Glamping has transformed the UK camping scene. Luxuriously comfortable compared to traditional tents but more affordable than hotels and holiday cottages, glamping allows you to enjoy the very best of the British countryside with more comfort and less exposure to the unpredictable British weather.
YHA has made the most of the lovely grounds that surround many of their properties by creating camping space for those who prefer to sleep under the stars. And for guests who want something a little more special? We’ve introduced a variety of characterful luxury camping digs, from shepherds’ huts to airstream caravans. Among our favourite glamping options are bell tents, camping pods and safari tents. Each blends convenience with comfort, helping to make your summer holiday, Easter getaway or bank holiday break as easy as it is memorable. But which is best for you and your fellow campers?
Bell tents for retro cool camping
A picture perfect tent for classic camping, the bell tent is a spacious alternative to a modern two or four person tent.
Premium bell tents: space and comfort
Sleeping up to five, with room to spare, YHA bell tents make traditional camping all the more comfortable. Each premium bell tent is furnished with futons and bedding, meaning there’s no need to bring a sleeping bag or wrestle with a roll mat. And because they’re raised off the ground, these beds will help keep you toasty and dry too.
Furnished with beanbags, eco-friendly solar lighting, a coffee table and rugs, our bell tents aren’t just a place to sleep but a comfy spot for whiling away the hours playing a board game or reading a book.
Each one is also equipped with a cosy wood burner, keeping the whole space warm and helping you to dry off after a wet walk or a day on the beach.
Bell tents: who will love them?
- Social campers: most YHA bell tents have an outdoor fire pit. Perfect for huddling around as the sun goes down, these fire pits are great for getting to know fellow campers.
- Dogs and their people: with space to spare, bell tents are ideal for those travelling with dogs. Canine companions are welcome at most YHA campsites at a cost of just £5 per night and they’ll love curling up on a rug in front of the wood burning stove.
- Groups: whether you’re travelling with family or friends, a YHA bell tent is a great camping compromise. There’s no fights over putting up the tent, and everyone can enjoy plentiful space and full size bed comfort.
Where to stay in a bell tent
YHA properties throughout England and Wales offer the comfort of bell tent glamping with full access to hostel facilities, including bathrooms and kitchens.
Get back to nature at YHA New Forest, where families love the area’s pony treks and easy cycle trails through ancient woodlands. Further north, YHA Hartington Hall’s bell tents are just the place to rest after walking the Peak District or experiencing the thrills of nearby Alton Towers. And if your holiday isn’t complete without a glimpse of the sea, YHA Manorbier is ideally situated. Close to Tenby and a stone’s throw from sandy beaches and coastal walks, Manorbier’s bell tents provide a coastal camping experience that’s hard to beat.
Safari tents for the ultimate glamping experience
You don’t need to be deep in the wilds of Africa to experience nights in a safari tent. YHA safari tents offer a high end experience for the ultimate UK-based camping trip.
Safari tents: all mod cons
You might be sleeping under canvas but really, that’s where the similarities between traditional camping and safari tent camping ends. With plenty of space for up to six guests, these huge static tents each offer two roomy bedrooms with comfy full beds and warm bedding plus a huge living area with dining table and chairs plus sofas to snuggle up on.
A wood burning stove keeps happy campers warm and dry while windows provide picturesque views of your surroundings without letting inclement weather inside. Outdoors, YHA safari tents are designed with sturdy wooden verandas, the perfect private spot for watching the sun go down with a homemade hot chocolate and your best friend at your feet – our safari tents are dog friendly with plenty of places for your pooch to rest his head. While cooking facilities are provided, safari tent guests also have access to all hostel facilities, including restaurants, bathrooms and self-catering kitchens.
Safari tents: who will love them?
- Campers who like their creature comforts: love the idea of camping but not so much sleeping on the ground? Safari tent stays provide all the comfort of sleeping indoors.
- Foodie adventurers: with both an indoor kitchen and a BBQ on the veranda, a YHA safari tent camping trip is a must for camp cooks.
- Travelers who need headspace: if you have a bad back or dodgy joints you may find traditional camping too uncomfortable. Safari tents provide full head height, ‘proper’ seating and full size beds, meaning a relaxing camping break without aches and pains!
Where to stay in a safari tent
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs, YHA Truleigh Hall is home to luxurious safari tents. Not only can you live out your glamping dreams at an affordable price but at Truleigh Hall you’re well situated for exploring one of England’s most interesting areas, from the hip lanes of Brighton to the pretty rolling hills of the Downs. A foodie’s delight, Truleigh Hall is close to Edburton’s Springs Smokeries and the Wiston Estate Winery.
Camping pods for weatherproof comfort
Stay dry without compromising that camping vibe with one of three snug sleeping pod options – camping pods, deluxe camping pods and Landpods, available for booking at several YHA properties.
Camping pods: camping without canvas
Keeping you close to nature but with a roof over your head, YHA camping pods are basic yet comfortable. Sleeping up to four, these little timber hobbit homes contain futon beds and allow guests access to hostel bathrooms, kitchens and other amenities. Deluxe camping pods, meanwhile, up the comfort stakes with a kitchenette, indoor seating and- most practical of all – your own wet room. If the weather’s good, both deluxe and standard pods include an outdoor deck area where you can soak up the sun.
A quirky alternative, Landpods provide space for two adults and two kids on double bunk beds. Closer to traditional camping, these cosy, elevated LED-lit pods are nonetheless comfier than your average tent. Best of all? The landpod roof peels back, giving you the perfect vantage for spotting shooting stars.
Camping pods: who will love them?
- Out of season camping enthusiasts: love camping but find wetter months a strain? Camping pods protect from the elements without losing the back-to-basics simplicity of camping.
- Families concerned about security: when first camping with young children you might feel edgy about sleeping in a tent. Having your own front door can help to make camping with littleuns a lot less stressful.
- Campers who prefer privacy: if you like to keep yourself to yourself, a deluxe glamping pod with private bathroom and kitchen lets you enjoy your own company when you need some alone time.
Where to stay in a glamping pod
If a camping pod sounds like the answer to your soggy holiday prayers there are numerous YHA properties out there to try. Standard camping pods are a great choice at YHA Land’s End, allowing you to enjoy beautiful views of the windswept coast from the comfort of a dry hideaway. Elsewhere, YHA Stratford on Avon offers our deluxe camping pods. These self-contained huts are ideal if you need space to spruce up before a RSC performance or a special meal out.
For a down to earth camping experience without having to pitch your own tent, head to the beautiful YHA Brecon Beacons. With stunning views of Pen y Fan and a remote location among away from bright town lights, this hostel is just the place to try out our land pods. Roll back the roof, cosy up under your duvet and dream away under wide, unspoilt Welsh skies.
Luxury glamping trips on a budget with YHA
Glamping can be an expensive option for many families, with some bell tent or tipi trips costing as much as a hotel or B&B. Staying with us, however, gives you and your fellow explorers the opportunity try out a variety of glamping options without breaking the bank. You’ll also enjoy the convenience of amenities such as restaurants and bars, lounges, laundry facilities and bike storage.
Dog friendly and great for kids, a YHA camping trip allows you to explore some of the most unspoilt parts of England and Wales. They’re also ideal for getting close to some of the countries’ most interesting historic sites and for trying out exciting outdoors activities too.
So which is right for you? With so many locations to choose from, why not try them all? Browse our glamping options for getaway inspiration and to book your next glamping trip.
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