Things to Do by the Fire | Cosy Glamping in Wales at Castaway
You know that feeling when the light starts to fade, the hills turn that soft grey-blue, and the kettle’s just boiled?
That’s when the fire goes on.
Whether you’re in the Railway Carriage with the wood burner crackling, tucked into the Dome under a blanket of stars, or relaxing in the hot tub at the Hut, evenings at Llanthony Castaway invite you to slow right down.
We’re not about packed itineraries or rigid routines here. We firmly believe in just the good, simple stuff. So, if you’re wondering what to do by the fire, here are a few ideas to make your stay even more cosy.
🎲 1. Good Old-Fashioned Board Games
There’s something nostalgic and oddly grounding about a board game by firelight. We keep a few favourites in the accommodation, but feel free to bring your own if you’re fiercely loyal to Scrabble or Uno.
Our guests have reported fierce competitions, surprisingly philosophical conversations during Jenga, and some very questionable Monopoly deals. Fair warning.
Cosy board games to bring or borrow:
Bananagrams (quick, easy, addictive)
Dobble (great with wine)
Yahtzee (classic and strangely satisfying)
Carcassonne (if you like your strategy slow-burn)
📚 2. Read Something Just Because
No screens or doomscrolling. Just the sound of the fire, a warm drink, and the turning of pages.
You’ll find a handful of books here, but if you’re looking for suggestions, here are some fire-side favourites:
Fiction Favourites:
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn (perfect if you love the outdoors)
The Offing by Benjamin Myers (quiet, beautiful, thoughtful)
Still Life by Sarah Winman (warm and wonderful)
Non-Fiction:
Wintering by Katherine May
Wild by Jay Griffiths
I Belong Here by Anita Sethi
- The Approval of Sheep (I’m currently reading this one!) Karen Storey
✍️ 3. Write Something (or Nothing At All)
Bring a notebook. Or don’t.
But if the mood takes you, you might find that the quiet here pulls something from you. It might be a thought you didn’t know you had, a poem, a list, a letter to yourself… whatever comes to mind. There’s something powerful about writing by firelight, even if no one else ever reads it. Go on, write something and throw it in the fire! (Safely of course!)
🕯️ 4. Do Nothing (This Counts Too)
No need to perform productivity here. Let the fire do the entertaining. Watch it flicker, feed it now and again, stare into it and watch it dance.
We think that’s just as valid as anything else.
Why Fireside Evenings Matter
In a world full of noise, fireside time is intentional time. Whether you’re with someone or happily solo, there’s space here to breathe, to notice, and to just be.
That’s what Llanthony Castaway is all about.
Want Your Own Fireside Moment?
📍 Book your stay in the Railway Carriage, the Dome or the Hut.
🔥 Bring your books, borrow our games
🫖 Don’t forget the snacks and hot drinks
🛁 Borrow the Tropic Skincare basket for the ultimate winter wind-down
🐾 Dog-friendly, slow-living approved
Come as you are. Stay as long as you like.