Glamping and camping are great ways to spend an affordable few days away in nature with your friends and family during the warmer months.
With the cost of living increases hitting all households, fewer of us can afford to go abroad this year. However there are some positives. With so much to see on our doorstep in England and Wales, from beautiful beaches to rolling hills and quaint towns and villages, a fun filled break away doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Read on to find out how to see the countryside in style with quality camping and glamping in the UK that won’t break the bank.
Is glamping expensive?
With all the extras that glamping offers, you might be forgiven for thinking that it is going to be expensive. And the name doesn’t help! Glamorous camping sounds like it should come at quite a premium.
Glamping can be expensive in some locations but don’t worry. There are plenty of places where it remains a cheap option for an overnight stay. Cheap glamping can be tricky to find, but at YHA, we keep our prices affordable so that you don’t have to worry about anything other than making fantastic memories. You can choose from reasonably priced stays in our glamping pod Landpods, tipis, or bell tents. Glamping is a great option if you want to stay close to nature but with significantly more comfort than traditional camping!
Is glamping better than camping?
Glamping comes with far more glamour than if you were to camp in your own tent. At YHA, all of our glamping accommodation includes comfy beds, warm bedding and solar lighting, so there is no need to fork out for expensive camping gear. Or wash and dry it all when you get home!
The absolute necessities you’ll need for camping include a tent, sleeping bags and sleeping mats. But there is a lot more that you could buy to make your camping experience easier and more comfortable if you’re looking to add a touch of luxury. Glamping on the other hand saves you a lot of hassle, keeping your holiday relaxing and enjoyable, as all the hard work is done for you before you even set off. For a start, there’s no need to arrive after a long journey and then put up a tent in the pouring rain (we’ve all been there). Better still, you don’t need to fight it all back into a small bag (still wet) when it’s time to go home.
What are the benefits of glamping with YHA?
When you glamp with YHA, you get free access to all of the hostel facilities, including the lounge and social areas, toilets and of course, our lovely warm showers. Our communal self-catering kitchens mean you can save even more money on your trip by bringing your own food to prepare in our well-equipped kitchens. Plus, cooking together can be so much fun! Get the whole family involved or take it in turns to cook, declaring the winner of the best meal at the end of the holiday.
Another thing that helps keep the costs down with YHA glamping is our close proximity to nature. Because of our incredible locations, we have lots of free activities right on our doorstep, including amazing walking routes, wild swimming, and cycle paths.
How much is glamping per night in the UK?
Glamping prices in the UK can vary per night, but we have some incredible affordable options. Glamping with YHA starts from as little as £40 per night – much less than the cost of a hotel room. Our premium bell tents sleep up to five people, making them perfect for cheap family getaways or weekends away with friends. And if you split the cost between five of you, it works out even cheaper. You don’t need to leave your furry friend at home either. For a small charge of £5, your dog is welcome to come along to our glamping sites too.
Where can I book glamping for less than £100 per night?
We have options for glamping for less than £100 per night across England and Wales in some of the most beautiful locations, including the Lake District, Cornwall, and Pembrokeshire.
Sleep under quirky canvas with our bell tents or tipis, or cosy up in our Landpods for less.
Glamping for under £100 per night in Stratford-upon-Avon
Enjoy all the fun of sleeping under the stars without the need to put the tent up when you get there, with our bell tents at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon. Complete with eco-friendly solar lights, comfy beds and bean bags, plus a wood burner, these tents sleep up to five people.
The hostel features three acres of grounds, so the kids can run about and expend some energy while you relax by the firepit outside your tent and enjoy a glass of wine (or two!). A pack of wood is included with your stay – all you need to provide is the marshmallows! After a busy day of exploring Shakespeare’s hometown, you can always refuel at the on-site café. With burgers, pizzas, classics like fish and chips, and a range of light bites and sharers, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
Where to glamp in Yorkshire for less than £100
Explore the amazing scenery of the Yorkshire Dales with a cheap glamping stay at YHA Grinton Lodge. Stay on one of our Landpods here for an authentic outdoor experience with a couple of handy extras like gorgeous warm bedding and solar powered phone charging USB sockets included. If you want to get even closer to nature, you can even roll back the canopy roof and enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside.
Glamping guests have access to all of the hostel’s facilities including the self-catering kitchen where you can save even more money on your glamping stay by bringing your own food to prepare in the hostel rather than eating out.
If you do want to treat yourself, YHA Grinton Lodge has an on-site café which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you prefer to pitch your own tent, you can do so here. Our camping area has stunning views over Swaledale and the village of Reeth and space for up to eight pitches. It’s a great option if you’re planning a large family holiday or a weekend away with friends.
Cheap glamping for less than £100 in Wales
Head to Pembrokeshire for affordable glamping in Wales. YHA Manorbier has an unbeatable clifftop location, which is just perfect for walking breaks. There’s easy access to some beautiful coastal paths and stunning sea views. Choose from our Landpods or premium bell tents here, both of which are excellent options for a cheap family glamping break.
 If you’re into adventures, then our quirky Landpods are for you. Enjoy all the fun of sleeping in the great outdoors without needing to bring your own tent…or bedding! Our premium bell tents are also perfect for a cosy stay. They sleep up to five people, have comfortable beds, and each come with a wood burner, which is great for cosying up to after a day full of sea air.
Our other glamping location in Pembrokeshire, YHA Broad Haven, doesn’t disappoint either. With a Blue Flag beach just 100 metres from the hostel, there are coastal walks straight from the door for every ability. Sleep in one of the Landpods and grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the stunning sea views at Haven’s Beach Café.
Where can I find affordable glamping sites in the UK?
YHA offers glamping sites on a budget across England and Wales. Best of all, our pitches are surrounded by nature in unspoilt places and close to beaches, forests, or mountains. Here are some of our best affordable glamping sites in the UK:
Cheap glamping in the Lake District
For on-a-budget glamping, check out some of our Lake District locations. If activity breaks are your vibe, then head to YHA Coniston Holly How for walking, water sports, sailing, and cycling. This gorgeous glampsite is surrounded by the stunning peaks that the Lakes is famous for. Stay in a spacious tipi with three of your friends, perfect if you love camping but don’t fancy roughing it.
There’s a restaurant on site here too, where you can enjoy light bites, hearty classics, and delicious desserts before heading back to your comfortable tipi for a great night’s sleep.
Glamping for less in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the UK’s favourite holiday spots, and we can offer cheap glamping at one of the county’s most-visited attractions, the Eden Project. YHA Eden Project is the official on-site glamping provider. If you’re looking for a unique and eco-friendly place to stay, you’ve found it. Here, you can choose from premium bell tents and Landpods, as well as a range of other camping and glamping options.
At the Eden Project, you’ll find indoor biomes and outdoor gardens covering 30 acres to explore. There’s also a children’s playground, a zip line and aerial assault course plus free guided tours.
There are two washrooms on site with toilets, wash basins, and hot showers, and you can grab a bite to eat at the on-site café…in fact, there’s almost no need to leave the Eden Project!
Affordable glamping in the New Forest
Head back to nature with a stay at YHA New Forest. This gorgeous location is set in its own grounds on the edge of the Hampshire village of Burley, close to fantastic walking routes and just a short journey from the coast. Choose from glamping options here, including premium bell tents and Landpods. As with all YHA locations, glamping guests can use the hostel’s facilities, including the toilets, showers, free Wi-Fi plus well-equipped self-catering kitchen.
Discover more about YHA.
