Now more than ever, we are all itching to pack our bags, clamber in our cars and head out on an adventure. International travel may not be possible this summer for Brits, so why not avoid the anxiety and book something a little closer to home?
“Glamping” (glamorous camping) combines all of the best parts of a British holiday: the great and beautiful outdoors, fun activities, delicious home cooking and good value for money.
And the best part? Whether you are staying in a bell tent, treehouse, converted van or wooden “pod”, you’ll be sleeping in comfort and style, rather than squashed in a tent you can’t stand up in and showering with a water bottle and funnel.
Check out our recommendations for five fabulous Glamping sites located across England.
Kymani Getaways – Southern England
Best for: fun with friends, family and larger groups
If your Glamping ideal involves a bell tent, then look no further than Kymani Getaways, who run several Glamping sites across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Suffolk and Surrey. Each site contains 10 spectacular bell tens along with a huge, central tipi and a firepit for cooking and socialising.
The bell tents are 6 metres tall and each contains a double and two single beds, all with proper mattresses. The tents are furnished with pretty rugs and mats, a full-length mirror, a vintage storage trunk and a wood-burning stove to keep you toasty warm during those cool summer evenings.
Kymani’s Glamping sites are ideal for large groups of friends or family as you can pre-book live entertainment and activities, as well as pre-ordering all your food and drink.
Fir Hill Estate – Cornwall
Best for: hippy vibes and family fun
Fir Hill Estate overlooks the Porth Reservoir and is just four miles from the popular surfing town of Newquay. The site is home to nine traditional luxury yurts (sleeping up to six) and three smaller couples’ yurt.
The spacious yurts (6.6m in diameter) are decorated with bright, cheery furnishings and include double beds, private cooking area with gas stove, cool box and running water for drinking and washing up.
The site has individual bathroom facilities and a TV and games room. Guests can explore the 60-acre estate with its magical woodlands and ancient ruins.
The Quiet Site – Cumbria
Best for: scenic walks and eco-friendly tourism
The Quiet Site in Cumbria overlooks Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District. With the Lake District on our doorstep, you’ll have access to incredible walks, magical waterfalls and a fun selection of outdoor activities including kayaking, paddleboarding and the GoApe high ropes course.
The eco-friendly site contains six luxury Glamping cabins that sleep two adults. The 15 sqm cabins have underfloor heating, sprung double bed, kitchen appliances and utensils, full Wi-Fi and their own inside WC, basin, shower and towels. The cabins also contain a covered outside viewing area with deck chairs.
The Quiet Site is committed to ethical tourism and has planted more than 500 trees around the local area. If you arrive by public transport or on foot, you’ll receive a discount on your booking.
East Shilvinghampton – Dorset
Best for: beach access and cute farm animals
Located just a short drive from the white sands of Weymouth Beach and pebble-strewn Chesil Beach, East Shilvinghampton contains three luxurious canvas lodges that sleep between two and six people. Each lodge is equipped with at least one double bed, wood stove, kitchen facilities and private flushing toilet.
The lodges are located close to the farmyard, which is home to cows, goats, pigs, hens and ducks. Recently East Shilvinghampton has also added alpacas to their farmyard family, and during weekends and bank holidays you can book a tour of the local area while walking with an alpaca.
It is also possible for guests to book a private soak in East Shilvinghampton’s onsite Jacuzzi, complete with hydrotherapy jets to soothe your aching muscles.
Secret Cloud House – Staffordshire
Best for: romantics and luxury seekers
Secret Cloud House contains five luxurious yurts with uninterrupted views across the Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District beyond.
The site has a fairytale feel about it, surrounded by lush meadows and decorated with twinkling lights and candles. As well as the yurts, there is an onsite “Shepherds Rest” massage treatment room and wood-fired sauna that comes with an essential oil menu.
The yurts are equipped with wood-fired private hot tubs, wood-burning stoves and skylights that are ideal for a spot of stargazing on a clear night. Each yurt has its own plush décor, with handmade double beds dressed with Egyptian cotton linen, featherdown duvets and Staffordshire wool blankets.
