortably at 70mph, but don’t attempt a competitive hill climb time, no matter how tempted you are by Kop Hill’s proximity to the GlamperRV’s Buckinghamshire headquarters.
For a static stay at Orchard View Farm, it’s a minimum two night hire, from £499 and to hit the road, in low season, it’s a minimum three night hire, from £699. Visit the website for more information.
Words Charlotte Vowden Twitter | Instagram
Photography Charlotte Vowden & Glamper RV
