Inside: Ultimate guide to family glamping holidays in the UK. Collaborative post.
If you want to have a taste of the great outdoors but aren’t quite ready for the full camping experience, glamping is the ideal solution! It is perfect for families, who need a few home comforts to make the experience enjoyable while embracing nature.
Unique hideaways include yurts, treehouses and even houseboats in their collection. With locations up and down the UK so you can explore different areas and discover new favourite holiday destinations.
If you aren’t sure whether family glamping is the right holiday for you, this post will walk you through everything you need to know about glamping with your family.
Why choose a glamping holiday?
Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a great way to enjoy the wonders of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of every day life without having to immerse yourself in a full camping experience.
Being outdoors is so good for you. If you are stressed or run down, get outdoors and let it heal you. If you feel like your family’s life is ruled by technology, with phones and tablets and the tv, then turn them off and turn your attention to the trees and the wildlife.
There are so many health benefits to being in nature, so a holiday that allows you to switch off, unwind, and connect with the world around you is the perfect way to spend time with your family.
But while traditional camping means sleeping bags, glamping means proper beds. While traditional camping means cooking on an open fire, glamping can mean a wood-burning stove or even a fitted kitchen. When you are on holiday with kids, you want to make life easier so that you can enjoy your time away together.
Different glamping accomodation
There are lots of different glamping options to suit different tastes and needs. You might simply want to have a glam camping experience in something like a bell tent, or you may want to try something completely different like a treehouse.
Options can include:
Shepherd’s huts
Used by shepherd’s from the 15th Century, they have a wood-burner to keep you cosy and comfy beds to sleep on. Larger huts may have a built-in kitchen and bathroom too – perfect for a home from home feel.
Cabins
The ultimate glamping experience, with comfy beds, a kitchen and bathroom to tick all the boxes.
Yurts
A step up from a basic tent, a yurt has a wooden lattice framework and is traditionally insulated with skins or felt. Depending on the size, you will have a wood burner or even a kitchen, with comfy beds and a table and chairs to sit at. Showers and toilet facilities will be in a separate block.
Treehouses
Every childhood dream come true! Cleverly built in or around trees, these hideaway homes are so special. With real beds, kitchen areas and views for miles, they are the ultimate in luxury camping.
Safari tents
If you like the idea of being under canvas but prefer to have some home comforts then a safari tent is the solution. Pitched over a solid floor and often with a wooden extension to the rear, it is a real luxury glamping experience. With bedrooms, a bathroom and a main living area, it really is a great option for families.
…and many more! Each has their own unique features and of course your experience will also vary depending on where you stay.
Top locations in the UK
There are so many wonderful places to visit – right on your doorstep! There is no need to get on a plane to be able to have an amazing holiday.
Different locations offer different experiences and so depending on your family and the age of your children perhaps, you will prefer some over others. Britain has some beautiful national parks and areas of outstanding beauty, so get out there and explore!
Some top locations include:
Cornwall
Cornwall is a beautiful area, with so much to offer. There is the Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo and Tintagel Castle – all great days out. The Eden Project is absolutely magnificent and you get a year’s pass when you visit too.
Devon
With sandy beaches and areas for rock pooling, Devon is a wonderful place to stay as a family. There are lots of attractions on offer too, with Exmoor Zoo, The Big Sheep (an amazing place to spend the day!), and Dartmouth Steam Railway to name a few.
Isle of Wight
There is so much to do on the Isle of Wight, it is the perfect family getaway. You can’t visit the Isle of Wight and not visit The Needles – take the chairlift down the cliff to the beach and enjoy the view! Queen Victoria loved it there and her seaside home Osborne House is also worth a visit. You can get combined tickets for the theme parks Robin Hill and Blackgang Chine, great if your kids love a theme park!
Lake District
If you are looking for stunning scenery then this is the place for you. With 40 buggy-friendly walks to go on it is perfect for younger families and there are plenty of things to do to keep kids entertained.
Take a trip to Brockhole for some activities on the shore of Lake Windermere or head to the Coniston Boating Centre to hire a boat. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is lots of fun and of course you can also visit The World of Beatrix Potter.
Yorkshire Dales
There is so much to see when visiting the Yorkshire Dales, it is hard to pick out just a few. Visit Yordas Cave (remember to take a super strong torch with you!), try some star gazing at Coldstones Cut or some birdwatching at West Burton Waterfall or delve into some history at Spofforth Castle.
New Forest
One of our personal favourites, with the free roaming horses and beautiful countryside and if you love cycling then it is the perfect place to go on an adventure as a family. If the kids love animals then Marwell Zoo is a great day out, as is The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and the Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway.
Family glamping checklist
When travelling with children you need to make sure that their needs will be met so that you can relax as a family.
Things to look out for when booking:
Play area – even if it is just a large grassy area for them to run around in. Children need space to run free and camping is the one holiday that will almost always guarantee that! Swings and some climbing equipment would be a bonus though!
Bunk beds / cot – is there suitable sleeping provision for kids? Although they will often sleep anywhere it will make it much more of an adventure if they feel like the bedrooms are designed for them.
Seating area – where will you have your dinner? Is there an outdoor seating area or dining table for you to come together for mealtimes? Are there highchairs available?
Cooking facilities – How easy will it be to cook for the whole family after a long day? Is there a stove? Perhaps a built-in kitchenette?
Toilet facilities – Will you have your own toilet or will you have to walk to a shared block? If your children are older it isn’t so much of a problem but little ones may need a toilet closer to home.
Bedding – is it provided or do you need to bring your own?
Kitchen utensils – what is provided for you?
Unique hideaways make everything easy, with bedding, kitchen utensils and cleaning supplies included at each hideaway. Plus, each has its own private toilet and shower facilities too – you couldn’t wish for more!
Things to pack:
Board games – Keep everyone entertained after dinner with some fun family games. Firm favourites of ours include Qwirkle and Exploding Kittens.
Colouring / activity books – just in case you have rainy days during your trip.
Waterproofs
Wellies or walking boots
Picnic blanket
Cool box
Torches
Matches / lighter
Glamping top tips
You want to choose accommodation and a location that will suit the whole family, so you really need to do your research to find out what will work best, especially if you have small children.
Points to consider…
How near will your neighbours be? Do they allow large groups?
What comes with your accommodation? Is there a hot tub?
What attractions are near by? And remember to consider days out for if the weather isn’t great. Is there a museum or aquarium you can visit?
Can you park next to your accommodation?
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Wherever you choose to visit and no matter the type of accommodation you stay in, you will have the most amazing time. With fresh air and spectacular scenery, it will be a camping trip to remember!
Discover more at uniquehideaways.com.