UK GLAMPING ADVENTURES FOR (RELUCTANT) GROWN-UPS

Natalie French

Back to Inspirations
Embrace the inner-child this summer and escape to a hobbit hole, luxury tree house or shepherd hut hidden away in the British countryside. 

Tucked away in the tranquil New Forest, suspended 35 feet above the ground, you’ll find Chewton Glen’s luxury treehouses. The newest, and most secluded, is The Yews. This beautiful treetop space can sleep up to 12 (four adults and eight children) and is decorated in rich tones of green and grey to echo the forest beyond. Under-floor heating, mood lighting and a free-standing bath come as standard. Outside you’ll find a large terrace with comfy seats, day beds and a bubbling hot tub for maximum chilling. Treehouses Hampers can be delivered discreetly through a simple hatch for optimal privacy! 

Forget tents. The Private Hill is home to four beautiful-shaped boutique Geodesic domes with unspoilt for miles across the Vale of York. Hot showers, flushing toilet and even a small kitchenette and a wood burning stove – ensure the domes are warm, cosy and a little bit cool. All have been named after the farm’s pedigree Aberdeen Angus Cattle - Debussy, Defender and Druid are suitable for couples, while Duchess can accommodate two adults and two children (5-12-years-old). The farm location means you can collect fresh free-range eggs from the Rhode Island Red chickens or chat to the resident alpacas. 

Set in more than 17-acres of rich woodland and wild flower meadows, with a stream winding its way through the site - Birdholme Glamping lodges in Nottinghamshire allow you to the chance to get back to nature. Each lodge has its own private hot tub, screened off with natural bamboo, and a firepit to snuggle around come evening. Two dog-friendly lodges mean you won’t have to leave the woofer at home – and you can both take full advantage of all the walks right from your lodge doorstep 

Ockeridge Rural Retreats is home to four hand-built shepherd huts set over a nine-acre equine facility with far reaching views across to Witley court - a ruined Italianate mansion. The Shepherds Retreat has a heavenly king-size bed, as well as bunkbeds – making it a great choice for families. Bedtime soaks can be taken in the quirky outdoor enamel roll-top bath. Lie back and marvel at a sky full of stars in this Dark Sky area. Couples will love neighbouring Ashwood or Monkwood Shepherd Huts complete with handmade roll-top copper baths and log burners.  


Embrace your inner hobbit and escape to The Burrow in Craighead. Built into the hillside, The Burrow has been traditionally constructed from natural stone and wood, with handmade doors, windows and furniture. The rustic double bed lies beneath a star gazing window. In spring, wild flowers bloom along the verges and right over the roof. You can watch red kites fly overhead, horses roam or just soak in the views of the Ochils, beyond. This Hobbit hole is just for Bilbo Baggins-loving grown-ups, just don’t forget your slippers and a torch! 

In a cosy sheltered corner at Alexander House, you’ll find three Yurts - Heather, Bramble & Rowan. All have comfy king size beds with crisp luxury linens and marshmallow duvets and pillows. They also have a cute stove-top wood burner and their own private 12ft yurt bathroom with a roll-top bath.

Alternatively, situated in the grounds, are two converted horse lorries – yes, you heard that right! ‘Juniper’ comes with its own roll-top bath and is sheltered from the north and west by Scots Pines. Far away down the hill is ‘Thistle’, with magnificent wide-open views across to the Scottish Highlands. 

Summer Howf is a beautifully renovated summer house, hidden in a country garden in Craighead. Secluded amongst the trees, it has its own private outside seating with canopy and picnic area. This heavenly retreat for nature lovers has resident ducks, neighbouring Highland Coos and miniature donkeys. You’ll also find binoculars and a bird book for ultimate twitching. The serene white exterior and interior creates instant calm, while the log burner stove and fire pit keep things cosy. The quirky sleeping bay has its very own star gazing window – so you can lie back at night and count the constellations. 

Spend the night as a Medieval Knight in the grounds of Leeds Castle. Huge fully-equipped tents come with a comfy four poster bed, warming wood burning stove and snug furry throws. Spend the evening feasting outside, cooking your dinner in the cast iron griddle over an open fire pit. Glampers also get access to Leeds Castle, the grounds (which are wonderful to wander in the evening) and the attractions. If you want to go the whole hog, you can pre-book a falconry experience. 

Did someone say glamping at a vineyard? Hencote Safari have luxury glamping lodges – think walk-in shower, rolltop bath and gorgeously fluffy towels - but the best bit is the private veranda and rolling views over the 23,000 vines. Hencote Vineyard sits on land moulded by the glaciers of the Triassic Age – which apparently makes for rather good, award-winning wine. Enjoy a glass (or two) as you watch the sunset from your private woodfired hot tub. Cheers!

Clad in grey composite, Sunridge CUBES are unique, ultra-modern, holiday dwellings with all mod-cons. Located in the stunning South Hams (much of which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the CUBES are just a short drive from a cluster of beautiful Devon beaches. Although staying home is a treat in itself, with your own private hot tub and home cinema. Located high on the lofted ceiling is a big screen 3D Ultra HD 4K projector with Dolby surround sound – not forgetting the XBOX. Kids will love it! The bi-fold doors lead to a decked area frequented by wildlife – so be prepared to get friendly with the local squirrels.