Top Tips for a Memorable Glamping Experience

Being back country primitive campers we had never heard of glamping. Seeing as most of our readers are also primitive campers, when we first ran across this article we thought it would not fit on our survival site.  Then we got to thinking we do have some readers that just can not either hike in or are unable to sleep on the ground but would still like to enjoy the wilderness. So here is an article to introduce you to Glamping. Although this article refers to sites in the UK you can also find sites in the USA by searching glamping. So for those of you who can’t or just for those times when you do not feel like packing your gear into the back country check out Glamping.

Looking for the perfect glamping trip is a treat in itself as you come across various websites featuring wonderful names such as ‘canopy and stars’, ‘jolly days’ and ‘featherdown’, inducing us to pack up our ole kit bags for a reasonably-priced ‘get-away’. Most glamping sites will not be partial to hosting hen or stag nights; the essence of this type of accommodation lends itself to peaceful night skies, insect chirping and owls chatting to each other.   There is the option of pitching your own version of a luxury tent but unless funds are limited, take the easy route and just rent one;  you won’t have to worry about having forgotten anything back home either.

Family Glamping

If your outdoor’s experience includes the children, think about The Wood Life’s safari tent in Kenn, Devon. Set all by itself in 8 acres of woodland, there will be no disturbing fellow campers.  Complete with brass beds, and a loo, (a compost-style one naturally), this will appeal to a family unit of 6 or less.  With its own tree-house and huge swing, a high wire course nearby and a gorgeous beach at Dawlish Warren, what more could you ask for.

The thought of sleeping in a Yurt will get the little ones excited; the majority of these are well-furnished with all the authentic touches; eco-friendly establishments usually send me speeding away from the website upon seeing those clichéd words but there are many genuine glamping resorts that, while remaining true to their environment, have many exciting activities to offer as well as really cool accommodation. Look up Bodmin in Cornwall for family fun; bathing grubby kids won’t be the usual evening struggle as they will love the roll-topped bath with a skylight to the stars; its hot water generated by a wood-burner.

Bear in mind that the best camping spots are usually off the beaten track somewhat and mud and debris, along with uneven surfaces, may cause damage to your vehicle.  Ensure your insurance is up to date for claims such as windshield repair before you set off.

Zandra Rhodes, the iconic British designer, introduced her funky tepee in time for the Glastonbury festival a couple of years back.  So, if you want to camp in style and still tune in to the rock vibes, grab a friend and an ‘easy-pitch’ tent.  Pack a few ‘can’t be without’ items from home like those gorgeous silky cushions, a couple of porcelain tea-cups and a silky carpet and you can ‘Glamp’ away to your heart’s content.

Romantic getaway

How about a gypsy caravan for two?  Bow top wagons at The Gypsy Camp in Wickham Bishops, Essex, offer a quick escape from the big smoke of London, just 90 minutes from Liverpool Station you will find yourselves in a horse and cart, on your way to your unique destination.  Collect your eggs for breakfast from the multitude of obliging hens that run underfoot and try a ‘country explorer’ day; put your skills to the test with den-building and jam-making.

If that still sounds like roughing it, head over to Jollydays in Buttercrambe, North Yorkshire.  This takes the concept of Glamping to the next level. A choice of 7 luxury tents await with posh four-poster beds, swinging chandeliers, Victorian tubs and muslin nets;  you may never imagine you are in the midst of 200 acres of wooded land. If you insist on being social even in the middle of nowhere, you will enjoy the evenings around the campfire and communal lobby tent, where tea and cake await.

Take part in archery and bush-craft lessons with your partner and enjoy some quality time with each other.

Catherine Halsey is based in Edinburgh and writes for a digital marketing agency. This article links back to Safelite.com.

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