If you love camping but don’t like to rough it, then we’ve got something that’ll be right up your street. Introducing the Landpod: a quirky, flexible glamping tent that you don’t need to erect yourself. Leave the stress (and the camping gear) at home with a stay in a YHA Landpod, a camping pod that’s ready-made for a glamping adventure. All bedding is included, plus there’s solar powered LED lighting and a cosy seating area where you can relax and read a book.
We have Landpods in some incredible locations across the UK, including Cornwall, the New Forest, Yorkshire, and Pembrokeshire. Explore the fantastic countryside, enjoy spectacular sea views, or mooch around a picture-postcard town, all while making unforgettable memories with your nearest and dearest. Landpods are great for epic family holidays, romantic trips for two, or an activity weekend away with a group of pals. So read on to find out more about glamping stays in these unusual glamping pods.
What is a Landpod?
If you haven’t heard of a Landpod before, let us tell you more! A Landpod is part glamping pod, part tent. It’s raised up from the ground on sturdy legs and covered with a tough, insulated and waterproof canvas roof, for a really comfortable stay in nature.
Inside, you’ll find two double mattresses sleeping up to four people plus a small seating area where you can chill out during the day. There’s a big open storage area underneath one of the beds where you can pop all your kit or else have your kids play hide and seek… Better still, all the bedding is included so there’s no need to struggle with sleeping bags. And by bedding we’re talking those cosy duvets we are well known for, so you can be assured of a warm night’s sleep whatever the weather outside. There’s even space for your walking boots and bike, and your dog! Yes, Landpods are dog-friendly, so there’s no need to leave anyone behind at home. Bring your pup with you for just £5 per night.
Staying in a Landpod is a truly stress-free camping experience. There’s no need to mess about setting up your tent after a long journey, and you can leave all that camping gear at home so there’ll be more space in the car for the kids. If you stay in one of our Landpods, you will also have access to all of the hostel facilities too. This means you can relax and chat to others in the social areas, cook up a storm in the self-catering kitchen, and make free use of the toilets and showers.
Powered by the sun
If an eco-friendly place to stay is top of your tick list, then a Landpod is for you. At YHA, we care about protecting our planet, and so our Landpods have a small footprint with the least environmental impact possible. The LED lighting and USB charging points inside are all solar powered for a completely off-grid glamping experience. And because they’re raised up off the ground, Landpods don’t impact the landscape. If they were to be removed, it would be as if they were never there. Better still, when it comes to miles travelled, Landpods are made here in Great Britain from recycled and sustainable materials.
Fully weatherproof against rain, wind and snow
We all know the weather in the UK can be, well, ‘changeable’ is probably a good way to describe it. But don’t worry. Our Landpods are fully weatherproof against wind, rain, and even snow, so if you do get caught out, you’ll stay warm and dry. Landpods don’t have heating inside, but there are extra blankets to keep you warm during the cooler months should you need them. Cosy up with a good book or some board games and listen to the rain on the canvas roof – dreamy!
Keep in touch: 12 volt power hub and 2 USB charge points
Keep in touch with your friends and family, and post your holiday highlights on your social media channels. There are two USB charging points and a 12 volt power hub inside the Landpod, so you can keep your devices charged up and ready to go. We hope you can get away from your screens during your trip, but we understand you may not be able to. If you do want to work remotely while you’re away, you are welcome to use the hostel’s free Wi-Fi and lounge areas to catch up on emails.
Revolutionise how you experience the outdoors
Landpods provide a unique outdoor experience and are ideal if you love camping but you don’t want the hassle of setting up your tent. There’s nothing worse than putting up a tent or packing it away when it’s pouring with rain – we’ve all been there. Landpods don’t have heating, so they’re very similar to a traditional camping experience but they do have a fair bit of extra shelter. Even when the temperature drops, you’ve got full protection from the elements, so a couple of extra blankets will keep you cosy.
Enjoy spending time outdoors during your glamping break. There’s a bench outside where you can sit and read a book when the weather is fine or just listen to the sounds of nature around you.
Our Landpod locations are near to some of the most fantastic walking routes in the country, so there’s plenty to explore on your doorstep. When you get back, you can pop muddy and wet walking boots on the purpose built boot rack outside the door to dry. At night time, you can relax in the seating area and play games after a busy day of exploring. Some of our Landpods also come with a firepit which you can cosy up to in the evening, toasting marshmallows and chatting about your day. Lots of our locations also feature extensive grounds where the kids can play within a safe distance with new found friends, while you chill out.
Roll back the sides and gaze up at the stars
Staying in a Landpod is a unique experience which gets you closer to nature and the great outdoors. And unlike a regular tent, the insulated canopy roof can even be opened and raised up! This open roof means you can keep cool during balmy summer evenings and soak up the sights and sounds of your surroundings. You can also lie in bed and look up at the stars when it goes dark. A layer of bug netting helps to keep any creepy crawlies out.
Why not set your alarm for sunrise and enjoy the show from the comfort of your bed?
Where to find Landpods in the UK
Now you know everything you need to know about Landpods, the only thing left to do is choose where to stay. We have Landpods in over 20 locations across England and Wales, in gorgeous National Parks, on the coast, and in some of the most beautiful countryside that the UK has to offer. Here’s a selection of our favourite Landpod locations:
YHA Truleigh Hill
YHA Truleigh Hill offers glamping in the South Downs National Park, not far from the delightful coastal destinations of Shoreham, Brighton, Hove and Worthing. Well away from the main roads, the hostel has a gorgeous garden and fabulous countryside walks and cycling routes from the doorstep. It’s also near to the South Downs Way, a 100-mile-long National Trail stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne and offering a fantastic challenge to hikers. Long-distance walkers can enjoy a stay here while they’re on the trail.
The hostel has Landpods where you can glamp in the glorious grounds. Guests can use the hostel’s facilities here including the self-catering kitchen and the toilets and showers. There’s also a fabulous café here where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Choose from a range of light bites, hearty classics, and delicious desserts. Under 10s eat for just £1, making for a cheap family meal.
YHA Penzance
If you fancy glamping in the southwest, then YHA Penzance on the Cornish coast is a great option. With fantastic walking routes nearby and stunning beaches to explore, there’s no shortage of things to do here. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take some surfing lessons on a nearby beach or head across to the stunning Isles of Scilly to explore?Afterward, refuel with a delicious meal and a drink in the restaurant before going back to your Landpod for a spot of stargazing. Warm up by the firepit and share stories or play games – all you need to bring are the marshmallows!
YHA Grinton Lodge
For getting away from it all, YHA Grinton Lodge has a peaceful location in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. On the slopes of the magnificent Swaledale, stunning scenery surrounds you.
Wake up in a Landpod and roll up the roof to experience the spectacular views of the rolling hills, valleys, and countryside that the Yorkshire Dales is known for. This place is also ideally placed for anyone doing a coast-to-coast walk. Walkers can stop in a Landpod here and get some rest, ahead of the rest of the trail. If two wheels are more your thing, you can even bring your mountain bike and store it underneath the bed in your Landpod.
If you need to refuel, pop into the hostel’s café and grab one of the light bites or all-time favourites. Or if you prefer a more authentic camping experience, why not use the well-equipped self-catering kitchen to prepare your own meals?
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