Camping has long been a Great British pastime, but a weekend spent in a pop-up tent might not be for everyone. Instead, those looking for an outdoors getaway while retaining some of those hotel-style luxuries might want to consider a glamping staycation this year.
The UK’s appetite for glamping has been steadily growing, and accommodation can range from luxury yurts and futuristic-looking geodomes to the downright unusual. Below is a roundup of some of the UK’s best.
- 1
Yurtcamp in Devon
Stay in a yurt in Devon for a unique outdoor experience
- Couples
- Families
Yurtcamp in Devon offers perhaps the most quintessential glamping experience. Think of a collection of contemporary yurts that are kitted out for cooking, sleeping and above all else relaxing. The site also has a very distinct camp-like feel with an outdoor fire pit for campfires and barbecues. All of the yurts also come with a log burner to make sure those nights are extra cosy.
Yurtcamp is set in a dreamy rural location, surrounded by over 40 acres of natural woodland. This means there is plenty of opportunity for exploring right on your tent-step before you even break out into the wider Devonshire countryside. For those feeling more adventurous, Dartmoor National Park is within reach and offers great hiking, rock scrambling and even pony trails. If it’s more of a beach break you’re looking for, fear not. Yurtcamp is just 8 miles from the Devonshire coastline which sports sandy beaches, cream teas and ice creams galore.
- 2
Ceridwen Glamping, West Wales
Take a trek to Wales to glamp in style
- Couples
- Families
Glamping doesn’t necessarily mean staying outdoors in the truest sense, and Ceridwen Glamping has put its own stamp on what it means to glamp. In addition to yurts, the site offers the chance to stay in a vintage 1964 double-decker bus. Staying on a bus might not sound too comfortable, but this tardis-like double-decker has an abundance of space. Offering views across the valley, the bus sports a kitchen, dining room/sitting area, two showers and two double bedrooms.
Ceridwen Glamping’s is surrounded by the luxuriously green Teifi Valley of West Wales, which has been dubbed “the quieter Cornwall” by those in-the-know travellers. While it’s no place for city slickers, Ceridwen has a disarming sensibility that will make you feel immediately welcome. The surrounding towns and villages are bursting with local fares and crafts, as well as local produce that has been transformed with the utmost care into simple yet mouth-watering dishes.
- 3
Glamping on the Hill, Somerset
Take in the beautiful views in Somerset
- Couples
- Families
Nestled deep in the Somerset countryside, Glamping on the Hill’s serene setting is perfect for those needing a well-deserved break. The yurts are positioned, of course, atop a hill that offers sweeping views of the countryside and will surely help you get into the slower pace of life. The yurts themselves offer all of the amenities expected of well-furnished self-catering accommodation. But at the bottom of the hill, the site’s award-winning inn is on hand to provide excellent breakfast and dinner meals to guests
Once you’ve taken in the delights of the countryside, you might want to think about a day trip into the historic city of Bath. On the streets of perhaps the West Country’s most beautiful city, you'll see cultures collide as ancient Roman city planning intertwines with magnificent Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths are still open to the public and the guided audio tours will not only teach you about the bath’s interesting history and place within Roman society but also about the city’s origins almost 2,000 years ago.
- 4
Camp Katur, Yorkshire
Treat yourself to a getaway in the Yorkshire countryside
- Couples
- Families
Whether you’re looking for a yurt, a geodome, or a unidome, Camp Katur’s huge range of accommodation options has got you covered. The Yorkshire campsite also offers more unusual accommodation including BBQ grill themed cabins and for those who want to feel like they’re in Middle Earth… a hobbit hole. A “hole” might be a bit of a negative term for what is actually a very cosy cabin-style room with a large double bed.
Camp Katur is idly positioned between the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, meaning there is plenty of hiking and active pursuits available. And, after a hectic day of exploring, Camp Katur has a hot tub and sauna on-site to help you unwind before a peaceful night at the campsite. But, if you’re looking for a full-on relaxation experience, there's the option of booking onto a yoga retreat, with classes held in the impressive Woodland Yoga & Wellness Dome. Namaste!
- 5
Cheshire Glamping Pods
Enjoy a luxurious, private holiday in Cheshire
- Couples
- Families
If staying in a tent isn’t quite your thing, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can still technically glamp inside 4 walls. Cheshire Glamping pods offer all the luxury of a hotel room, with the outdoors right on your doorstep; so you can still say you 'glamped!'. The Alpine-like pods have a clean and contemporary feel and come with a private outdoor area along with your own jacuzzi.
This standout accommodation comes with a stunning setting filled with things to do. The peaceful Delamere Forest is a short distance away and is perfect for ramblers. For those thrill-seekers, outdoor adventure specialists Go Ape has treetop challenges on hand to push you to your limits. Animal lovers will also want to check out the Cheshire Falconry, and the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre offers a chance to learn about the extensive history of shire horses, as well as getting up close and personal with the towering yet friendly studs.