Discover the delights of glamping in the great British countryside, from a contemporary airstream in South Devon to a spacious yurt near Cardigan Bay in Wales. The perfect way to spend time in the great outdoors without sacrificing style and comfort…
Canvas Lodge, Loose Reins, Dorset
Take a break in one of the canvas lodges at Loose Reins in Dorset, and you may never want to leave. This is sort of camping – but frankly not as you know it. Luxury bedding, fluffy towels in the internal private bathroom (with a power shower), fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, gas hob and fridge… And let’s not forget the sofa, or the spectacular views from the raised deck overlooking the Blackmore Vale. Explore the paths, hire a bike, or just sit back on your deck with a book while the kids discover their wild side building dens in the woodland, and begging to actually camp out on their own in the hammocks suspended from trees. The adventurous should book an experience on Loose Rein’s quarter horses – even total beginners can get a taste of that cowboy life, before settling down for an evening cookout on the communal firepit.
Price: Lodge prices start from £420 for a 3-night break in peak season. Sleeps six. A whole site booking sleeps up to 30 for larger groups. Book now
Airstream, Devon
Warm in the winter and cool in the summer, the rolling hills of South Devon offer contemporary luxury glamping with a retro twist. If you thought you only got air con, underfloor heating, wifi and a power shower in a bricks and mortar holiday property, think again — from the comfort of your very own iconic airstream, you can enjoy all the mod-cons including a flat-screen TV and a sound system. If you can tear yourself away from the Egyptian cotton linens and fluffy towels, you can explore what outside has to offer, whether you’re getting busy with a barbecue on your very own flower-bordered patio, lounging in the hammock and watching wild birds or simply gazing at the stars with a glass of wine on a lovely summer’s evening. There’s even a nearby outhouse with a washing machine and storage space for your boots and coats. Nothing has been forgotten here.
Price: Airstream prices start from £26 per person per night. Sleeps two. Book now
The Woodman’s Treehouse, West Dorset
Escape to your own private kingdom in the countryside with a retreat set high up in the branches of a veteran oak. It’s a totally private space for you to recoup, restore and revive, with your own sauna and hot tub on the rooftop spa deck, a stainless steel slide and a revolving woodburner (which can be pointed towards the king-sized bed, sofa or kitchen). Oh, and don’t forget to look down through the window in the floor for a view of the stream! The practicalities haven’t been overlooked either, with the treehouse featuring a proper indoor flushing loo and a piping-hot open air tree-shower which is perfect come rain, snow or sun – unexpected luxuries for the undisturbed Dorset woodland. Enjoy the foodie benefits of the wood fired pizza oven and barbecue on the outside rear deck while watching the sunset through the trees. The design is sustainable and has been built to not stress and damage the trees, so you can enjoy and admire the beauty of nature without damaging it in any way. The treehouse sleeps two adults — the perfect sanctuary for a cosy romantic getaway.
Price: Treehouse prices start from £310 per night. Sleeps two adults. Book now
Duckpool Safari Tent, Berridon Farm, Devon
While away the summer with the whole family at the Duckpool safari tent set on the small family run Berridon Farm. With secret beaches and The Eden Project nearby, there are plenty of activities to keep you and the kids captivated. You can also enjoy the freedom of roaming around the farm itself — gather eggs straight from the chickens, take a dip in the stream or swing on the tyre swings. If you love baked goods, you can request a pie for your arrival or fresh bread which will be waiting for you in the on-site shop, and if you’d like a cooked breakfast and a paper, head up to the barn on a Sunday morning. The safari tents contain a double bedroom, a bunk room and a cabin bed, a kitchen with cold running water and a private flushing loo. There are shared showers (gas powered) and a kid’s bathtub just a few minutes walk away. The relaxed, rustic charm of the tents and combination of nature and luxury will leave you wanting more.
Price: Tent prices start from £75 per night. Sleeps six. Book now
Gorse Yurt, Cardigan Bay, Wales
If you’re looking for a sense of freedom, peace and stillness, a yurt overlooking the Ceredigion countryside is the ideal break to get away from it all. The private five acre site is surrounded by open farmland and woodlands, with wildlife and coconut scented gorse bordering the yurt and stream. The yurts themselves, which have been constructed by the owners son, are very big (six metres wide), so there’s plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy a comfortable stay. There’s a double and a single bed, and two more can sleep in a small pop-up yurt which can be set up nearby (for an additional cost). Don’t be fooled by the wardrobe looking doors — there’s actually a rather clever en-suite loo behind them. If you’re looking to laze, read or eat, outside is the perfect spot, with a generous covered deck, a barbecue, seating and dining table and uninterrupted views of the countryside. For the more active types looking to explore, there’s forest mountain biking and hiking.
Price: Yurt prices start from £150 for a 2-night stay. Sleeps three. For an additional £25 per night, add a small pop-up yurt for two people. Book now
Blackberry Perch Cabin, South Downs, Sussex
Designed by treehouse experts Blue Forest, this cabin is nestled within the South Downs National Park and is perfect for a family glamping getaway. It has all the benefits of a cottage — an open plan main living space with a fully equipped kitchen and a double bed, and a separate room housing a bunk bed (perfect for keeping the kids comfortable). It’s well insulated for the summer months, but if you’re looking to get away for a cosy winter break, there’s heating and a wood burning stove. Let the children run wild around woods and communal area (the paddock is shared with four other glamping abodes) or lead them over the handcrafted bridge to the kids play area with a sit on zip wire, a crooked kids den, slack rope and tyre swing. Then take it easy in the evening around your own campfire, where you can cook supper or just relax.
Price: Cabin prices start from £240 for a 2-night stay. Sleeps four. Book now
Main image: Loose Reins
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