A pearl of a campsite for our pearl wedding anniversary: Kip and Nook

We’ve had a tough few months, so we decided to treat ourselves for our 30th wedding anniversary, and booked a pitch at Kip and Nook, near Darlington. It’s the most expensive camping pitch we’ve ever stayed on, but the place is perfect for a special occasion. We have our own wood fired hot tub plus access to a platform with lovely views across the fields, and water and electricity on our pitch. For those who don’t camp, there are other accommodation options that also look very inviting.

The hot tub had been lit for our arrival, although we were later than expected so it had cooled quite a bit and our first dip wasn’t quite as warm as I’d have liked, especially with a cold wind blowing. Not to worry. John stoked the fire up using the wood supplied, and we went over to ‘The Workshop’ to explore and have a drink and something to eat.

The Workshop is very quirky, with cars, scooters and bikes displayed everywhere among all sorts of signs, and lots of comfy seating, including car and cinema seats. I had a cocktail and John had a beer while we waited for our pizzas to be cooked. The place is very warm and comfortable, and everything was delicious.

After dinner, I tested the temperature of our hot tub. It was boiling so I added cold water until it had cooled enough for us get in. The contrast between the hot water and the cold breeze was rather lovely, and we enjoyed a bottle of fizz and some chocolate while we soaked until our fingers and toes were wrinkled and it was time for bed.

Our booking is for 3 nights and, on both full days, we’ve enjoyed being lazy and have relaxed completely for the first time in months. We’ve had long lie ins with cups of tea while we read in bed. Then, after breakfast, we’ve hit the gym at Kip and Nook. It’s very well equipped so Jordan, who’s programming my training for me at the moment, sent me a couple of workouts to do. Both have been tough and made me feel a bit sick, but in a weird way I enjoyed the challenges! Plus, I feel less guilty about the treats we’ve been having, despite being relatively inactive.

Yesterday evening, we played pool, darts and table tennis in The Workshop, while sinking a couple of cocktails and beers. As usual John won every game, but I still had fun. The dart board is right by the mens’ toilet and, when someone like me is playing, it’s dangerous to venture in or out!

Then, after cooking dinner in Molly MoHo, we plunged into the hot tub again. This time the temperature was perfect, and it was lovely wallowing and looking up at the stars. Hopefully, it’ll be the same tonight, although it’s not looking promising for stars.

After our gym session today, we showered and went for some bar snacks for lunch. That reminds me… the shower block for campers is wonderful, and fitted out to a very high standard. I could barely drag myself away from the rainfall shower with plenty of room for two and views over the fields.

The halloumi fries, chicken goujons and sweet potato fries were very tasty. Just what I needed after a 3 kilometre row and 60 burpees! Kip and Nook has everything you could possibly need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. There’s a cinema room coming soon too. Instead, we had a game of dominoes… Mexican train, which Mike and Gail introduced us too in France last summer.

The staff here at Kip and Nook are all very helpful, and attentive without being intrusive, and the whole place is beautifully maintained. There are indoor and outdoor spaces with saunas and ice baths, but we didn’t try them this time. I didn’t get to a yoga class either because I, unfortunately, missed the only one that was scheduled during our stay. We’ll just have to come back again!

We’re thoroughly enjoying our first trip of more than a day or 2 in Molly. As expected, having had 3 Campervans already and knowing what we wanted from our next one, the space works really well for us. The beds are comfortable and cosy, the large bathroom and changing space make getting ready easy, and the lounge and kitchen are bright and spacious and make cooking and living a delight. No more tripping over each other! There is loads of storage space too. At the moment, John is preparing dinner, while I type. Living in Molly is a dream. This life has always filled our dreams.