Now that we're in the middle of the, er, great British summer, there's no reason to leave our shores for your summer holiday, right? We asked Jonathan Knight, editor of the UK’s best-selling camping guides, Cool Camping, to pick the UK's top ten most luxurious glamping hotspots. Fingers crossed that the weather holds out…
Lowarth Glamping & Workshop Retreats
This is good old-fashioned R&R at its best. Cornwall's luxury Lotus Belle tents – sleeping up to four – come kitted out with comfy doubles, a wood-burning stove and solar fairy lights. Head to the site’s treatment cabin for some hands-on-healing Shiatsu treatment.
Chesters Estate (Feather Down Country Retreat)
Feather Down Farms’ Scottish outpost is accessed by a ten minute stroll through the woodland, is set within a two acre walled garden on the banks of the River Teviot. There’s an abundance of vegetables (which guests are free to pick), four spacious safari tents, two bedrooms (plus a secret 'cupboard bed' hidden behind a hatch), a wood-burning stove and a wood-fired hot tub.
In the heart of the West Country, between the undulating hills and wild North Devon coast, lies Loveland Farm’s über luxurious Loveland Pod. This glamping dome offers expansive views of rural Devon, and inside, a king size bed, two spacious sofa beds, a wood-burning stove and movie projector. A quirky bonus – you’ll meet the pair of resident Asian Water buffaloes, Bella and Shaggy.
A few minutes south of Newquay lies this quintessentially Cornish hideaway, which offers guests the choice of two gorgeous glamping abodes – either the 'Ooh La La Shepherds Hut' or the new, beautifully-restored gypsy wagon, 'Poppet'. Both come fully-insulated and double glazed, while their interiors are the epitome of style and comfort – think Cath Kidston-esque fabrics and cast iron wood-burning. The shower is an ingeniously converted old Morris Z postal van.
This seven-acre site in Dorset, full of blossoming wild flowers and lily-lined ponds, is home to three bell tents sleeping up to four people. Each have their own king-size oak beds and a kitchenette, as well as colourful rugs and lanterns. Enjoy breakfast at your own canopy-covered picnic table and spend evenings under the stars by the fire pit.
Head nearly five miles up a forest track from Machynlleth in Wales, away from electricity and mobile phone reception, to the 50-acre Eco Retreats site – home to four tipis, two yurts and stunning views. With double beds, an array of up-cycled furniture and your own solar power toilet and shower, the site’s theme of ‘eco-living’ is reflected throughout.
Off a beaten north Norfolk track, Top Farm sits on one of Norfolk’s few hills. It’s a lovely spot for caravanning and camping, but glampers will love the Shepherds Hut. It’s situated in a secluded position away from the main area with a meadow view. Plus, there’s the brand new Sunshine Cafe that’s great for barbecues.
In the quiet village of Stalbridge, deep in northern Dorset, lies the secluded Safari Glamping. With just two twin lodges in a coppice clearing, the accommodation is ideal for groups, with room for four in a double and two singles. Plus, there’s a whole host of activities on offer from archery and horse riding, to bush craft and ballooning.
Close to London, Hawthbush Farm is great for groups who want the camping experience but without going the whole way. Plus, for those who would rather steer clear from camping cooking, there are more country pubs nearby in East Sussex than you've had hot dinners.
Found in Pembrokeshire's Alun Valley, St Davids Yurts is the real deal – handcrafted with ornate paintings and lattice walls. This spacious yurt is insulated with multiple layers and a charming wood-burning stove. Sat atop wooden decking, the view is breathtaking and come spring, the forest floor is an explosion of bluebells.
