Glamping in the UK

Go glamping and connect with nature with comfort the comfort of a luxury tent

Glamping is short for ‘glamorous camping' and refers to camping in a more luxurious and comfortable way than when bringing your own tent. Glamping UK accommodations are provided by a host and range from spacious bell tents to glamping pods with more amenities then you’d find at a hotel, like at the Secret Garden Glamping in Skelmersdale.

There are many reasons you might choose to go glamping in the UK or abroad – from not having to carry a tent and camping gear, or combatting cold weather, to simply looking for a unique stay in nature. Glamping stays often have electricity, be it on or off-grid, a toilet and shower facilities, and sometimes a kitchenette. You can find glamping with hot tub. Glamping stays can be individual accommodations in the middle of nature or provided on a glampsite with more facilities.

Because glamping is a great way to get out and experience nature without having to prepare or carry a lot of camping gear, it's a great option for weekend getaways and family or group holidays. It’s an easy way to be out in nature and discover new places because everything is taken care of.

Whether you’re glamping in the UK or abroad, there are many types of glamping experiences to choose from.From a rustic safari tent to an eccentric treehouse or luxurious glamping pod, which type of glamping fits you best?

From glamping getaways near the city to coastal cottages and shepherd’s huts in the countryside, glamping in the UK is a great way to get in touch with nature with added comfort and protection from the elements. Glamping on the British Isles is a wonderful way to get in touch with nature without the hassle of traditional camping. And while you can’t just pitch your tent anywhere in the UK as wild camping is forbidden, you will find glamping UK stays in some of the country’s most picturesque natural sceneries.

The Cornish coast with its beaches, coves, and rolling hills is a British holiday dream destination. Glamping in Cornwall is a great idea – especially in summer. But even outside the summer season, Cornwall’s coastline is a joy to visit (just ask surfers).  And what the Scottish Highlands lack in weather appeal, they more than make up for in outdoor potential. Glamping in Scotland gives you the chance to explore wild nature with a warm and comfy homebase. The English countryside, whether around London, in the southwest, or Lake District, is perfect for glamping. Just imagine waking up to the sound of a rustic view or strolling through a quaint village.

The Secret Garden Glamping in Skelmersdale is perhaps England’s favourite luxury glamping pod. Where else can you get glamping with hot tub and countless other perks? For a more rustic experience, few types of glamping stay offer an experience as quintessentially British as a shepherd’s hut right by the pond in Dorset or this the Hamperley Hideways’ hut overlooking the Shropshire Hills.

Glamping is not just a holiday experience the British love, it’s popular all over Europe. Three countries stand out for their natural environment and attractiveness as holiday destinations.

France is a dream destination for many campers. From the Alps to the Pyrenees and from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, French nature is vast and beautiful. Options for glamping there are rich and diverse, but some types of glamping stand out. Glamping tents abound in France, as do cabins and domes. Tiny houses in France are very popular and you can find gorgeous stays across the country. Check this tiny house on a winery and this tiny house at the edge of the forest and mountains.

Glamping in Portugal is on the rise, a country where so much nature remains off the beaten path and where glamping is less about glamour and more reconnecting with nature. That doesn’t mean you won’t be comfortable. On the contrary, there are beautiful glampsites in the south where the weather permits tent glamping for most of the year. You can find many yurts, bell tents, and teepees in the Algarve and Alentejo. North Portugal, too, offers a lot of glamping – especially in glamping pods, bungalows, and other wooden structures.

From fjords and mountains to the Northern light, Norway is unique for its natural splendour. Norwegians are incredibly fond of outdoor activities and glamping is their second nature. You will be amazed by the unique outdoor stays on offer. Try glamping in Norway up in a treehouse on a small islet or an Arctic dome overlooking the mountains. When glamping in Norway, don’t think you’re limited to summer. Winter might get cold (and snowy!) but the Norwegians are prepared. Duvets, heaters, and wood stoves are readily available, and perhaps even a sauna.

1. Connect to nature with comfort. Glamping gives you the opportunity to head outdoors while keeping your creature comforts. Who doesn’t prefer a king-size bed with a fluffy duvet over a thin air mattress and sleeping bag? Having electricity, a kitchenette and a heater make a stay in nature so much more easy. 
2. Forget about your camping gear. Packing for a camping trip can be a challenge, so why not forget about it and book a fully furnished glamping tent instead? Especially if you’re travelling with a family or group, not having to worry about camping equipment can be the difference between a zen holiday or a logistical nightmare.
3. Experience hospitality from friendly hosts. Glamping stays are unique because they have been dreamt up and built by passionate hosts. When staying at a glampsite or glamping accommodation, you support their passion. In exchange, you get to experience the love and care they put in. Plus, you get to hear the stories that make up the project and surrounding land.
4. You can glamp all year. Most camping is done in summer – you wouldn’t even think about packing your tent when it rains or the temperature drops. Glamping stays can come with wood stoves, hot tubs, saunas, and anything that makes a cold winter’s day comfortable. They offer a cosy stay when rain keeps you inside.
5. It’s local, sustainable and small-scale. Glamping accommodations are set in nature and built with minimum impact on the environment. They are often a product of the local community and therefore contribute locally. Because glamping is small-scale, the tourism it supports is more sustainable and less destructive.

What is glamping?

Glamping stands for ‘glamorous camping' and refers to camping with the luxury and comfort of a bed and other amenities that fit in a glamping tent or accommodation. Glamping allows you to enjoy nature with the comforts of a home or hotel.

Where can I go glamping?

You can find UK glamping in the southwest, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, and all across the country. Glamping is popular across Europe so there really is no end to the destinations you can pick for glamping. See all locations with glamping here.

What does glamping cost per night?

The average cost of glamping in the UK is around £100 per night, but prices vary depending on the type of glamping stay and the season. Shepherd huts can cost as little as £75 per night and a glamping pod with hot tub about £200. Glamping is cheaper in Portugal and more expensive in Norway.

What to bring when glamping?

One of the major benefits of glamping is that all amenities are provided. Do bring (warm) clothes, toiletries and outdoor gear to enjoy nature. Depending on the facilities offered in the glamping accommodation, you might have to bring your own towels, linens, and cleaning supplies. If the listing doesn’t mention what’s included, ask the owner before your arrival.

Do you have your own toilet when glamping?

A toilet is always available when glamping. Depending on the type of glamping accommodation, you can either have your own toilet or make use of shared bathroom facilities. Glamping tents rarely have their own toilet, though some have their own outhouse with a toilet. Check the listing of each glamping to find out how the host provides toilet facilities.

Is glamping good for the environment?

Glamping is a sustainable travel option because it is local and small scale. Glamping stays are built with low-impact materials. They are often set up by the local community and contribute to local economies. Glamping and glampsites are small scale, which creates micro tourism that has less impact on the environment.