Mad Dogs and Vintage Vans

11/02/2025

Savouring the knowledge imparted by Tom Baxter of Bristol Fungarium & Joe McDonnell of Radek’s Chocolate at TALK 9.

06/02/2025

GLAMPING WITH KIDS

I blogged about glamping with your kids. The preserve of real family bonding and seeing the children's sense of imagination developing in front of your eyes. They really won't miss their phones.

This is personal and highly nostalgic for me. Mad Dogs was born when my children were very young - truly the happiest of happy days.

Enjoy parents!

Let your kids' imagination run wild in nature. Our guide to glamping with kids and the magic it brings for the whole family.

03/02/2025

Some Mad Dogs customer reviews from last season...

22/01/2025

THE HAYLOFT - UPSTAIRS

14/01/2025

GOLDEN SKY AT NIGHT,
GLAMPERS' DELIGHT...

The snowdrops are starting to peep through and winter aconites will not be long behind. Time to start dreaming of longer days, the smell of cut grass and the chatter of spring birdsong. Our van doors open on Friday 11th April for this, our 13th season. Yes - 13!

In Italy the number 13 is considered lucky and thought to bring prosperity and good fortune whilst the Egyptians hold the number 13 in great reverence: the Great Pyramid of Giza has 13 occurrences of the number 13 in its design. Crucially the number 13 encompasses a powerful female energy because we have on average 13 moon cycles in a calendar year. So bring your friends and family, gather round the firepit, charge your glass and howl at the moon.

Our Mad Dogs calendar is now open for whole site weekend bookings, the Easter holidays and May half term. Larger groups of 18+ guests can always add on The Hayloft for extra beds.

###

10/01/2025

We've had a magical white coating all day today, with a soft pink light - this special combination brought a unique atmosphere to the winter feel & the view of Mad Dogs from the Old Rectory

06/01/2025

Monty, the main man, serene in the snow

Wishing all glampers a happy and healthy new year

###

02/01/2025

Where to go a’wassailing in Herefordshire

Apple tree, apple tree, we all come to wassail thee…
Wassailing is a joyous tradition for many apple growers and, as one of the largest cider-producing regions in the UK, it’s an important part of Herefordshire County’s calendar.

This ancient ceremony sees communities coming together to 'awaken' and bless the apple trees, ward off any 'evil sprits' lurking in the orchards, and promote a bountiful harvest for the year ahead.

No two wassailing celebrations are the same, with revelries varying around the country, but they usually involve singing, dancing, a lively procession, and (of course) plenty of cider with cheers of “Wassail” to wish good health to all. It’s noisy, eccentric and lots of fun !

We have selected some venues with wassailing events happening across Herefordshire in January 2025, including Westons Cider Mill (pictured), NT Brockhampton , Newton Court Cider, The Yew Tree Inn , The Crown Inn Woolhope and The Monkland Arms . For more on these events, go to our website: https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/inspiration/where-go-awassailing

06/12/2024

"I climbed it a couple of weeks back on the peachiest and gentlest of late autumnal days – the leaves were all shades of rich fall colours, the sky was azure blue and the warmth of the sun had us stripping down to a single layer in no time at all."

SCALING THE SUGAR LOAF https://t.co/awS9GsIRYk

Our latest blog about a classic walk and then pootle around the independant shops and restaurants in lovely Abergavenny.

15/10/2024

As the tipping point looms above us, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT GREENWASHING...

With Natalie Fee of City to Sea
Jessica Ferrow of Twelve & B Corp UK
Veronica Wignall of Adfree Cities & Badvertising
Host Eliz Mizon of The Bristol Cable

Tickets incl student discounts & a deal on a pair https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/checkout/altered-state-tickets

09/10/2024

Changing seasons - it's beautiful in the WyeValley

The Hayloft sleeps 6 & is dog friendly

There is good autumn midweek availability & the weekends of Nov 8/9 & the first three Dec weekends are free too

21/09/2024

19/09/2024

🌿 New Date Added! 🌿
Join us for a rejuvenating weekend of **Pottery & Pilates** on **Saturday, 19th October to Sunday, 20th October**! 🧘‍♀️✨
£155pp 💙

📍 Escape the daily grind and connect with nature while engaging in creative pottery sessions and mindful Pilates. 🤸🌿 Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a chance to explore new skills, this is the perfect blend of relaxation and creativity. 🌿🪴

Limited spots available, so don’t miss out!
Book your place now with **Health & Me Retreats** 🌿💫

https://buytickets.at/healthmeretreats/1400191

🏡
🤸
🪴
🍓

17/09/2024

Feeling the end of summer blues… join us for 24hrs of you time! ✨💙
Time to recharge with Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, plus a Nutrition & Gut Health seminar 🧘‍♀️🍓🍏📚

🍏
🏡
🧘‍♀️
🍓

www.healthandmeretreats

07/09/2024

Well it certainly feels like Autumn and The Hayloft is welcoming Wye valley walkers who love it here at this time of year. Weekends are going like hot cakes and are now sold out until November.

Here's our blog on the best local walks.. https://maddogsandvintagevans.co.uk/walk-this-wye/