Staycation Inspiration

Lockdown Renovations at Marthrown of Mabie: 6 Glamping Upgrades for the Ultimate Staycation in Scotland

Amy Hazlehurst | July 10, 2020 | Updated on November 8, 2025

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Glamping in Dumfries and Galloway

We were thrilled to be listed in The Guardian’s Top 10 UK Campsites. What a boost just as we prepare to welcome guests back to our glamping site in Dumfries and Galloway. As the world opens up and more people choose a UK staycation, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make your next visit even more magical.


From luxury yurt glamping to upgraded facilities and beautiful grounds, here’s what we’ve been renovating during lockdown to make Marthrown of Mabie safer, cleaner, and more comfortable than ever.

1. Self-Contained Yurts with Private Showers and Toilets

To support social distancing and enhance comfort, every one of our glamping yurts is now fully self-contained with its own

  • Hot shower
  • Composting toilet
  • Fridge/freezer
  • Cosy wood-burning stove

We’ve gone above and beyond to bring you luxury glamping in Scotland, where every home comfort fits neatly within your yurt. It’s cosy, private, and a total escape from everyday life.

Glamping like this is magical – simply something different. You might struggle to go home once you’ve experienced living in a yurt this high class! It’s quite a remarkable feeling to have absolutely every home comfort one needs within a 5m space.

2. Toilets with the Best View in Scotland

Yes, you read that right. Our composting toilets are quickly becoming legendary as the best #loowithaview on Instagram.

The latest timber-framed upgrade offers breath-taking views across to the Lake District Fells making “nature’s call” a truly memorable moment. Designed and built by Steve, our master craftsman, it’s just another reason our guests call us “simply something different.”

3. Deep Cleaning for Peace of Mind Post-Lockdown

Mud, dust, and soot are things you get very used to when staying in a forest. So after five months of closure, we’ve partnered with Nith Valley Cleaning Company to launch a full-scale deep cleaning effort. All units – glamping yurts, bunkhouses, and shared areas – have been professionally cleaned to the highest standard.

We’ve also added:

  • Antibacterial sprays and wipes in each shower and toilet
  • Clear signage and cleaning guidance for guests
  • Ongoing cleaning protocols for high-touch areas

You can relax knowing your post-lockdown holiday in Scotland is clean, safe, and ready.

4. Nith Barn Transformed into a Family Holiday Cottage

With group bookings on hold, we’ve transformed our Nith Bunkhouse into a private family cottage, now sleeping up to 8 guests. This gives you the comfort and space of a self-contained stay, while still enjoying the beauty of Mabie Forest right outside your window.

Esk Cottage is next in line for renovation. Watch this space!

Special thanks to Donna, Will, and Sam for donating their time and energy to help make this happen. Community spirit is alive and well here at Marthrown.

5. Rewilding the Grounds, Then Reclaiming Them

While most people rushed to the barber for their post-lockdown trim, we were celebrating our first lawn cut in months! The grounds had grown wild with three months of uninterrupted nature, making Marthrown feel like a secret garden again.

Thanks to Tam, our resident gardening expert, we’ve brought the forest paths and green spaces back to life, just in time for summer.

6. New Outdoor Games Area for Families

With the marquee staying down this season*, we’ve turned the woodchip space into a brand-new family games area. So far, we’ve added:

So far we’ve added:

  • Basketball hoops
  • Badminton nets
  • Plenty of space to run, play, and laugh

* Marquee is now back up (2025) which requires the basketball hoops and badminton space)

Plan Your Post-Lockdown Glamping Stay

As John Quincy Adams once said: “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”

That’s exactly how we feel. Our glamping site in Dumfries and Galloway reopens on Friday 17th July 2020, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you. Whether you’re after a romantic escape, a dog-friendly holiday, or a family adventure in nature, we still have midweek dates available.

To enquire or to book your Scotland staycation today, please contact the booking office on 01387 247900.

Marthrown of Mabie – Unique Forest Accommodation

Glamping in Scotland is becoming more and more popular, and Marthrown of Mabie is ideally located in the heart of Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway. We offer an exciting mix of unique and unusual accommodation. From an authentic Iron Age Celtic Roundhouse and cosy yurts to our charming cottages, bell tent, and rustic camping area.

Whether you’re planning a group retreat, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, you’ll find “Simply Something Different” here in this beautiful corner of Southern Scotland.

We can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of unique options.

Glamping yurt named Wych Elm at sunrise. Ombre light is making the door glow deep orange

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