Ah, a Great British seaside holiday. There’s nothing better than feeling the sand between your toes, paddling in the waves, and breathing in fresh salty sea air. Add to this returning to your cosy glamping accommodation, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect break away.
We offer glamping by the sea near some of England and Wales’s best beaches, including Broad Haven, Shoreham-by-Sea, and Sennen Cove. Some of these glamp sites come with spectacular views straight out to sea, letting you wake up, unzip your glamping tent and start your day in the best possible way!
From Cornish beaches set up for surfing to the rugged south coast and the cliffs of Pembrokeshire, our glamping is located in some truly inspiring places. Read on to find out where to stay for your next coastal adventure.
Best glamp sites near a beach in the UK
Not only do we offer glamp sites near a beach, one of the best things about glamping with YHA is that guests can also use all of the hostel facilities during their stay. If you don’t fancy going out for dinner after a full day of exploring, why not head to the well-equipped self-catering kitchen to cook up a storm?!
You can also hang out in the social areas, like the lounges. Board games are usually provided, or, of course, you’re welcome to bring your own so you can start a family tournament or play with some newfound friends.
Here are 4 of our best glamp sites located near a beach:
1. YHA Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire
For the epitome of glamping by the sea, you have to choose YHA Broad Haven. It’s all about location, location, location, and YHA Broad Haven has it all in spades. It’s literally a stone’s throw away from a beautiful Blue Flag beach, so it’s perfect for family breaks at the seaside.
Pop your car keys away for the week. You won’t need them, as there’s so much to do near the glamp site. If the weather is fine, pack up a picnic and take a 2 minute sedate stroll down to the beach. At low tide, you can even wander half a mile across the sand of Broad Haven Bay and The Settlands to Little Haven. Here, you’ll find quaint fishing cottages, a quayside, and bags of charm. It’s also a designated conservation area.
If you’re feeling a little more energetic, you can jump on the Pembrokeshire coastal path right from the hostel’s front door. After a busy day of exploring, you’ll need to fuel up, and you can do so at Haven’s Beach Café, the on-site, nautical-themed café. Here, you can choose from light bites or hearty classics, and kids can eat for just £1 with our special offer, which is perfect for saving those pennies.
Retire for the evening at the glamping site, where you’ll find our quirky Landpods. If you love traditional camping, Landpods offer all the fun of sleeping under the stars but with some added touches of comfort. There’s no heating, but with our cosy bedding provided and a couple of added blankets, you’re sure to stay snug.
Landpods sleep up to four people on two double beds, which are great for small families or couples. There’s a handy storage area under one of the beds where you can stash your buckets and spades, windbreak, and cool box. Raise up the canopy roof in the evening to do some star gazing from your bed. See how many constellations you can spot, and keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars.
Outside, you’ve got your own fire pit. You get a free pack of wood to use during your stay, and you can get more if you need it from reception. All you need to bring is the marshmallows!
2. YHA Truleigh Hill in West Sussex
Take your pick of beaches when you stay at YHA Truleigh Hill. Although the hostel is set inland, it is within easy reach of the coastal towns of Shoreham-on-Sea, Brighton, Hove, and Worthing, so you can visit any of these during your glamping trip.
The large shingle beach at Shoreham-on-Sea is an excellent spot for water sports like kite surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. It’s also on the Monarch’s Way long-distance footpath if you’re planning a walk of epic proportions. Behind the beach, there’s a play area where kids can burn off some energy, and there’s an historic harbour next to it, where you can discover more about the town’s past.
There’s an eclectic vibe here, not dissimilar to Brighton. Head to one of the harbourfront cafes to discover the bustling artsy community or find the extensive collection of unusual houseboats. There are all different shapes of barge here, from one that started life as a coach to a shark-shaped vessel.
Back at the hostel, you’ll find a glamping area in extensive grounds. There’s a pond and nature areas where you can walk with the children and spot birdlife and wildlife – the first to spot a frog wins! There’s also a firepit area where you can sit with other guests and make friends, sharing stories about your holiday adventures. If you need to put the kids to bed, or you’d prefer your own space, head back to your bell tent, where you’ll find your own fire pit just outside.
YHA Truleigh Hill has two premium bell tents, each sleeping up to five people on a double bed, two single beds, and a fold-out futon. Book the tents together for groups of friends or two families—perfect for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary. All bedding is provided, and there’s eco-friendly solar lighting and comfortable bean bags inside. There’s also a wooden storage trunk where you can place your bits and bobs and then use it as a coffee table.
All the hard work has been done for you. There’s no need to struggle to set a tent up in the pouring rain (we are in the UK, after all!) or pack your car to the rafters with everything but the kitchen sink.
Once you get here, you can relax. For true holiday vibes, grab yourself a drink from the licensed bar and sit outside.
3. YHA Penzance in Cornwall
If you think of beautiful beaches in the UK, you can’t help but think of Cornwall. The South West county is known for its crystal clear waters and vast sandy swathes that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. YHA Penzance’s glamp site, set in beautiful gardens in a peaceful part of town, offers Landpods and premium bell tents. With easy access to some of the area’s most stunning beaches, it’s perfect for seaside holidays.
For white sands and turquoise waters, head to the stunning Porthcurno beach. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and with a stream for paddling on one side, this beach really packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty. The beach is excellent for families as it is sheltered from the wind and weather by the headland. The sea is usually calm, offering perfect conditions for both little paddlers and serious swimmers.
Back at the glamp site, you can enjoy a refreshing drink in the gardens or grab a bite to eat in the licensed bar and restaurant.
4. YHA Manorbier in Pembrokeshire
The glamping site at YHA Manorbier in the Pembrokeshire National Park benefits from a clifftop location overlooking sandy beaches. You can choose from a wide range of glamping accommodation here including Landpods, premium bell tents, and wooden camping pods. You can even pitch up your own tent if you’d prefer to go back to basics.
For a daring beach adventure, choose Skrinkle Haven. It’s a little bit of a challenge to get here, as it is accessed via steep steps that may not be accessible for all. If you do make it, you’ll be rewarded with soft golden sands sheltered by high cliffs.
When the tide is out, you can walk from here to the next beach, Church Doors Beach. This cove gets its name from the arch-shaped caves, which resemble church doors. This small rocky cove can only be accessed during low tide, so check the tide times to ensure that you don’t get cut off.
From the hostel, you’ll also find sections 14 and 15 of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. The glamping accommodation here is a great place to stop off if you’re tackling the entire thing, or if it’s a shorter stroll you’re after, just head out and back along the path.
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