Glamping - where to stay in the UK
There are those that love nothing more than to head off into the countryside with a backpack, cooking pot and sleeping bag. But camping isn't for everyone. Thankfully, the rise and rise of glamping means you can now enjoy the great outdoors without roughing it. We check out some of the more luxurious options available.
Pic: Corbis
The Lake District
Undoubtedly one of the UK's most celebrated beauty spots, the Lake District is a great place to stay for walkers, hikers, cyclists, canoeists and anglers.
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4 Winds Lakeland Tipis offer traditional tipi 'villages' at four locations in the Lake District, each with their own fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. The tipis themselves offer raised wooden floors, with a futon and inflatable mattresses, as well as cooking and heating facilities. And if Native American style-living gets too much, 4 Winds offer free use of the health and leisure facilities at the Windermere Manor Hotel.
The Cotswolds
Set deep within the Cotswold Hills, Cotswold Yurts offer secluded living in their luxury woodland hideaways. Incredible valley views, ancient woodlands, birdsong, butterflies and blooms are the order of the day for holidaymakers, while inside the yurt are sheepskin and woollen rugs, double beds with sheets and feather bedding, a wood-burning stove for warmth and fluffy towels.
Choose the romantic Sapperton Yurt and you'll even get a double ended roll-top bath from which to view the gorgeous surroundings. Thanks to 'The Old Barn' traditional farmhouse, you'll also benefit from a hot shower if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Scotland's west coast
A 'boutique' campsite might seem like a contradiction in terms, but at Domesweetdome.co.uk you'll find just that. This is glamping at its most luxurious. The ecopods nestled amidst the flora and fauna of Scotland's west coast offer far more than your average tent, with kitchen, living space, bathroom and double bed, and they're eco-friendly to boot. Try a holiday in a Zendome, with views across Loch Linnhe, and you may never want to go back to a hotel again.
Monmouthshire, Wales
If pods, tipis and yurts still sound too much like camping, albeit luxury camping, why not try living the Romany way. Blaentrothy Cottages offer a traditional gypsy caravan, carved and painted by Romanies from Ireland, set within the Black Mountains. There's everything you need in your cosy home - electric heating, a double bed (not recommended for those over 6ft), goose-down duvet, bathroom and living/kitchen area. The veranda, however, means you'll want to spend every minute enjoying the view and its accompanying wildlife, with a barbecue on the go and a glass of wine in hand.
The wood cabin next door means there's room for the whole family, although the gypsy caravan is the perfect romantic getaway for couples.
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Leeds Castle, Kent
Combining the luxury of modern day glamping with Medieval style, at Leeds Castle in Kent you can live like a knight. This newly opened camping 'village' is set on the Castle's one-acre vineyard, and offers glamping for families and couples in eight, traditional, striped knight's tents.
On the outside it looks like you've stepped back in time, but within, you'll find a four-poaster bed, log burning stove, with luxurious cotton bedding and fur throws. And while most are keen to enjoy the peace and quiet whilst gazing at the stars or enjoying the Garden of England, there's even free Wi-Fi for those who just can't switch off.
Have you been on a glamping holiday? Tell us about your experience below...
