Slow Stays | Beekeepers Hut, Hawarden Estate (ad/pr stay)
Ad / pr stay
A couple of weeks ago, I packed my bag and took Evie (my dog) for a solo travel adventure in north Wales. I haven’t travelled on my own since I was 21 (and that was unintentional - long story) so I was apprehensive, but the Good Life Society had kindly invited me for a two night getaway to a destination that was easy to access on public transport, so I decided to take the plunge. Other than a few nightmares that woke me up on my first night, I can honestly say that I’m a solo travel convert and actually really enjoyed spending time on my own with just my favourite little creature for company. One thing which has previously put me off solo travel is that it can be difficult to get places when I don’t drive, but reaching the Hawarden Estate was incredibly easy - a train direct to Chester, followed by a bus that dropped me just a five minute walk from the hut. Ever since I returned home I have been researching where I can go on my next solo trip.
But back to Beekeeper’s Hut - a cosy little shepherds hut nestled within the walled garden on the edge of the sprawling Hawarden Estate. There’s plenty going on here (Summer Camp, the Walled Garden School, Gardener’s Cottage and an award-winning farm shop) but this tiny hut tucked away below a canopy of trees was my base for most of the two days I spent there. I had the walled garden all to myself, with plenty of undercover spots to shelter from the rain that greeted me (but thankfully gave way to sunshine). A huge outdoor kitchen with everything you needed to cook on an open fire, on a big green egg or in a pizza oven. The seating area dedicated to the Walled Garden School, where I ate my meals and cosied up on a sofa for an afternoon of work. A sauna, woodfired outdoor bath, cold water plunge tub and outdoor shower (the sauna and cold shower kept me entertained on my first evening). A large bathroom with showers. And a covered seating area complete with fire pits, right beside the cabin, it’s twinkling fairy lights guiding me home.
I spent most of my stay either catching up with work (I was there mid-week), reading my book or exploring the grounds. Outside the Walled Garden there were two castles (one crumbling, one much more modern), a field of friendly donkeys, plenty of cute cottages to admire, an orchard bursting with apples, pears and plums ripe for the picking. And the wonderful farm shop and cafe, where I loaded up on goodies for a picnic tea the first night, then returned for a delicious brunch sat outdoors beside a smouldering fire pit the next day. I also paid the village pub a visit for dinner and a couple glasses of wine on my last evening. The Glynne Arms is also owned by the estate; a friendly local pub with a delicious menu and a choice of casual pub or more formal restaurant seating.
If you’re looking for a cosy getaway at any time of year, I’d recommend a couple of nights snuggled up in Beekeeper’s Hut. The hut itself is only small - the perfect size for one person or a couple who want to cosy up for a romantic stay - but has plenty of lovely little details to keep you entertained. A well curated stack of books, a record player, and a stove to heat a kettle for morning brews. I didn’t have chance to use the outdoor bath or any of the numerous fire pits dotted around the garden, but I imagine they would make guests lovely and warm during colder times of the year.
Beekeepers Hut is part of the Good Life Society, located on the Hawarden Estate in north Wales. Click here to find out more and book a stay.
