Axminster glamping site commended at South West Tourism Excellence Awards

Lower Keats Glamping in Tytherleigh, near Axminster, was commended in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards last week.

Leading tourism businesses from across South West celebrated in style last Thursday, as more than 90 awards were presented.

The annual event was the culmination of 12 months of entry, judging and feedback, as nearly 300 winners, supporters and tourism leaders celebrated at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

A total of 482 entries were submitted from across the region, with many having won in county tourism award schemes before being selected for the regional scheme.

That included Lower Keats Glamping in Tytherleigh, which won gold for Glamping Business of the Year at the Devon Tourism Awards back in February. 

They missed out on one of the top prizes at last week's ceremony, but was commended in the same category.

The secluded site at Lower Keats is owned by Linda and Gary Kellaway and offers six luxurious safari lodges, all equipped with ensuite hot showers, wood-burning burning stoves and a host of thoughtful extras to make guests feel thoroughly spoiled. 

Hoping to give their sons the freedom of a country upbringing, the couple moved to Lower Keats in 2013. But the benefits of living in the countryside – fresh air, uninterrupted night skies, and a slower pace of life – seemed too good to keep to themselves, so in 2016 the couple set about creating their luxury lodges. 

Each week, Lower Keats' communal area, known as The Hive, becomes a hub of activity as Gary cooks his legendary homemade pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Linda is also known for her gourmet bakes, but it's Lower Keats' friendly pigs, sheep, cows, ducks, and chickens which really steal the show. 

The coastal and country themed lodges with luxury indulgence and country charm offer everything you need for a relaxing, enjoyable break away from the hustle and bustle. 

Lower Keats is the perfect place for children to run around in, full of wildflowers, giving them the freedom of Devon country life. Electronics are discarded in favour of bug-hunting kits, while they engage with each other and their beautiful natural surroundings. 

This year, the quiet hideaway will become even more of an idyllic retreat, as uests can book one of the new wood-fired hot tubs.

For more details or to book, visit lowerkeatsglamping.co.uk