The Best Glamping Holidays in the UK
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The Best Glamping Holidays in the UK

It’s camping, with style

While camping purists might detest the word, glamping is one travel trend that keeps going from strength to strength. While it once meant a portable charger and a plug for your hairdryer, glamping in the UK now encompasses shepherd’s huts, yurts and plush tipis, so you can be at one with nature without a crick in your neck or soggy socks. Read on for a guide to the best glamping in the UK.

Best Glamping Holidays in the UK 2023

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Glen Helen Glamping

Glen Helen Glamping – Isle of Man

At the foot of Glen Helen, one of the Isle of Man’s 18 national glens, you’ll find six luxurious glamping pods. All have ensuite showers, underfloor heating and a kitchenette, plus one king size bed and two sofa beds – perfect for families. Outside each pod there’s a little deck area with seating, complete with a BBQ, firepit and hot tub. The Isle of Man is renowned for its dark skies sites, and Glen Helen itself is a near-zero light pollution area, which makes it perfect for stargazing. While you’re there, it’s also worth exploring the adjacent wildflower meadow – a haven for wildlife. You’ll fall for the island’s charm – and who knows, maybe you’ll even be tempted to relocate… glenhelenglamping.com

Clawford Lakes Cocoon behind wild grass

Luxury Cocoons at Clawford Lakes Resort and Spa – Devon

This stunning 80-acre Devon holiday destination has launched luxury cocoon accommodation for visitors looking to get a little closer to nature. The unique glamping pods – four metres tall, with a floor-to-ceiling window – offer an off-grid experience that guarantees privacy and tranquillity without being cut off from home comforts (like a roll top bath, private decking, first pit and swing arm barbecue, of course). The translucent cocoon fabric stretches across a curved steel structure, providing natural light during the day and a magical, warm glow at night. clawfordlakes.co.uk

A spacious tipi with double bed in the middle, flanked by two single beds

White House Glamping – Wye Valley, Herefordshire

Along a mile-long stretch of the River Wye sit a collection of tipis courtesy of White House Glamping – part of the working White House Farm, so expect to see some cows when you wake up in the morning. Perfect for adults and children alike, the tipis are cosy and well-furnished – kitted out with a BBQ, fridge-freezer and kettle – with an outdoor seating and relaxation area to boot. Just bring your own food, and you’re all set. Whether you fancy watersports like fishing and canoeing, watching a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema, or exploring the beautiful surrounding area, there’s something for everyone here. whitehouseonwye.co.uk

a glamping holiday in the UK called Cedars Kabin, with a forest and a wooden sauna as part of the accommodation

The Woodlands Kabin – Hampshire

Part of the Cedar Valley cabins, we couldn’t but not add it to the list. This timber panelled minimalistic marvel is the ultimate designers’ catnip. Replete with a wood burning stove, outdoor tub, and glorious views, this one is a gem for a couples retreat. cedarvalley.co.uk

Photo: Ben Stevens

breakfast in bed in a wood panelled glamping hut called Hills Cross Hide

Hill’s Cross Hide – Devon

Even if it tips down with rain the whole week; you won’t even be passive aggressive about it at Hill’s Cross Hide as you can curl up in the most cocoon-like hideaway and watch the world go by. We can’t think of anything better. canopyandstars.co.uk

Geodesic glamping domes at Thorning Fam with the sea in the background

Thorning Farm – Marros Bychan, Carmarthenshire   

Down a bumpy farm track and on the Wales Coastal Path is a camping and glamping site with salty air and sublime sunsets. With views of the sea and near a quiet sandy bay there are options to pitch your own, bring a van or try out one of the new geodesic domes, with fully equipped, covered kitchens. There’s a little farm shop onsite, each camping pitch has a fire pit and dining table and Craig Evans, TV’s best known coastal forager, takes groups foraging for cockles down the road at Pendine – perfect for cooking up with coastal views at the end of the day. thorningfarmglamping.co.uk

a glamping holiday in the UK called Cedars Kabin, with a forest and a wooden sauna as part of the accommodation

Cedars Cabin – Hampshire

Perfect for those who covertly hate camping because you’ll be oh so spoilt here. Cedar Valley has a range of options (safari tents, camping, and so on), but either way, you’ll be suitably recharged being amongst the trees. cedarvalley.co.uk

At Home Farm

Home Farm Glamping – Hertfordshire

If you’re looking for a glamping spot close to London, Home Farm is the answer: a rural hideaway nestled within 150 acres of Hertfordshire countryside. You’ll find 12 boho-style bell tents and yurts amid the greenery, alongside a whole host of activities for all the family – from yoga to tree climbing and storytelling. The site also hosts a mini-festival experience, At Home Farm, complete with live music, al fresco feasts and performances from Gifford Circus. homefarmglamping.com

The Grange Glamping, Hencote

Hencote Wine Estate – Shropshire

Take a break in the West Midlands at Hencote, where guests can get stuck into a selection of award-winning wines, take in the local scenery and relax in one of many luxury glamping lodges. Nestled between the rolling hills of Shropshire and Hencote’s vineyards, the glampsite is perfectly poised to offer guests the best of the British countryside and its produce. BOOK IT Glamping packages start at £430. hencote.com.

Read our review of Hencote Wine Estate here

tent, covered kitchen and marquee set up beside a campfire

Cwm Ty Coed – Carmarthenshire 

This thirty acre smallholding has bell tents, yurts and grass pitches and caters brilliantly for those who like a camping cook-off. There are private camp kitchens for campers and glampers alike, fire pits and barbecues, and even a pizza kitchen for decorating dough with Carmarthen Ham and local cheese in the woodfired oven. Guests can help themselves to eggs from the hens and make friends with the sheep, ducks and donkey. cwmtycoed.co.uk

Harry's Campsites Bell Tent

Harry’s Campsites – New Forest

Located within the heart of the New Forest, Harry’s Campsites offer two camping experiences; Harry’s Field provides a small campsite with great facilities, while Harry’s Meadow offers spectacular sunsets and natural swimming spots for the ultimate wild camping experience. Harry’s Field campsite also offers a selection of fully furnished bell tents for a glamping experience, finished with vintage bohemian furniture and complete with everything you need to enjoy your stay, including a fully equipped cooking area and a fire pit. newforestcampsite.com

Read our review of glamping at Harry’s Field, New Forest here

Starry Meadow glamping

Starry Meadow – Brecon Beacons

Set in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Starry Meadow is a festival-inspired pop-up glamping site featuring boutique bell tents alongside street food, starlit storytelling evenings and acoustic music around the campfire. starrymeadow.co.uk

Shepherd’s Huts Bluegrass

Shepherd Huts at Beacon Hill Farm – Northumberland

Get lost in a luxe shepherd’s hut in the middle of nowhere for the ultimate glamping experience. Situated between the Northumbrian coastline and the Cheviot Hills, Beacon Hill Farm is surrounded by 50 acres of ancient beech woods, and 300 acres of parkland and grass fields. Shepherd’s Huts Bluegrass and Ryegrass are located in a south-facing wildflower meadow and feature three rooms and a westerly-facing terrace, with heating and hot water provided by a gas boiler. Forget kumbaya and ghost stories, the huts are equipped with Wi-Fi, a Bose Bluetooth speaker and a digital radio plus a Smart TV in the bedroom. You should probably get out and explore at some point though, and when you do, head to nearby Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Beacon Hill has its own purpose built observatory with a range of telescopes for viewing the magical night skies. premiercottages.co.uk

The Nest Norfolk

The Nest Glamping – Norfolk

Perched on the North Norfolk coastline, The Nest features six luxury bell tents, available for full site private hire. Each one fits two people and is furnished with a king size bed, eco-friendly lighting, rustic chairs and handcrafted bedside tables. You can also explore the five-acre outdoor area, which is close to the sea and features a BBQ plus a decking area that’s perfect for sunbathing. In the evenings, retire to the communal snug tent where you can play games and have some drinks with your group. thenestglamping.co.uk

The Samling, Lake District

The Samling – Lake District

Reconnect with nature in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK at The Samling, where you can sleep under canvas and eat fine, locally sourced and seasonal produce; this is amongst the most luxurious glamping in the UK. The hotel itself is nestled in 65 acres of meadows and ancient woodlands, overlooking Windermere with expansive Lake District views across this World Heritage Site. The Wilderness experience is new to 2021, with the chance to get closer to the wildlife of the area by staying in one of The Samling’s ‘Prospector Tents’ at the top of the hillside, cocooned next to the woodlands. thesamlinghotel.co.uk

Welsh Glamping, Mid-Wales

Welsh Glamping – Mid-Wales

Set amongst 185 acres of wild farmland and waterfalls, Welsh Glamping opened in mid-2020, located in the perfect location to explore the valley and villages and for wild swimming in the warmer months. All wood used in the building process belongs to the farm, sourced and milled onsite. Choose from cabins, a cottage or tents. welshglamping.com

The Pop Up Hotel, Cadland Estate

The Pop Up Hotel, Woolley Grange – Bath

This year, the iconic Pop Up Hotel is situated near Bath, at the historic Woolley Grange Hotel. Perfect for a unique stay, here eight bespoke suites sit in the grounds, with access to the best bits of a hotel stay (swimming pools, spa, facilities) while still getting to sleep beneath the stars. thepopuphotel.com

Ribblesdale Park Glamping

Ribblesdale Park – Lancashire

Enjoy beautiful views over the Ribble Valley while glamping at Ribblesdale Park, a Grade-I listed 1000-acre estate located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The glamping village is set in a six-acre field, featuring 10 widely spaced bell tents, each decked out with a double bed, electric power, a fire pit and an outside decked area. There’s plenty to explore on-site, including a heated outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant Hindelinis, which serves up home-cooked food all day. While you’re there, you’re likely to spot peacocks wandering the grounds, with kingfishers, otters and even reindeer to be found in the woodlands, waters and fields of the estate. ribblesdalepark.com

The Little Hide - Wigginton

The Little Hide – Wigginton

A great base for exploring the historic city of York, the luxury, adult-only camping pods of The Little Hide offer cosy self-catering accommodation for people who ‘don’t do camping’ to camp. The Little Hide camping pods all contain a zip-link bed with under-bed storage, a sofa, and a heater. thelittlehide.co.uk

The Shepherds Hut, Durham

The Shepherds Hut – Durham

The Shepherd’s Hut is perched on the unspoilt, rolling countryside in Lower Teesdale on the Durham/Yorkshire border. The picture-perfect spot for a romantic getaway, it is fitted with a two-seater sofa, Hobbit wood burning stove, Neff hob, granite worktops, spacious shower, and king size bed. There are plenty of historic sites, beautiful walks and cycling routes within easy reach if you feel like exploring, but if it’s alone-time you seek, this is the perfect spot for practicing life as the last two shepherds on earth. premiercottages.co.uk

Carrowmena Glamping Site

Carrowmena Glamping Site – Limavady

Explore some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Ireland including the Causeway Coast, Sperrin & Binevenagh Mountain Range and Lough Foyle from the Carrowmena Glamping Site at Limavady. Perfect for families, activities include water sports, campfires, archery, and a kids station. carrowmena.co.uk

Plush Tents Glamping - Chichester, England

Plush Tents Glamping – Chichester

Choose from luxurious Mongolian yurts and cosy bell tents in a little forested wonderland in Chichester. If you don’t want to go completely off-grid, the W-Fi will come in handy for Instagram sharing / boasting. There’s a communal campfire and hot tub, plus a scattering of hammocks for day dreaming, and when your stove runs out of gas, order up a fancy breakfast or lunch hamper prepared by the experts at Fork & Field. plushtentsglamping.co.uk

Best Glamping Kit

Still want to go it alone? As long as you pitch your own tent, you’ll keep the traditionalists happy. But bringing your own doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the glamping experience. Just make sure it’s a seriously nice tent, with all the added extras. Here’s our hot list…

Best Luxury Camping Equipment

Boutique Camping The Weekender Tent in Rainbow, £269

Boutique Camping The Weekender Tent in Rainbow

Boutique Camping The Weekender Tent in Rainbow

When you think ‘glamping’, it has to be a bell tent, and for the ultimate festival glamping tent, it has to be a rainbow bell tent. This polyester bell tent by the Boutique Camping Company is half the weight of their canvas counterparts, making them ideal to transport, and can be put together by one person.

Rent it: Baylily Bell Tents, from £145

Baylily Bell Tent

OK, so technically you’re not pitching your own here, but you’re renting it and someone else is doing the hard bit, so everyone’s a winner. Baylily Bell Tents allow you to rent one or more pretty bell tents for your next luxury camping trip, which are available on a ‘tent only’ or fully furnished basis, for when you really just want to arrive and crash (in style). baylilybelltents.co.uk

Sherpa Folding Cart, £99

Sherpa Folding Cart

You’ll need a hand lugging all your glamping kit to the perfect spot. If you only have one pair, make things simpler with this folding cart, which you can load up with your tent, kit and a bottle of bubbles for once the work is done.

Boutique Roll Up Bed Cream Double, from £49

Boutique Roll Up Bed Cream Double

Save yourself from a deflating air bed with this Boutique Camping roll up waterproof camping bed.

Lafuma Pop Up XL, £92

Glamping

Pitching a tent can really take it out of you, so kick back and relax (preferably with a cocktail in hand) in this cushy canvas pop up chair.

Main Image: Cedars Kabin, Photography: Ben Stevens. cedarvalley.co.uk