Meadow Lake Glamping

Banging Pots and Drunk Robins: A Wassail at Stowe Gardens

This week, we braved the crisp January air and a bit of damp weather for a truly unique experience: a traditional Wassailing Ceremony at the magnificent Stowe Gardens.

I’ve always been curious about this ancient custom, which is designed to wake up the apple trees and frighten away any lingering “bad spirits” from the orchard. Given how many apple trees we have right here at Limes Farm, I think we might just have to put our new knowledge into practice on-site!

Noise, Spirits, and Cider

The ceremony was led by the National Trust, accompanied by a local Morris Dancing troupe, a mysterious “Green Man,” and a very talented accordion player. The ritual began with a cacophony of sound—we marched through the orchard banging pots and pans, blowing whistles, and sounding horns. If there were any bad spirits left in Buckinghamshire, they’ve certainly been scared off by now!

Once the orchard was properly “awakened,” we gathered around the decorated apple trees for traditional chants. The roots were dowsed in cider to encourage a bountiful harvest, and the children took turns dipping bread in cider to hang from the branches. We couldn’t help but wonder if we’d be seeing a few “tipsy robins” flying around the gardens for the next few days!

We ended the celebration the only way you can: with a rousing chorus of “Here We Come A-Wassailing.” Huzzah!

Exploring Stowe

Stowe Gardens is a true local treasure, spanning over 250 acres of rolling landscape, hidden temples, and elegant bridges reflecting in the lakes. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll to see the waterfowl, there is a path for everyone.

When to visit: While we loved the Wassail, we are particularly fond of the upcoming Snowdrop season.
Access: Stowe is managed by the National Trust. Members go free; otherwise, you can pay for a day pass at the New Inn visitor center.

Feature	Info
Distance	Roughly 12 from our site.
Dog Policy	Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the gardens.
Top sites	The Temple of Ancient Virtue, Palladian Bridge, and Gothic Temple.
Cafe	Excellent National Trust tea room located at the New Inn entrance.
Parking	Free for all

Ready to explore for yourself? [Check Our Availability] | [Follow Us on Instagram/Facebook] | [Contact Us]

Welcome to our very first blog post! We are so excited to share our favourite local spots with you. Whether you’re staying with us for a weekend getaway or a longer break, we want to help you discover the best things to see and do in our beautiful corner of the world. This week we went on a walk nearby despite the January weather.

A Walk Through History

Today was a bit misty and cold, but we didn’t let that stop us from visiting St. James Lake. While it feels like a natural part of the landscape, the lake was actually man-made in 1976 by Anglian Water.

However, the history goes back much further! The site is believed to incorporate two smaller ponds that once belonged to Brackley Castle, which stood just to the south until it was destroyed in 1173 by Henry III. Walking through these 5 acres of grounds, you really feel that connection between the modern day and the ancient past.

Wildlife & Nature Spotting

Even on a dull January day, the park is a haven for nature lovers. The paths are surprisingly well-managed (we didn’t even need our wellies!), making it perfect for a brisk stroll. Keep your eyes peeled for:

Water Fowl: You’ll spot everything from Ducks, Mute Swans and Herons to Greylag and Egyptian Geese.
The Elusive Residents: If you’re lucky, you might spot an otter!
Night Life: Look up at the trees to see the bat boxes. The area is home to Soprano, Pipistrelle, and Daubenton’s bats.

Anglers’ Paradise

If you enjoy fishing, this is the place to be. The lake is well-stocked with carp, roach, rudd, bream, tench, and pike. It’s a popular hub for the local fishing community, and it’s easy to see why.

Plan your visit: To fish at the lake, you’ll need a standard Fishing Licence plus a permit from the Brackley Angling Club. Day permits start from just £10.

Fun for Everyone

The lake isn’t just for nature enthusiasts. It’s a favourite for dog walkers and joggers alike. We even had a go on the “Green Gym” equipment dotted around the path—though we’re still not quite sure we used all of them correctly!

On warmer days, there are plenty of seating areas perfect for a picnic. Just a word of warning: the geese can be quite cheeky if they think you’re sharing your lunch!

Category	Details
Opening Times	Open 24/7, year-round.
Parking	Free off-street parking is available on Hinton Road (NN13 7EQ). Please park considerately for local residents! Alternatively Tesco has free 3hour parking and a short walk around the corner.
Dog Rules	Very dog-friendly! Dogs must be kept under control and are not permitted to swim in the lake to protect the wildlife.
Accessibility	Features a flat, 1km all-weather circular path suitable for wheelchairs, buggies, and joggers.
Fishing	Permits required from Brackley Angling Club (from £10/day) plus a valid UK Rod Licence.
Facilities	Outdoor "Green Gym" equipment, numerous picnic benches, and bird-feeding platforms.
Pro Tip	No toilets or cafes are on-site, so grab a coffee in Brackley town centre (just a 10-minute walk away) before you head down!

A Little About Us Welcome to Meadow Lake Glamping! (formerly Love2Yurt) We are two sisters running the glampsite after moving to the area from London a few years ago. We wanted a life with more of the outdoors and are passionate about our local area and dedicated to making your stay as memorable as possible. Being dog lovers ourselves, and running a dog friendly site we ensure we point out other dog friendly sites in the area. Whether you are here for a peaceful retreat or an active adventure, we love sharing our “insider tips” on the best walking trails, local history, and hidden gems like St. James Lake.

We hope this blog helps you feel right at home before you even arrive.

Ready to explore Brackley for yourself? [Check Our Availability] | [Follow Us on Instagram/Facebook] | [Contact Us]

Category: Animals & Wildlife

Here we go a wassailing!