Gypsy way of life for TV star Robson Green and Mark Benton

Actor and presenter Robson Green alongside Mark Benton soaked up Gypsy culture in a horse-drawn journey with Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans, as part of filming for BBC series, Robson Green's Weekend Escapes.

Wanderlusts owner, Barny Maurice, said: "The duo wanted to experience firsthand a bit of the lifestyle, romance and history that attracts around 40,000 visitors from both the traveller and settled communities to the Eden valley every year.

Wanderlusts' Blackthorn Camp (Image: Wanderlusts)

"We took a stop at Melmerby Green for drinks at The Shepherd's Inn, one of the main traditional stopping points for travellers making their way to the Fair from the North East.

"Later on, we spent the evening cooking and singing around the fire with famous folk musician Paddy Rogan," he said. 

The actors settled in for the night in Bow top wagons by the stream at Wanderlusts' Blackthorn Camp.

"The next morning, Robson Green woke up early and got the fire going outside for a morning brew.

"Although they didn't experience any of the accompanying hardships, both actors said they enjoyed the experience, which gave them insight into this ancient way of life," Barny said. 

The filming of the journey and evening will air next year. 

Robson Green and Mark Benton (Image: Wanderlusts)

"The producer of the show said that although the show is not political, it hoped to highlight some positivity and education," Barny said. 

Wanderlusts have been offering horse-drawn holidays and escapes since 2011.

Barny's grandfather and great-grandfather travelled around the New Forest by horse and wagon.

Barny has been building, restoring, buying, and selling wagons for about 25 years and has travelled by horse and wagon with his family around Scotland, England, and as far as St Marie de la Mer in the south of France, Europe's biggest Gypsy Fair.

Barny is looking forward to the Appleby Fair in the week ahead. 

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