Escape: Campwell
"We hope for the experience to be just wild enough to let go. Slowing down to a more human pace, allowing nature to work its calming magic"
TIM BOWLES, FOUNDER
Boardwalk videographer Owen and his partner head to a wild, wooded valley near Bath, for a peaceful escape at Campwell Woods. Embedded in nature, this hand-crafted eco-village is designed for relaxation and reconnection.
From Camp to Campwell
Nestled in the verdant Cherry Wood, near the historic city of Bath, Campwell Woods is the epitome of a countryside escape. This low-impact, eco-friendly camp sits sympathetically within a dense woodland and encourages visitors to lose themselves in its wild surroundings.
Campwell was founded by outdoor enthusiast, and campfire advocate, Tim Bowles at his family farm over a decade ago. Following a busy career that took him to London and Hong Kong, Tim returned to the South West and created the first iteration of Campwell, an off-grid campsite affectionately titled ‘The Farm Camp’.
In 2016 Tim and his team started hosting wellbeing retreats called ‘Campwell’, and in 2019 the site was rebranded to Campwell Farm and a second site was acquired: Campwell Woods.
“Our guests tell us they experience a great sense of calmness, clarity and connection with us that can feel life-changing. We want to bring that feeling to the world.”
Wild enough
Campwell promotes a simpler way of living and the importance of existing harmoniously within nature. Tim encourages his guests to fully embrace their surroundings, leaving behind the demands of modern life and taking the time to return to their senses.
“We hope for the experience to be just wild enough to let go. Slowing down to a more human pace, allowing nature to work its calming magic, reassuring them you've got this but we've got them too (if they need us).”
Calming magic is a perfect description for Campwell. From the secluded wild swimming spot to the beautiful, wood-fired sauna, the site provides everything you need for a restful stay, whilst remaining true to its founding principles of ‘less is often more’. Free from distractions, the woods encourage a slower pace of life and an increased appreciation for the smaller, calmer moments we often overlook.
Space to reconnect
Whilst Campwell’s setting may feel remote, a stay on site is far from a solitary experience. With a self-confessed addiction to making campfires, Tim ensures that “gathering around (the ancestral tv) the campfire, is central to time well spent with us”. This sense of shared experience works to connect guests, not only with nature, but with each other.
Tim says, “the feedback we receive is that people take away beautiful moments with loved ones - quiet undistracted moments around the campfire, playing in the woods and forgetting their worries ... in fact, I remember a Mum telling me "thank you for giving me my kids back." I will always remember hearing that as apparently they were normally glued to screens and they totally forgot about them after arriving at camp.”
A very special place, the ethos of Campwell will stay with you long after you visit. We’ll meet you by the campfire.
