Hot Tub Hill

The Location

As you pass down our tree lined driveway, taking the left fork, you’ll pass fields of sheep and cattle and wonder how this green space has remained hidden for so long in amidst busy city life.  The trees will open out to show Cut Thorn Farm and you’ll be amazed at the tranquillity and lack of traffic noise that infiltrates usual daily life.

The Hot Tub Hill area of our glamping site is situated at the westerly edge of this working farm but looks out over the Derwent Valley.  Views to the rear of your accommodation may provide an insight into farming life, whilst the far ranging views to the front will wow you with the beautiful English landscape.  Sitting on your private lawn in a steaming tub is just beautiful.

Depending on the dates of your stay, you may witness lambing or calving, bringing home and stacking the harvest, or even working the flocks with collie dogs Kim & Jack.  Meanwhile across the valley you can see as far as the Cheviots on a clear day, or on a wet day, just sit back and relax on your deck as the rain clouds roll over the hills.  Snow days are spectacular.

Access to Gibside is included in your stay, just take a walk along the lane towards the Yurt Village or follow the signed field footpath into the woods.  The Market Square and Visitor Information Centre are around a 20 minute walk along the woodland trails.  How many squirrels or deer will you see?

We welcome arrivals from 4pm to 9pm on a self service check in basis and ask that guests have vacated the site by 10am latest on the day of check out.  Early check-in or late check-out may be purchased from our online shop, dependant on availability.  This area of our site is quieter than the Yurt Village and has “quiet time” from 9pm.  As we’re a working farm, guests are asked to remain in the accommodation areas only and not walk around the farm steading or animal buildings.

We are able to welcome 1 small dog into our Shepherd’s Hut but not any other types of our accommodations unfortunately.  The gardens are not secure so your dog will need to remain on a lead at all times.  Please see our full Terms and Conditions page for further information.

Shepherd’s Hut & Hot Tub

Shepherds’ huts were primarily used from the 15th century by Shepherds tending their flocks.  They were particularly popular in Northumberland and other large sheep rearing areas.

Traditionally, they were built on an iron chassis with wheels; a window was placed on each side to give the shepherd a 360’ view of his flock.  They offer both practical and sturdy accommodation throughout the wildest of weathers.  The hut needed to be of sound construction to endure the rigors of moving over rough and sometimes inhospitable land.

Here at West Wood we’ve kept our design as traditional as possible, with a few modern elements to offer guests comfort. You’ll find a sumptuous double bed, a cosy indoor seating area in front of the real Log Burning fire, and the added luxury of a small indoor kitchen area.  Fitted with a 2 ring gas stove, sink, microwave and fridge.  A dining area by the patio doors offers mesmerising views over the Derwent Valley, what better way to enjoy a leisurely meal.  There’s no better view for breakfast in our opinion!  The Hut is very well insulated and makes for a cosy retreat during the winter months, as well as the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine by the outdoor fire pit during spring or summer.

A wood fire Hot Tub is situated on your lawn with a starting supply of logs included in your booking price, just sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday.  You can book extra fire packs on our online shop page if required, or you’re also welcome to supply your own.

The Shepherd’s Hut has all cooking accessories that you will need and is prepared with bedding included. More info can be found on the FAQs page.  Towels and toiletries aren’t supplied.

Perfectly designed for 2 guests only, the Shepherd’s Hut is nestled within its own private walled garden; this was originally designed and used as a sheep handling enclosure but has now fallen into rather pretty ruins. A private toilet and shower room is located just to the side of the Shepherd’s Hut, for your personal use only.

1 small dog is welcome in the Shepherd’s Hut, please note the garden is not enclosed and your dog will need to remain on a lead at all times.  Please see our Terms & Conditions page for full info.

Oak & Elm Luxury Pods & Hot Tubs

These luxury Pods aren’t what you would expect when you think camping.  Fitted with a cosy double bed, a king-size pull out sofa bed, underfloor heating and toasty hot double shower – you’ll be amazed by the standard of finish on offer here.  Did we mention each Pod also comes with it’s own private Log Fired Hot Tub!  Roomy enough to comfortably host 4 guests, they are perfect for couples, families or friends to relax and soak up the beautiful countryside views.

The kitchen area contains a 2 ring gas hob, microwave, fridge with freezer box and dining area, along with kettle, toaster and all the cooking and dining accessories you may need.  A modern and sparkling clean en-suite bathroom is offered and we even have a TV in the sitting area should you need to rest up after enjoying some country walks.

Within your private garden you’ll find a wood fired hot tub with a starting supply of logs included in your booking price, perfect for summer and winter alike.  You can book extra fire packs on our online shop page if required, or you’re also welcome to supply your own.  An outdoor picnic table located in your garden is perfect for outdoor dining and the fire pit can be lit to chase away any chiller evenings.

Both Oak and Elm Pods are prepared with bedding for 4 included. More info of what’s included can be found on the FAQs page.  Towels and toiletries aren’t supplied.

Unfortunately we are unable to welcome dogs into either Oak or Elm Pod.

Flagship Rose Yurt

Glamping with a capital G!! Lie back in the double bed and look straight out the windows at the sheep or cows at grass with the glorious hills of the Derwent Valley behind.  With toasty warm central heating from the designer radiators you can take a leisurely breakfast in the wingback chairs, perhaps boiling some of our free range farm eggs on the ensuite kitchen unit.

If outdoors is more your thing, try a dip in the private wood fired hot tub.  If its rain or snow, we’ve got you covered, the tin sheet roof of the pagoda sounds awesome in the rain and the privacy screening is just enough to block the wind without spoiling the view.

Rose Yurt is designed for 2 guests with a 2 ring electric hob, microwave, fridge with freezer box along with kettle, toaster and all the cooking and dining accessories you may need.  A modern and sparkling clean en-suite bathroom is offered and we even have a TV in the sitting area should you need to rest up after enjoying some country walks.

A starting supply of logs included in your booking price, perfect for summer and winter alike.  You can book extra fire packs on our online shop page if required, or you’re also welcome to supply your own.  An outdoor picnic table located in your garden is perfect for outdoor dining and the fire pit can be lit to chase away any chiller evenings.

Bedding is included. More info of what’s included can be found on the FAQs page.  Towels and toiletries aren’t supplied.

Unfortunately we are unable to welcome dogs into Rose Yurt.

Guest Reviews

Loved it, loved it, loved it! We went mid-week and were upgraded to a large yurt as we were the only ones on the site. The bag of logs provided make the yurt toasty warm. Just remember you firelighters! A picnic table and stove outside make for great al fresco dining,

Cool box is ideal – but you will be drinking your champagne out of pint glasses unless you bring your own flutes!
Clean toilet block. Two toilets and two showers – so may be a bit busy when all the yurts are full.
Great to walk around Gibside – just down a lane at the bottom of the site.

Really good, unusual experience!

Hidden away in the beautiful Gibside estate lies x6 traditional mongolian yurts, complete with log burner, BBQ and fire pit. One of the most peaceful, cleanest, safest and enjoyable weekends away we have had.
We will definitely be going back, ideal for couples, families or parties and the cleanliness and facilities provided were excellent.