Mindfulness Matters: Discover the Hidden Benefits of Campfire Cooking

It’s no secret that spending time outdoors amongst nature is good for the soul. But did you know that campfire cooking also has numerous health benefits and has been recently likened to the art of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)?

Keep reading to discover the benefits of campfire cooking, and pick up some tips for keeping the fire burning this autumn…

Mind, Body & Soul

A cosy campfire on a cold autumn night is hard to resist. At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than sitting around a blazing fire, toasting marshmallows, chatting with your loved ones, and admiring the twinkling stars above. But did you know that sitting around a campfire also has numerous health benefits?

It has been scientifically proven that sitting around a fire decreases blood pressure. Lower blood pressure means a lower risk of stroke and a reduced chance of developing kidney and heart disease. Fires can also help induce a trance-like state of relaxation, allowing you to switch off from all the pressures and stresses of daily life. Enjoy a good night’s sleep after a night around the campfire, as well as a calmer mind in the long term.

Preparing food and eating together around a fire encourages a sense of unity and togetherness, improving your bond with your loved ones. It can also help promote a healthy relationship with food and nature, which has many benefits in the long run.

Become a Pro Firestarter

Here at Swallowfields, all our lodges have a fire pit for cooking and campfires, complete with 3 swing arm BBQ racks, a toasting fork, and a fire poker. We provide all our guests with a basket full of kiln-dried firewood and a pack of instant light charcoal. The charcoal has already been saturated in lighting fluid – just light the bag and get ready to grill. Additional firewood is available to purchase from our honesty shop, so don’t panic if you run out!

Discover our top tips for cooking over your firepit below:

  • You don’t need a huge fire to cook over, as the steel itself radiates heat. There’s no need to get too hot whilst cooking!
  • Ideally, you should leave an hour before cooking to allow embers to form in the fire. But if you’re in a hurry to cook, you can add some charcoal.
  • Once you’re ready to cook, place the BBQ swing arm and tripod racks over the embers. These are NOT designed to be left over intense flames for long periods of time, as they may distort.
  • After cooking, remove the rack, add some more logs, and enjoy the warmth of the fire!

What’s Cookin’?!

Autumn is well and truly here, and so the season of comfort food commences! On a cold autumnal night, what could be better than a nice hot meal to help warm your body and raise your spirits? Check out our recommended recipes for a campfire chilli, followed by a delicious cup of Nutella hot chocolate – perfect for a cold autumn night!

Cosy Campfire Cooking at Swallowfields Glamping Retreat

Rediscover the beauty of mother nature and spend quality time with your friends and family here at Swallowfields. Our luxury spa lodges all feature private gardens with a secure boundary, luxury hot tub, fire pit, decking with seating and a hammock. At the end of a long day exploring the sights and sounds of the Malvern Hills, why not crack open a cold beer (or two!), refuel with some hearty campfire cooking and engage in some good ol’ campfire chat?!

We are coming to the end of our 2021 season and are now taking bookings for 2022. Click here to book your family staycation in the heart of the Malvern Hills today!

  • WELLBEING BREAKS

    Malvern has long been associated with healthy living, ever since it originated as a spa town. Many benefits have been linked to its spring water, as well as people. Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria and Florence Nightingale are all said to have enjoyed its therapeutic qualities.

    It’s a legacy that’s lived right on to this day and one we wholeheartedly embrace. Not only are we fortunate to be nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, we live and breathe nature and its many benefits.

    There’s no pounding the treadmill at Swallowfields, just beautiful walks with wonderful vistas provided by nature. Come visit our retreat and enhance your wellbeing in the best way for you, from reading a book and taking naps in your own hammock to cooking on a campfire and enjoying spa treatments. Our world awaits you…

    Learn more
  • FAMILY BREAKS

    Nothing beats a great family break! When you laugh so much your sides hurt and enjoy yourself so much, you’re thinking, talking (and giggling) about it for many weeks to come.

    Swallowfields is geared up for families. You’ll find that all of our safari lodges, which easily sleep six people, are located on a child-friendly site. There are also plenty of things for the whole family to see and do too.

    Take a wander in our lovely wildflower meadow, toast marshmallows on the camp fire, explore the Malvern Hills and beyond and check out our Adventure Castle and Nature Hideout! You can even bring the dog too!

    Learn more
  • ACTIVITY BREAKS

    You just bring yourself, we’ll point you in the direction of the action! And there’s lots of it!

    Maybe you want to challenge yourself and try something different, like paddleboarding or kayaking, or perhaps you want to practice your favourite hobby, such as mountain biking or hiking?

    There are lots of things to do all around Swallowfields and, when you’re back at your lodge, there’s a relaxing hot tub waiting for you.

    Learn more
  • DOG FRIENDLY BREAKS

    We’re animal-lovers here at Swallowfields and we understand that your dog is a big part of your family, so why leave them behind?

    They’ll be right at home in our pet-friendly safari lodges. There’s oodles of room for them, their bed, bowls and fave toy! All that we ask, is that you keep them on a lead when walking around on-site and don’t leave them unattended.

    For just £25 per dog, per stay* you can make sure the entire family get their hands (and paws) on our wonderful glamping experience! Oh, and don’t forget to ask us about our complimentary doggie essentials pack too!

    * Maximum of two dogs per lodge

    Learn more