Johnny Vegas’s Field Of Dreams – Melbourne, Derbyshire.

Many of you will have seen, or at least heard about Johnny Vegas’s Carry on Glamping series which aired on Channel 4 back in 2021. Series one followed Johnny’s dream of building a one-of-a-kind glamping site featuring a collection of quirky, converted vehicles. We saw Johnny fall in love with a Maltese bus called Patricia – whose journey back to the UK was riddled with calamities. The series ended on a high with Johnny’s Field of Dreams becoming a reality in the Yorkshire Dales….but of course that wasn’t the end. The dream had only just begun…

Since then the Field of Dreams team have been working non-stop. Over the past two years a second TV series has been filmed and the dream has moved to a brand new site. Moving an entire glamping site is, of course, no mean feat. The new set up has involved endless planning, site prep, landscaping and fine tuning. But, now Field of Dreams is well and truly up and running in it’s new home in the pretty village of Melbourne in South Derbyshire. At the end of July we headed up there to check it out..

New Location

Field of Dreams is now located within the grounds of Melbourne Hall, a stunning Georgian style country house with acres of sculptured grounds and gardens. It’s the perfect set up with glampers being able to enjoy local shops, eateries and country walks all within minutes of the site. The site is split into two camps: a quiet couples area and a larger family and friends area. A huge amount of thought has gone into the set up and it’s paid off. It’s a gorgeous setting tucked away down a private drive to ensure additional peace and quiet. Evenings can be spent ambling to the local brewery via the lakeside footpath before watching the sun set over the corn fields. It’s idyllic. It really is.

New Vehicles

Carry on Glamping fans will recall the love, sweat and tears that went into some of the restoration projects from the first series – particularly Patricia (Johnny’s beloved Maltese bus named after his Mum). This year sees the addition of two very different conversions in the form of Oscar the Puma Helicopter and Mahala the Love Boat.

Oscar the Puma is a former serving helicopter which has been lovingly converted by Stuart Abbott of Stu-Art Aviation. It now sleeps up to 4 people in a super smart interior complete with decking area and rooftop seating… there’s even a PS4 in the cockpit! Perfect for families with a passion for aviation Oscar is a child’s dream come true. You won’t find another property like this!

Mahala the Love Boat is the result of another labour of love thanks to Jim and his Shred & Butta team. Having been rescued by Johnny with his romantic vision for restoration, Mahala was found looking worse for wear at a boatyard. She has been utterly transformed with a touch of fairy-tale magic. Mahala looks as though she’s popped out of a children’s story book with her higgledy-piggledy panels and cute porch swing. Inside there’s even more magic with a bath tub big enough for two to sit and gaze at the stars; a snug double bed and cosy kitchen area. The perfect romantic escape.

Our Stay on the Skoolie

During our visit we stayed on the American Skoolie bus. As one of the largest vehicles at Field of Dreams the Skoolie is perfect for families and is also dog friendly. Inside, the bus has been beautifully converted using reclaimed timber alongside upcycled fittings and fixtures. The result is an interior that feels like a cross between a woodland cabin and a boutique hotel.

The bus comfortably sleeps five with a spacious double at the rear and a set of 3 single beds in the corridor. There’s a shower on the bus but an additional horse box bathroom has been added to give guests added space and privacy. The Skoolie offers a brilliant, family space that’s equally as comfortable as it is fun. We loved our time here.. spending evenings around the fire pit, playing cards and chatting before snuggling up on the bus. Core memories made..

In the area

One of the really nice things about staying at Field of Dreams is the fact you really don’t need to use your car once you’ve arrived. There is so much to do, see and explore right from your doorstep in and around Melbourne.

Melbourne Hall is a day out in itself with acres of grounds, gardens and tree trails to enjoy with the added appeal of events such as comedy nights and live music. As you approach Melbourne Hall you’ll find Stable Ales Taproom where you can sample their wide selection of beers or tuck into their menu of Italian nibbles. Then there’s the pretty village of Melbourne itself with a range of tea rooms, pubs, take-outs and supermarkets. Lastly, you can’t ignore the stunning landscape and scenery that surrounds this quaint Derbyshire village perfect for walks, hikes and bike rides.

Thoughts

The Field of Dreams team have succeeded in creating a truly unique and special place to stay. The location could not be better with beautiful scenery surrounding the site and beyond. The accommodation is laid out so that guests have plenty of personal space whilst encouraging a social and friendly atmosphere with other families. You can sense the emotional investment that has gone in to the whole project, but especially the vehicles. This palatable passion is what makes Field of Dreams different to any other glamping location I’ve visited. A stay here is more than just a place to lay your head. It’s a shared experience. Once you stay here you become part of the story, part of the dream. And as we now know.. dreams can come true.