Not Keen on Camping? How About Glamping?
Camping, like Marmite, is something you either love or hate. There is no middle ground. At least, there wasn’t until someone came up with the idea of glamping, or glamorous camping (an oxymoron if ever we heard one). The ideal compromise between the children who are desperate to camp and the parents who are desperate not to (Susan, we’re looking at you), glamping offers a combination of luxury and the great outdoors. Tempted? Here are just a few of the fantastic glamping options available around the UK.
Tell us this isn’t luxury! The yurts in the grounds of the Priory Bay Hotel reach as high a standard as the hotel itself. Each 20m2 yurt contains a king-size bed, sofas, bean bags, ensuite bathroom and features its very own private terrace. All meals can be served by the hotel onto the yurt’s private terrace, making the experience quite possibly the poshest way to enjoy the Isle of Wight’s flora and fauna. Each yurt has been sourced from an Isle of Wight company, decorated by a local interiors expert and locally-crafted furniture and accessories are used as much as possible. Guests staying in the yurts have full access to the hotel’s amenities, which include falconry, swimming, golf, tennis and more.
Priory Drive, Seaview, Isle of Wight, PO34 5BU Telephone: 01983 613146
Scotland’s west coast is home to another of the UK’s finest glamping locations. Ecopod Boutique Retreat in Argyll comprises two 70m2 domes, with a third currently under construction. The pods’ open plan interiors contain hand-made beds, original Eames chairs and plenty of quirky touches, such as stag’s antlers. Each pod also features a multimedia centre for those of us who don’t really want to lost contact with the rest of the world while on a “retreat”. The views from the pods are spectacular too as they face onto Loch Linne and Castle Stalker. Random fact: the castle was used as Castle Aaaaaargh in Monty Python’s The Holy Grail.
Lettershuna, Appin, Argyll, PA38 4BL Telephone: 07725 409003
We absolutely love this idea. Rather than individual tents, yurts or lodges in a set location, Hotel Bell Tent brings their brand of glamping on tour. Popping up at a number of festivals and corporate events across the nation, Hotel Bell Tent offers a 24 hour reception, bell boy services and up to 300 glamorous tents. The company caters for small or large events and can provide tents to accommodate two, four or six guests. With all the extras you would expect from a boutique hotel, down to the fluffy towels, the only problem will be convincing all your guests to leave. Bespoke quotes can be provided on request.
Unit 10 College Fields, Prince Georges Road, Colliers Wood, London, SW19 2PT Telephone: 07525 050744
Comfy Campers VW Camper Van Hire
Have you ever dreamed of owning a Volkswagen Camper Van? If so, your dream could be about to (almost) come true. While you can’t keep it forever, you can hire a Camper Van from Comfy Campers in Gloucestershire and take off on a road trip to wherever you fancy in the UK. There are currently four VW campers available; Ruby the 1971 Type 2 Bay Window camper, Dennis the 1983 VW Type 25 campervan, Sunny the 1974 Classic Volkswagen Type II Bay Window camper and Lilly the 1973 Classic VW Type 2 Westfalia camper. The only thing missing is you.
Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire Telephone: 07793 530812/01242 681199
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