England and Wales have a total of twelve official national parks. From the beautiful green hills of the South Downs to the dramatic, windswept North York Moors and from the crashing blue waves of the Pembrokeshire Coast to the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia, these two beautiful countries are awash with stunning, unspoilt countryside.
There’s no better way to enjoy these picturesque national parks than with a camping trip. But if you’re not one for pitching tents and rolling out sleeping bags, luxury glamping in a pod, in bell tents or in a hut, is a comfortable and convenient alternative.
Glamping in bell tents in the Peak District
YHA Hartington Hall, with its imposing façade, is ideally situated for exploring the Peak District. Choose between a Landpod and a bell tent for cosy, weatherproofed glamping in easy reach of hikes, strolls and rides as well as natural sights like Thor’s Cave, Lathkill Dale and Beresford Dale hiking area.
Dog friendly, this camping accommodation is ideal for families, with Hartington Hall’s bell tents providing log burner heated space for up to five guests. An outdoors fire pit means that you’ll be able to soak up the fresh air and unpolluted skies of the Peaks, even on chillier evenings.
A luxury Lake District camping trip
Whether it’s a summer vacation or a quick bank holiday trip, YHA Coniston Holly How provides you with fancy camping options in an unbeatable location. Ideal for those seeking adventure, this glamping destination is a great base for exploring the Lake District, whether getting out on the water, climbing the park’s peaks or checking out the many local mountain biking trails.
In addition to cosy Landpods, YHA Coniston Holly How also offers the opportunity to experience camping in a tipi. Suitable for four people, these woodburner heated tipis give you all the fun of camping without the hassle of pitching a tent.
All-weather camping in the Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales, with its Postman Pat lanes, heather-strewn valleys and labyrinthine caves, may be one of our most diverse national parks. This makes it a great choice for staycations, whether you’re a keen climber, a wildlife spotter or even a bit of a foodie- this is famously the home of Wensleydale cheese after all.
A stay at YHA Grinton Lodge puts you close to all the Dales action as well as the amenities of the market town of Richmond. Both Landpods and timber camping pods are available here, providing protection from the elements without losing out on that connection to the great outdoors.
Staying warm in Snowdonia
Also known as Eryri, the national park of Snowdonia is home to the highest peak in England and Wales. Helpfully, YHA Idwal Cottage is located just a short drive from the starting point of this must-do climb, as well as lesser known but just as worthwhile scrambles such as Glyder Fawr and Carnedd Llewelyn.
Being this far out in nature doesn’t have to mean roughing it though. Hiring one of YHA Idwal Cottage’s unique Anglesey huts gives you privacy and shelter as well as home comforts like electricity and ready-made beds, a must after a hard day’s hiking.
Glamp up your camping trip in Dartmoor
With over 950KM² of breath-taking moorland to explore, Dartmoor is one of our wildest and most unique national parks. In addition to mountain biking and walking trails, Dartmoor is one of the UK’s best locations for horse riding.
The perfect place to get away from it all, YHA Dartmoor might not offer any ready-to-go glamping options but with its beautiful surroundings and regular visits from wild Dartmoor ponies, it’s well worth the effort pitching your tent takes. Offering a licensed bar and with hot food served morning and evening, if the weather doesn’t cooperate there’s plenty of places to get warm.
Seaside glamping on the Pembrokeshire Coast
One of the lesser-known national parks in England and Wales, Arfordir Penfro, or the Pembrokeshire Coast, is one of the most stunning coastlines in the whole UK. Located right on Whitesands Bay, YHA St Davids provides comfortable yet basic camping in Landpods. Further south and ideal for families, YHA Manorbier provides large bell tents as well as fully enclosed camping cabins close to bustling Tenby.
Wherever you opt to bed down, you’ll be within easy reach of mile upon mile of coastal walking routes as well as being able to try your hand at just about any watersport you can think of.
New Forest glamping galore
With Landpods, timber camping pods and bell tents to choose from, the YHA New Forest caters for groups of all sizes and needs, offering added comfort beyond the usual camping trip. This hostel is nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, which means you’re in the thick of it all- ponies, long wooded walks and miles of marshy coastline.
Good food is a must for any glamping experience, and on this front the New Forest really delivers, with plenty of village pubs, seaside eateries and laden farm shops to explore. All right on the doorstep of your home-from-home.
Dog friendly shepherds hut stays in Northumberland
Take an upmarket camping trip to the borders with your faithful companion, staying in a YHA Wooler shepherd’s hut. A unique glamping option, these hand-crafted huts comfortably sleep two or three, plus a pup, and with electric heating and lights make camping out on the Scotland/England border tempting in any weather.
With 700 miles of public way, the Northumberland National Park is a great place to take walks through stunning countryside. Fishing, climbing, bike riding, geocaching and canoeing is also available, while must-visits include Hadrian’s Wall, the Cheviot Hills and The Sill Discovery Centre.
Nearly wild camping trips in the North York Moors
Windswept and interesting, the North York Moors feel truly wild. From barren moorlands to stone-built villages and dramatic coastline, the Moors has it all. As well as providing the perfect setting for challenging walks and cycle rides, this area also has more than its fair share of days out, with Whitby and York right on the doorstep.
Pitch up at dog friendly YHA Helmsley or YHA Osmotherley to get right to the heart of the action for affordable DIY glamping with all the convenience of access to hostel amenities such as drying rooms, Wi-Fi and on-site catering.
Bell tents and bright skies in the Brecon Beacons
With some of the clearest skies in the entire UK, the Brecon Beacons National Park is a must-visit for stargazers and space buffs. In addition to spectacular views of the Milky Way and mind-blowing meteor showers, this National Park is home to acres of lovely countryside, lakes and waterfalls as well as the towns of Abergavenny and Blaenavon.
For a luxury stay, choose the YHA Brecon Beacons Danywenallt, where a crop of bell tents are available, for a spacious and comfortable camping experience. Nestled in a wooded valley, this property is truly idyllic.
A special South Downs safari
Just two short hours outside of London, YHA Truleigh Hill offers an exciting glamping experience in the heart of the beautiful South Downs. In addition to Landpods and bell tents, this hostel is host to the ultimate in glamping- safari tents! Sleeping up to six, these elevated tents bring a touch of style to your camping getaway with all mod-cons helping you to relax and unwind after those long walks through the Downs.
In addition to strolls and rambles, the South Downs can also be explored by bike, while kayaking and fishing experiences make the most of rivers, streams and seas.
Glamping in the National Parks
Whether rolling hills and village pubs or adventurous climbs and canoeing is more your thing, there’s a National Park to suit you. Exmoor and the New Forest are perfect for nature lovers, while the peaks of Snowdonia provide thrills to keep the most active families busy. Elsewhere, the Lake District and Pembrokeshire are ideal for watersports enthusiasts.
Wherever you choose to explore, there’s almost always a glamping option to be had at one of the YHA’s camping-friendly properties, where you’ll find all manner of alternative camping options, including bell tents, tipis, pods and huts. And if pitch-up camping better suits your budget, access to YHA amenities, including catering and lounges, will help to make your trip convenient and comfortable.
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