Sperrinview Glamping’s curiously shaped stargazer pods are set in the wild, misty, and undeveloped Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But, don’t let the name deceive you. This is mercifully about as far away from regular camping as it’s possible to be! But the hosts have provided just a few camping touches to retain the sense of being “away, away”.
My previous visits to the Sperrins included panning for gold as a teenager at the Sperrin Heritage Centre, walking a very pleasant Carntogher Way, and clambering up through the spiky boulders of Iniscarn Forest to its wind-whipped summit.
Our adventure started with booking the Stars and Stones experience at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest, situated between Cookstown and Omagh. It was on their website that I encountered a list of nearby places to stay, including the closest – Sperrinview Glamping, situated in the Sperrin Mountains in Northern Ireland.
In this blog post, I provide a Sperrinview Glamping review.
My Requirements
- Clean (unfortunately a rarity)
- Quiet
- A power shower!
- Comfortable bed
- Hot tub (a nice extra to have when possible)
Accommodation at Sperrinview Glamping
Aside from the very high standard of cleanliness throughout, one of the things that stood out to me was the friendliness of the hosts who answered all my questions quickly before and after booking, remained on hand during check-in and check-out, and were available by phone for anything we needed help with during our stay.
I recommend Sperrinview Glamping for anyone who loves to enjoy the natural environment, then retreat to somewhere warm, relaxing, safe, and comfortable (not a tent!).
Still Your Mind at an International Dark Sky Site
Sperrinview Glamping welcomes you modestly into its quiet and misty cocoon (I visited this month, winter here in NI). Since the site is situated near the OM Dark Sky Park (one of only two International Dark Sky Parks in Ireland), outdoor night lights are kept to a minimum and they are red to avoid disturbing both wildlife and local stargazers. This has a welcome calming effect, particularly in winter months (December-February) when Northern Ireland enjoys only around 5-7 hours of daylight and little actual sunshine.
There are outdoor lights on the porch at the back of each pod and plentiful normal lighting inside.
Slip Softly Into Peace and Tranquility
It struck me driving onto the site that the entire surrounding area on the approach was absolutely silent and still except for swooping insects and birds. On the open mountainside, there was little traffic – and none of the usual country sounds of farming machinery, or any other signs of human activity at all. No pets are permitted on the premises, probably due to the local wild sika deer and and occasional herds and flocks of farm animals scattered across some of the surrounding farmland.
With only four pods onsite, the only sounds were of the quiet bubbling of a hot tub as we came back for the evening and a single late arrival crunching across the gravel to their pod. That aside, we didn’t see or hear any other guests until morning. This is a place for quiet souls – not party-goers.
Watch the Night Sky From Bed Through Giant Stargazer Windows
The pods themselves are suitable for families with kids who’ll love clambering up the stairs and ladder to their loft-style beds. But, they’re also perfect for couples or a small group of friends just wanting a quiet weekend to relax. Be mindful that, though most pods sleep 3-5 people and there are several sleeping floors inside, there are no actual room dividers between sleeping areas.
The most unique feature is that each pod has its own giant stargazer window angled toward the sky, meaning you can lie in bed to watch the night sky and waken with the sunlight.
Relax in a Warm and Cosy Pod
Guests are treated to a warm and inviting glamping pod whose interior walls are clad completely in sound and heat-insulating pine. This gave a very Scandinavian hygge feel along with a mixture of wooden and carpeted floors. Furnishings included a table and lamp, multiple lighting options, velvet sofa, TV, lots of squishy cushions, soft duvets, and pillows. Note that guests must bring their own duvet covers, pillow covers, and towels.
The pod is kitted out with a spotless bathroom (loo roll, soap, shampoo, shower gel provided) and kitchenette fitted with all the basics (fridge, microwave, water, butter and milk sachets, kitchen roll, cloth, washing up liquid, toaster, kettle, crockery, and cutlery). Though there is no kitchen sink, you can fill up your kettle with drinking water from the bathroom sink.
Make Dinner and Relax in Larger Communal Hub
The kitchenette in the pod is suitable for casual meals, and is supplemented with an outdoor barbecue. But, the Communal Hub contains a larger kitchen, covered outdoor porch with open fire, and reading corner. Guests are welcome to take advantage of this complimentary, shared facility on the site.
Note that Sperrinview Glamping also offers a concierge service.
Sperrinview Glamping Top Three Features
- Stargazer window meaning you can watch the night sky while lying in bed
- Mini porch with chairs, picnic table, barbecue, and fire-pit at the back of each pod – providing everything you need for quiet, chilled, and self-contained relaxation
- Hot-tub – screened for privacy
The cutest feature I noticed only when looking back at my photos is that each pod is situated in its own little bubble of mini shrubs and stones, reminiscent of the Beaghmore Stone Circles that are a mere 2 minute walk from the site. Enjoy!
How Can I Book Accommodation at Sperrinview Glamping?
Book your pod now on the Sperrinview website.