What is glamping? Our guide and inspiration

Like all good combos, from bromances to Brangelina pre-2016, the perfect pairing that is glamping (“glamorous” + “camping”) is well-deserving of its popular portmanteau. 

A camping trip steeped in luxury, relaxation, and ease, glamping is becoming an increasingly popular way to holiday in the UK. More and more people are craving the freedom of recharging in wide-open green spaces and rubbing shoulders with nature, without sacrificing any of their creature comforts. And after a year stuck indoors, how glorious does that sound?

From what to expect to our pick of the best sites in the UK, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to glamping with all the info and inspo you could possibly need for an unforgettable trip.

What is glamping?

You need look no further than the Oxford English Dictionary for a spot-on definition of glamping, as it describes the experience as: ‘A form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.’

So, forget sleeping on lumpy sleeping mats, poor signal, and battling tent poles – the traditional camping qualms of old have had a serious upgrade. Glamping, which quite literally means glamorous camping, combines all the luxurious comforts of a hotel with the freedom of camping alfresco beneath the stars. Think functional kitchens and heating, sumptuous beds, and hot tubs.

Where is the best place to go glamping?

Now we can finally start daydreaming about staycations this summer, the thought of kicking back in the Big Outdoors after staring at the same four walls for so long sounds like heaven. In fact, we’ll go as far as to say, glamping has never looked so good.

From quirky setups including bell tents, yurts, pimped-up caravans with roof terraces, and even treehouses, glamping is a truly unique way to experience and connect with the Great Outdoors – and make your friends seriously jealous on Instagram. Here’s our pick of the best glamping sites in the UK.

Two Night Stay at The Quiet Site Holiday Park in a Glamping Cabin for Two

Unwind for two tranquil nights and soak up the stunning vistas of the Lake District countryside. From the comfort of your cosy glamping cabin, you’ll be able to watch the stars roll by from the roof window, plan a full day of adventure exploring the local area, or simply snuggle up in bed for the most luxurious of lazy weekends.

Treehouse Experience for Two

It’s time to take your staycation to new heights with this magical and unique glamping experience. Nestled in the woodland on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, these state-of-the-art treehouses are set high up in the canopy with super snug interiors and a wood-burning stove. Take advantage of the local activities, from mountain biking to kitesurfing, or simply relax and enjoy the high life in your treetop hideaway.

Two Night Break in a Cabin for Two Adults and Two Children With Bike Hire

For the fun-loving family that’s forever on the go, the beautiful River Lee Country Park is the perfect glamping site. With tonnes of activities for wildlife and sports fanatics, this action-packed glamping experience includes bike hire for two adults and two children, as well as fire pit hire for toasting marshmallows. Family staycation, here we come!

Overnight Break with a Bottle of Sparkling Wine at Angel Cottage Log Cabins for Two

Picture this. You, your partner, complimentary chilled prosecco, luxe log cabin, rolling countryside. Dreamy, right? This overnight stay for two at The Angel Cottage in Suffolk is the perfect place to get some well-deserved R&R. Plus, as if it couldn’t get better, this stay also includes a soothing hot stone massage each! 

Two Night Glamping Break in The Warwick Knight Caravan, Gloucestershire

Looking for something a little different? The Warwick Knight Caravan is at your service. Located within the fruit trees at the gorgeous family-owned The Glamping Orchard, this unique stay is the ideal escape for two adults and two children. Swing yourself to sleep in the quirky indoor hammock, cook up a storm in the well-equipped kitchen, or soak up some rays on the roof terrace at the top of the outdoor spiral staircase! 

Do glamping pods come with hot tubs?

You’d better believe they do. Why not turn up the heat and treat your squeeze to a stay in one of our luxury glamping pods with hot tub experiences for the ultimate in bubble-fuelled relaxation.

Two Night Glamping in a Bell Tent for Two with Hot Tub and Choice of Activities at Wild Carrot

If you’re looking for an experience to score you a few brownie points, weekend escapes don’t get more romantic than this. Surrounded by the stunning Cotswold countryside, slide into your private cedarwood hot tub beneath a blanket of sparkling stars at Wild Carrot. 

This luxurious package also offers two activities for guests to enjoy. You can choose from a list of exciting options, from sight-seeing cycling tours to complimentary coffee and cake at their cosy Coffee Stop.

Overnight Stay in Canvas Lodge with Hot Tub and Fizz at Woodland Escape

Let your everyday stresses melt away as you take in the wonders of the beautiful Dorset countryside from the comfort of your Canvas Lodge. Complete with a comfy double bed, cosy lounge, and private outdoor hot tub, you’ll never want to leave your new nomad home!

To help you celebrate your reconnection with nature, you’ll also be gifted a complimentary bottle of fizz to enjoy upon arrival. If the definition of luxury isn’t popping a bottle of champers in a wood-fired hot tub, we don’t know what is.

When will campsites reopen?

In truth, it depends on the site. In accordance with the Government’s lockdown easing guidelines, self-catered accommodation with no shared facilities will be allowed to reopen from April 12th in England. However, sites with shared facilities will have to remain shut until at least May 17th.

It’s also worth noting that holidaying will only be allowed with members of one household at first – so this means no glamping with anyone you don’t live with just yet!

So, what are you waiting for? Explore all of our glamping experiences and secure yourself a slice of alfresco luxury today. Or, if you want to keep your options open, why not check out all of our short break staycations and weekend trips? We have dozens of amazing getaways across the UK just waiting to be discovered.