Thank goodness for glamping! No longer does getting out in nature and sleeping under the stars have to mean leaky canvas and soggy socks. Instead staycationing al fresco can be warm, comfortable and even romantic, with spectacular settings and high end amenities combining to provide a quality camping trip to rival any hotel stay.
Here at YHA, we’ve fully embraced glamping, adding some special luxury overnight spots to many of our camping locations across England and Wales. This means you can enjoy the cushy comforts of glamping without the price tag you’ll find attached to other glamping experiences. The majority of YHA glamping facilities are child and dog friendly too, meaning that the whole family can enjoy the magic of glamping.
Check out some of our favourite YHA glamping breaks…
Unwind in a luxury Airstream at YHA Eden Project
The official on-site accommodation partner for the South West’s iconic Eden Project, YHA has added a touch of luxe to traditional Cornwall camping. These sleek, gleaming retro caravans offer all mod cons for a glamping getaway, including heating, USB charging points and buckets of space to kick back and relax in.
In addition to giving guests incredibly easy access to the Eden Project, this location is perfectly situated for cycling the Cornish Way. It’s also within reach of the St Austell Brewery and the Charleston Shipwreck and Heritage Centre, while water sports are found at nearby St Austell and throughout the picturesque Cornish Riviera. Thrill seekers will also love the Hangloose Adventure SkyWire, the longest zipline in England, whizzing straight over the domes of the Eden Project at a nerve-jangling 60mph.
After all that excitement you’ll be more than ready to head back to your vintage American Airstream, suitable for two or three campers, to fire up the included BBQ firepit. Here you can warm your cockles and recap a day of sea, shipwrecks and sky high swooping while cooking up the local delicacies you’ve gathered along the way.
Take a break with a Lake District tipi holiday
Soak in some of the UK’s most stunning scenery with a stay at YHA Windermere, just one of many camping spots in the Lake District. In addition to cosy Landpods and spacious bell tents, this property offers quirky stays in Native American inspired tipis. Eco-friendly and convenient, a tipi stay means there’s no need to haul your camping gear to site and no struggling to set up tents or beds.
The beauty of tipi glamping is that you can enjoy all the best bits of traditional camping- the fresh air, the sense of community, the stars -but with snug extras. These tents are fully equipped with futons and bedding, solar lighting and even wood burners for the ideal blend of back-to-basics living and luxury comfort.
Here at YHA Windermere, toasty dream-filled nights under a duvet are followed by mornings spent sipping a cuppa and gazing out over the country’s largest natural lake. Then it’s time to enjoy everything the local area has to offer, from water sports and climbing to long walks and afternoons wiling away the hours next to a log fire in a welcoming Cumbria pub.
Bell tent breaks at YHA South Downs
The rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park provides the perfect setting for a long weekend getaway. YHA South Downs, situated within easy reach of London by train or by car, is home to a crop of comfy bell tents just made for family glamping. These premium tents are spacious and warm, kitted out with beds for five and a wood burning stove for those chilly coastal nights.
Located moments from Lewes and within reach of bustling Brighton and the genteel Victorian beach town of Eastbourne, YHA South Downs is an ideal base for exploring this pretty area. With its combination of vibrant towns and cities, long, languid strolls through unspoilt countryside and kid-friendly sights, this area really does have something for every member of the clan, from shopping addicted teens to the family pooch.
With full use of hostel facilities, including shower rooms and the on-site café, a premium bell tent stay here is the ultimate glamping choice. Simply roll up and settle in, there’s no need to bring camping gear or cooking equipment and you’ll have all the space you need to truly create your perfect home away from home.
Romantic glamping in a shepherd’s hut
One thing that can put many off the idea of camping, no matter how glam, is the UK’s unpredictable weather. And here in Northumberland, close to the Scottish borders, you’re perhaps more likely to experience that biting wind and rain than anywhere else.
Designed to keep lowly shepherds warm and dry in the Cheviot Hills, the traditional Northumbrian shepherd’s huts at YHA Wooler have been repurposed and kitted out to give modern campers shelter. Sleeping two or three in comfy bunk beds, these characterful wooden huts are fully insulated and have electric lighting and heating. The ideal spot for snuggling up under a blanket and listening to the rain fall, shepherd’s huts make for an utterly romantic getaway at half the price of a hotel room.
Whether its experiencing the spooky atmosphere of Lindisfarne or Bamburgh Castle, taking a boat out to the Farne Islands or day tripping over the border into Scotland, you’ll be glad to get back to your hut at the end of the day, whatever the weather. With pretty gardens, chickens roaming free and your own picnic table for al fresco dining, when the sun shines, there’s no better place to be.
Deluxe cabins at YHA Canterbury
Keep a roof over your head with a stay at one of the deluxe cabins at YHA Canterbury. Perfect for a family camping trip with young children, these cabins come complete with comfortable bunk beds and warm bedding. Insulated from outside weather, cabins are the perfect compromise between getting out in nature and staying dry and toasty inside. The real selling point, however, of these deluxe cabins is the addition of your very own en-suite shower room with toilet- which means no more late night traipses to the loo and no waiting for a warm shower.
Located in the grounds of a grand Victorian villa close to historic Canterbury, this property makes city breaks achievable for families on a budget. Not only is the famed city, with its cathedral and higgledy piggledy Medieval houses, in easy reach but you’ll have pretty Herne Bay and the ancient woodlands of the Kent AONB on your doorstep too.
After exploring your surroundings you’ll be able to head back to your cabin to whip up a simple meal and a cup of hot chocolate thanks to its small but perfectly formed kitchenette, complete with fridge and microwave.
Camping spots with YHA
If you’re keen to put the glam into glamping without giving up your own tent, there are numerous ways to enjoy a more luxurious experience. It all begins with choosing the right campsite and the YHA has plenty of them to choose from. From the mountains and coasts of Wales to the Lakes, Yorkshire and the ever-popular South West, simply book your pitch and head on over with your tent and sleeping bag.
Whether it’s YHA Manorbier, close to the bright blue seas of the Pembrokeshire coast, or the glorious YHA Grinton Lodge with its Yorkshire Dales views, you’ll enjoy space, stunning scenery and the convenience of YHA amenities with every YHA camping stay.
So how do you turn a simple camping trip into something special? Think plush blankets and cushions from home, solar powered fairy lights and bunting. Invest in the best mattress you can afford and pack duvets and pillows for cosier nights. Pack pans and seek out the best ingredients local farm shops have to offer for sumptuous suppers and brilliant brunches. In addition, little touches like china mugs for your morning coffee, can make camping feel luxurious without a big spend.
Glamping stays are a fantastic choice for guests seeking a staycation in some of England and Wales’ most stunning locations. Connected with nature but without the inconvenience of setting up camp or the expense of investing in your own camping gear, staying in a hut, camping pod, tipi or bell tent in the grounds of one of our many camping-ready hostels is especially well-suited to families looking for space, security and protection from the elements.
Whatever your glamping style, check out our amazing range of campsites and cabins to discover your next break.
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