Drop your bags and settle on the sofa for a slice of the high life in Badminton's Glamping Retreat.
With the advent of The Badminton Retreat, a glamping site nestled next to Huntsman's Close, revered eventing supporters have found a new home that’s a world away from pop up tents.
Wake up in Badminton Park
Waking up refreshed amidst the beautiful trees in the historic Badminton Park having had a wonderful night's sleep in comfortable beds really is not to be missed.
Perhaps taking a short stroll to enjoy the early morning mist and ensuing sunshine, a great opportunity to bump into competitors taking their horses out for early morning exercise before the crowds arrive in their droves. Or enjoying a relaxing soak in a hot tub with a freshly brewed coffee before enjoying a hearty breakfast - either are great ways to get ready to enjoy the day’s action.
Retreat guests have exclusive access to hot showers, sparkling loos, and well-equipped vanity stations. It’s a real home from home that sees guests returning year on year from across the UK and Europe, and as far as Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
The Badminton Retreat Bar and Restaurant
The Retreat Bar opens early in the morning for freshly brewed coffee, tea, champagne, or even a Bloody Mary … and stays open until 11pm. Run by an experienced team who delight in giving guests a VIP service, the fully licenced Bar is well stocked including a great selection of wines, draft beer and cider, and an extensive selection of spirits.
The Bar and Restaurant are open to all and are enjoyed by visitors, competitors, officials and owners alike, but Retreat guests have priority booking in the enormously popular Restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from a varied menu catering to all tastes.
Run by an award-winning catering team, the Restaurant opens from Tuesday evening for dinner through to Monday morning breakfast.
Great guest speakers
Guest speakers join the Badminton Retreat for an early evening Q&A session and have included some huge household names including William Fox-Pitt, Piggy March, Laura Collett, Alex Bragg, Sam Watson, and Tina Cook.
These are incredibly popular events with everyone, and the speakers often stay on to chat more intimately with guests and enjoy a beverage or two from the Bar.
Exclusive Spa – new for 2025
Last year saw the introduction of an exclusive cosy Sitting Room for guests with leather sofas, a large screen to watch the action on, and a complimentary hot beverages station, all of which was very well received.
This year sees the addition of a new exclusive Spa area where Retreat guests will have complimentary use of hot tubs. There will also be the opportunity to book a therapeutic massage which is good news for those who would like a little more TLC during their stay.
The team behind the Badminton Retreat are headed by Emily and Barny Lee, both former event riders and experienced in the hospitality industry. Emily who has herself competed at Badminton, is hugely influential in the running of the Retreat, and creating the vibe and atmosphere fitting for an event that boasts the most coveted trophy in horse trials. Barny orchestrates the build utilising his team from Barny Lee Marquees to create an impressive boutique glamping village.
The Badminton Retreat has become a hugely popular addition to the Badminton Horse Trials experience and is the only official glamping site at the event. It’s definitely the best way to elevate ones’ experience of the horse trials and be a part of the action and excitement. Book Now for the best experience at Badminton
