The brainchild of its curators, Welsh music legend Cerys Matthews, Steve Abbott and Hawarden Estate Farm Shop owners Caroline and Charlie Gladstone, The Good Life Society offer events and workshops that are all about stepping back from the pace of modern life to revel in the pleasure of doing things slowly.
We recommend following the Good Life Society on Instagram @thegoodlifesoc for all the latest event news.
What’s the deal?
The Good Life Society run workshops and intimate micro-festivals throughout the year. The Summer Camp runs for two long weekends in July and one in August.
The music and food are big draws, but you’ll also almost definitely learn something new. The organisers bill it as an 'experience to change the way you think about life'. Events are planned with the whole family in mind. These festivals positively embrace childlike wonder and sense of being unafraid to jump in and try something completely out of the ordinary. So if you’ve never learned how to cook on a campfire, want to try signwriting or haven't had a go at blacksmithing so far in your life, now’s the time to get involved.
This is an event with therapeutic qualities – good food, a focus on wellbeing and the simple pleasure of spending time outdoors. And you don’t have to worry that you’re putting too much strain on the environment. These are sustainable, low impact festivals featuring locally sourced entertainment, foods and artisan beers. There’s also the atmosphere that you just won’t find elsewhere. Enjoying the outdoors with like-minded people, learning new skills and hearing from experts.
What about the music?
Variety is the spice of life. You’ll hear everything from vintage French vinyl to Beatles cover bands. DJ Jono Barbarossa will be back, providing the perfect summer's evening music.
What else is on the menu?
If fine foods and artisan producers are your forte, you’ll love what’s on offer. Expect campfire cooking, wine, cider and cheese tasting sessions, and curing and smoking masterclasses.
Try your hand at classic older traditions and crafts, listen to music, talks and readings, paddleboard and swim in the lake. Take part in guided runs around the estate and wellness classes. As night falls, party to excellent music.
Accommodation
There are a number of places to stay, with spacious pitches, a cosy shepherd's hut and 5 star self-catered accommodation available.
The Farm Shop Campsite in a quiet corner of the Walled Garden but not too far from the action. Bring your own campervan, caravan or trailer tent. The campsite provides rustic grass pitches (no electric hook ups) for tents. They also provide some bell tents that are already set up with camp beds. There are good toilet and shower facilities and communal areas that provide running water, washing up and cooking areas.
Perfect for two, the Beekeeper’s Hut is a shepherd's hut with spectacular views. With outdoor, covered seating and outdoor kitchen facilities, it has its own toilet and shower block a short walk from the hut as well as access to a wood-fired hot tub. Pets are allowed.
5 star Gardener’s House is a large self-catering property sleeping 5 or 9 guests (different areas of the property are available depending on numbers booked) with immaculate grounds and settings and high quality interior design and decoration throughout. Child and pet-friendly, it has a large garden, private orchard space, wood-fired hot tub, records, games, books and large dining table.
5 star The West End is a child and pet-friendly self-catering property within Hawarden Castle. Sleeping 4 or 10 guests (different levels of the property are available depending on numbers of guests), it has a private woodland with a hot tub and a private indoor sauna.
Be safe!
Exploring the outdoors is fantastic fun, but please read up on the risks and make sure you are prepared.
- Find safety advice for exploring Wales' National Parks and safety tips for staying safe on the Welsh coast.
- Visit AdventureSmart.uk for information on how to stay safe whilst exploring Wales.
