Love the outdoors, but hate the idea of a cold tent in a wet field? Glamping was made for you…
Glamping is generally known as glamorous camping, but the reality is much more than that. Glamping allows you to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors, while sleeping in a warm, comfortable bed. No dreary hotel lobbies and no uncomfortable sleeping mats. Just birdsong, starlight and a good night’s sleep.
Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
If you glamp…
Glamping means many different things. It can mean luxury tents, such as yurts, bell tents and tipis. It can also mean things like treehouses, shepherds huts and gypsy wagons. It can even include converted planes and double-decker buses.
Glamping doesn’t have to be camping, but it is always outdoors. The beauty of glamping is being able to step from your cosy bed, into a green field or a sunlit woodland, or onto a beautiful beach. On a glamping trip, just as with camping, it’s you and the elements. But unlike camping, you won’t get wet or cold, and you won’t have to spend time sticking tent pegs into mud.
Glamping is more than just camping without tents. A standard seaside caravan park doesn’t count as glamping. For something to be glamping, there really does have to be some glamour involved, though of an often alternative kind. Everywhere does this differently, but think antique furniture, furry rugs, woodburning stoves, and candle light. If you like your glamour old school, look for an option that includes a hot tub with a view.
As comfortable as glamping is, it’s not a hotel stay. You might well have to walk to the toilet block. The odd bug will doubtless find its way inside. You’ll probably have to cook your own breakfast and you’re unlikely to be able to call room service at 3am. But the trade-off is this: fresh air and not a brick wall or tarmac road insight.
Who goes glamping?
Everyone! Glamping works brilliantly for couples who want some quiet time in the wild. It’s also a favourite with families who want all the benefits of being in the great outdoors, and none of the hassle of camping with children. Dogs are often welcome too.
What to expect, what to bring and what to leave at home
On your first night glamping, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to keep you warm, safe and dry. While your glamping abode should be cosy enough, you can’t guarantee the outside will be. So, warm clothes and wellies are always a good idea, as is a torch.
Many glamping sites allow campfires and will provide wood and firepits, but bring matches and read up on fire-setting if you haven’t done it before. An evening round the campfire eating toasted marshmallows before heading to a warm bed made with crisp clean sheets? Heavenly.
You’ll usually have cooking facilities so bring bacon, eggs and whatever you need for a happy breakfast. You’ll often have a barbecue too, which makes for perfect evening cooking. And don’t forget you’ll want to keep yourself entertained, so games, books, balls and the like will come in handy.
So… is glamping for you?
If you enjoy staying in interesting places and exploring the Great Outdoors, then yes! But make sure you choose carefully. Some glamping experiences are more glamp than camp, others less so. If you want a wooden floor and a private bathroom, for example, you might be happiest in a shepherd’s hut. If you’re more of a camper, then a tipi or bell tent could be ideal.
Choose your glamp and start your adventure…
Visit our Glamping section for ideas and inspiration and book that long-awaited Glamping adventure!
