I’m always on the look out for glamping spots that are a little bit more unique. Sure, I love a shepherd’s hut or a lodge, but if there’s something that’s different from the norm, I’m all over it. And even more so if it’s a glamping spot with a hot tub!
In steps Old Mill Tiny Homes, a brand new hot tub glamping place in Yarm. I was lucky enough to stay there recently and, spoiler alert, it’s somewhere to get on your list, especially if you love a self-catering stay. Take a look at this blog post to get all the info you need, plus my review from our stay.
About Old Mill Tiny Homes
The Tiny Homes share the same grounds as the Old Mill Rooms, six self check in rooms, each with a private hot tub. The Tiny Homes offer two accommodations separate to the rooms – a unique container-style home (which is where we stayed) and the Toot Suite apartment. All of this is centred around a windmill that’s over 250 years old and used to be part of a working farm!
From the website – “Set within tranquil grounds, Old Mill Tiny Homes boasts two accommodations. The Tiny Home is a unique two bedroom home with a kitchen, living area and private hot tub. The Toot Suite is a spacious 1 bed apartment featuring a kitchen and comfortable living area—ideal for longer stays or larger groups. There is also the option to book both accomodation for larger parties. If both properties are booked, both guests of The Tiny Home and The Toot suite can enjoy use of the hot tub.”
Where are Old Mill Tiny Homes?
You’ll find Old Mill Tiny Homes just a 10 minute drive from Yarm High Street. The address is The Old Mill, Barwick Lane, High Leven, Stockton-on-Tees, TS15 9JR. It’s tucked away down a small road by the Fox Covert pub, so it feels hidden away, but you’re truly surrounded by lots of great things to do and places to eat.
About the Tiny Home container
While there are two Tiny Homes to choose from, we stayed in the container. I first saw this accommodation on Instagram and I was blown away by how unique it was. We’d never stayed anywhere like it!
The container seems to have originally been something like a shipping container – it’s basically a great big box on wheels, but don’t worry, it’s fixed in place. And from the outside, it’s totally unsuspecting, but as soon as you step through the door, it’s completely mind-boggling. You could definitely live in there if you really wanted to!
At first, I was dubious that there were two bedrooms inside, but nope, there are two double beds in the upstairs spaces, so there’s plenty of sleeping space. Alongside this, there’s a living space with a TV with Netflix, a full kitchen (with oven, hub, microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge freezer and washing machine), bathroom with a roomy shower, and of course, a hot tub. It’s equipped with everything you could possibly need for a cosy weekend away.
And because this is a brand new glamping spot, it feels so fresh and modern. The decor is very clean and homely, but sophisticated and downright gorgeous. It was perfect!
How do I book?
You can book with Old Mill Tiny Homes via their website. Prices start from £170 per night for a midweek stay and from £280 per night for a weekend stay, dependant on the time of year. Make sure you follow them on Instagram to find out about discounted stays.
Places to eat near Old Mill Tiny Homes
If you don’t fancy cooking, you’re spoiled for choice with lots of places to eat near Old Mill Tiny Homes. Here are some top picks (in order of distance):
- Fox Covert Inn – a cosy country pub with hearty meals and cask ales – 3 minute walk (High Leven)
- Chadwicks Inn – a beautiful gastropub that features in the Michelin guide – 4 minute drive (Maltby)
- Par & Patty – a little takeaway burger spot that serves up incredible, juicy smash burgers – 5 minute drive (Yarm Driving Range)
- Al Forno – an Italian restaurant that has a hugely varied menu for even the fussiest of eaters – 6 minute drive (Ingleby Barwick)
- LunaBlu – a laidback spot for tapas and cocktails – 7 minute drive (Yarm)
- Soul Curry – deliciously authentic Indian cuisine that you can dine in and enjoy or order for takeaway – 7 minute drive (Yarm)
- La Terraza – another fantastic place for tapas and cocktails – 7 minute drive (Yarm)
- Elif – a local favourite for authentic Turkish food – 8 minute drive (Yarm)
- Cena Trattoria – an Italian restaurant that draws inspiration from traditional trattorias – 8 minute drive (Yarm)
- Nossa – a gorgeous Portuguese cafe that’s ideal for breakfast and brunch – 8 minute drive (Yarm)
- Muse – a continental cafe and restaurant serving from breakfast to dinner – 8 minute drive (Yarm)
- Five Houses Farm Shop & Kitchen – an incredible spot for breakfast and lunch owned by traditional butchers – 9 minute drive (Crathorne)
- The Waiting Room – unbelievable vegetarian food that will be loved by even the most avid meat eaters – 12 minute drive (Eaglescliffe)
Things to do near Old Mill Tiny Homes
Not only are there a fantastic selection of eats near Old Mill Tiny Homes, there are also lots of things to do. No matter if you love history, escape rooms, theatre or something a bit more unique, there’s so much to choose from. Here are some suggestions (in order of distance):
- Take an alpaca for a walk at Alpaca Alpaca – 1 minute drive (Low Leven)
- Catch a show at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium – 7 minute drive (Yarm)
- Break free from Cluedini Escape Rooms – 7 minute drive (Yarm)
- Step into a tropical paradise at Butterfly World – 11 minute drive (Stockton)
- Have a walk at Preston Park – 11 minute drive (Stockton)
- Explore Preston Park Museum and the Victorian street – 11 minute drive (Stockton)
- Paint pottery or play mini golf at Cherry Hill Garden Centre – 11 minute drive (Stokesley)
- Go for a walk at Fairy Dell – 11 minute drive (Coulby Newham)
- Explore the expansive Stewart Park – 15 minute drive (Middlesbrough)
- Hit new heights at Jump 360 – 15 minute drive (Stockton)
- Test your strength at Ninja Warrior UK – 15 minute drive (Stockton)
- See a major touring show at Stockton Globe – 16 minute drive (Stockton)
- See some live music at The Georgian Theatre, NE Volume Bar or KU – 16 minute drive (across Stockton town centre)
- Throw some axes at Asgard Axe Hall – 16 minute drive (Stockton)
- Immerse yourself in history at the Dorman Museum – 17 minute drive (Middlesbrough)
- Explore the grounds and house at National Trust Ormesby Hall – 18 minute drive (Middlesbrough)
And that’s only what’s within an 18 minute radius of the Old Mill Tiny Homes site – there’s so much more to discover beyond! You can find even more things to do in the area on the Visit Tees Valley website.
My review of our stay
If you couldn’t tell, our stay at Old Mill Tiny Homes in Yarm was fantastic. Like I mentioned, we love a hot tub glamping trip, but if it’s somewhere that’s a little more unique, we’re all over it. And this place was certainly unique!
We found it really easy to get to the site, following the postcode that was given upon booking. I also loved that it was self check in with a code and key box. It meant that there was no clunky checking in process or any need to set a certain time to arrive (must be after 3pm). It was a total breeze to fetch the key, then we could let ourselves in to the container.
My immediate impression was that it was just like a TARDIS. I couldn’t believe how they’d managed to fit an entire home into such a small space, but it totally worked. I was most impressed at the fact there were two bedroom spaces in the upstairs area, but the kitchen was also really jaw-dropping. It honestly has everything you could want for a weekend stay or even longer. We were only staying for one night and decided to be lazy by ordering a collection from Soul Curry, but if we wanted to cook, we absolutely could’ve.
We enjoyed sitting in the little living space with the Olympics on the TV, then we snuggled up with the provided blanket to catch up on Drag Race. There were also games provided which I love when I’m glamping because it really adds to the homey feel. It was a great way to unwind after the work day and really settle into the container.
Of course, we couldn’t not go in the hot tub! This is for container guests to use and you can find it in a little shed just over the car park. We waited for it to get dark so that we could enjoy the twinkly lights in the dark, and it was perfect! It was preheated, so we didn’t need to do anything except take the lid off and hop in. There were different light settings and jets, and the tub was so roomy. It was a lovely end to the day.
As the night wound down, we clambered up the stairs into bed and we were so in love with how comfy it was. We weren’t sure what it was going to be like, but the mattress was so supportive and comfortable, and the bed was a lot bigger than it looked. We had so much room! We both slept really well and said we didn’t want to get out in the morning.
In the morning, we enjoyed a cuppa while we watched the birds out of the window and all felt right with the world. Checking out was as easy as checking in because it was just a case of popping the key back in the lock box. From start to finish, it was all so simple, and we left feeling really happy and well-rested.
I absolutely would recommend a stay with Old Mill Tiny Homes. Our time with them was flawless and we were raving about it afterwards. It’s such a hidden gem and so close to lots of great places to eat and things to do. If you’re looking for a hot tub stay in the North East, it would be an incredible choice.
If you’re looking for your next glamping staycation in Yarm, make sure you check out Old Mill Tiny Homes!
I was gifted a stay at Old Mill Tiny Homes in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.