Luxury Glamping in the UK: The Best Countryside Retreats
The UK offers a wealth of natural beauty, from rolling hills and coastal cliffs to serene lakes and dense forests. Glamping—short for glamorous camping—takes the traditional camping experience to new heights, blending the rustic charm of the outdoors with the comforts of a boutique hotel. Whether you’re looking to escape to the tranquility of the countryside or immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing luxury, the UK has some of the best luxury glamping sites for a peaceful retreat. In this article, we’ll explore the best countryside retreats for luxury glamping in the UK, where you can unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature in ultimate comfort.
1. Glamping at The Nags Head – Herefordshire
Location: Herefordshire, England
Specialty: Sophisticated Safari Tents with Countryside Views
The Nags Head in Herefordshire offers an elegant yet rustic glamping experience set in the heart of the English countryside. The site features luxurious safari-style tents that provide a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Each tent is equipped with plush beds, heating, en-suite bathrooms, and a private terrace where guests can soak in views of the beautiful rolling hills. The tents are located near the charming village of Kington, and the surrounding area is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. The local area also boasts a rich history, with nearby landmarks including Hergest Ridge and Offa’s Dyke Path.
- Key features: Luxury safari tents, private en-suite bathrooms, beautiful views.
- Activities: Hiking, cycling, exploring local history, star-gazing.
- Season: Year-round (best from spring to autumn).
2. Canopy & Stars – The Lake District
Location: Lake District, Cumbria, England
Specialty: Stylish and Unique Glamping Domes and Cabins
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning landscapes, making it one of the UK’s most beloved destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Canopy & Stars offers a range of luxury glamping accommodations, including treehouses, domes, and cabins, all nestled in the picturesque Lake District. These accommodations provide full amenities such as king-sized beds, log burners, and fully-equipped kitchens. Some of the glamping sites also offer incredible views of lakes, mountains, and woodlands, making it the perfect setting for nature lovers. Whether you choose to stay in a secluded treehouse or a cozy cabin, this glamping experience is all about combining luxury with the charm of the natural world.
- Key features: Unique designs, lakeside views, fully equipped kitchens.
- Activities: Hiking, boating, fishing, visiting local villages, exploring national parks.
- Season: Year-round (best in spring and autumn for mild weather).
3. Luxury Glamping at The Old Dairy – Norfolk
Location: Norfolk, England
Specialty: Stylish Shepherd’s Huts and Bell Tents
Located in the tranquil countryside of Norfolk, The Old Dairy offers an idyllic escape with a collection of luxury glamping accommodations, including shepherd’s huts and bell tents. These stylish accommodations are set on a beautiful working farm and feature everything you need for a comfortable stay, including cozy beds, wood-burning stoves, en-suite bathrooms, and even hot tubs. The location provides a great base for exploring the local countryside, with plenty of walks, cycling routes, and nearby attractions like Holkham Hall and the Norfolk Coast Path.
- Key features: Shepherd’s huts and bell tents, private hot tubs, scenic farm setting.
- Activities: Walking, cycling, visiting historic landmarks, stargazing.
- Season: April to October (best during spring and summer).
4. The Wilds – Devon
Location: Devon, England
Specialty: Sustainable Glamping in Stunning Woodlands
Set within the picturesque Devon countryside, The Wilds offers a collection of sustainable luxury glamping accommodations, including yurts, domes, and woodland cabins. Each accommodation is built with eco-friendly materials and provides guests with the ultimate blend of comfort and nature. The site is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and guests can enjoy exploring the surrounding woodlands, meadows, and rivers. For those looking for a truly peaceful retreat, The Wilds offers a tranquil atmosphere and an emphasis on reconnecting with nature, with activities like forest bathing and outdoor yoga.
- Key features: Eco-friendly materials, secluded woodland setting, outdoor yoga.
- Activities: Forest walks, yoga, wildlife watching, river exploration.
- Season: Year-round (best in spring and summer for outdoor activities).
5. Wigwam Holidays – Scottish Highlands
Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Specialty: Scottish Glamping Cabins with Loch Views
For those looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, Wigwam Holidays offers luxury glamping in a variety of stylish cabins, all set in stunning locations with views of lochs, mountains, and forests. Each cabin is well-equipped with heating, comfortable beds, and kitchen facilities, making it a perfect choice for a more luxurious camping experience. The surrounding area is ideal for exploring, with hiking, fishing, and water sports all available nearby. The Highlands are also known for their rich history, with castles, ancient sites, and scenic villages to discover.
- Key features: Glamping cabins, loch views, fully equipped kitchens.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, cycling, visiting castles, stargazing.
- Season: Year-round (best from spring to autumn).
6. Glenmor – Perthshire, Scotland
Location: Perthshire, Scotland
Specialty: Exclusive Glamping in the Heart of Highland Scotland
Set in the heart of Perthshire in the Scottish Highlands, Glenmor offers a more exclusive and private glamping experience. Guests stay in luxury safari tents that are outfitted with king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms, and wood-burning stoves. Each tent has a private deck with views over the stunning Scottish landscape. Glenmor is part of the Gleneagles Hotel, which allows guests to take advantage of all the hotel’s luxury amenities, including golf, a spa, and fine dining. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an active adventure, this glamping site offers the best of both worlds.
- Key features: Luxury safari tents, private decks, access to Gleneagles Hotel amenities.
- Activities: Golf, spa treatments, hiking, fine dining, wildlife spotting.
- Season: Year-round (best during summer for outdoor activities).
7. Chewton Glen – New Forest, Hampshire
Location: New Forest, Hampshire, England
Specialty: Glamorous Glamping with an Emphasis on Wellness
Chewton Glen is a luxury country house hotel set in the heart of the New Forest in Hampshire, and it offers an exceptional glamping experience in its “Treehouses.” These bespoke treehouses provide guests with an incredibly private and tranquil escape among the treetops. Each treehouse features a wood-burning stove, luxurious furnishings, and a private deck overlooking the surrounding forest. Chewton Glen is known for its wellness retreats, and guests can take part in yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. The surrounding New Forest is perfect for exploring, with walking and cycling routes that lead through ancient woodlands and heathlands.
- Key features: Treehouses, wellness focus, private decks, spa treatments.
- Activities: Yoga, meditation, forest walks, cycling, wellness retreats.
- Season: Year-round (best from spring to autumn for outdoor activities).
8. Sloeberry Farm – Pembrokeshire, Wales
Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales
Specialty: Cosy Glamping Pods and Shepherd’s Huts
In the stunning coastal region of Pembrokeshire in Wales, Sloeberry Farm offers a range of luxury glamping options, including stylish shepherd’s huts and glamping pods. The site is set on a working farm, and it offers a charming rural retreat with views of the surrounding countryside and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The glamping units are equipped with comfortable beds, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms, ensuring that you have everything you need for a relaxing stay. Pembrokeshire is famous for its beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
- Key features: Shepherd’s huts and pods, countryside and coastal views, rural setting.
- Activities: Hiking, visiting beaches, coastal exploration, wildlife watching.
- Season: April to October (best for coastal activities).
9. Featherdown Farms – Various Locations in the UK
Location: Various Locations Across the UK
Specialty: Traditional Farm Glamping with a Modern Twist
Featherdown Farms offers luxury glamping in a variety of scenic locations across the UK, including the countryside of Cornwall, Norfolk, and Kent. Guests stay in spacious canvas tents or “Featherdown Lodges,” which come with a range of home comforts, such as real beds, wood-burning stoves, and fully equipped kitchens. These sites are set on working farms, allowing guests to enjoy the peace of rural life while also connecting with nature and farm animals. It’s an ideal option for families who want to experience nature in a comfortable, yet rustic, setting.
- Key features: Spacious canvas tents, farm setting, family-friendly.
- Activities: Farm tours, outdoor cooking, nature walks, wildlife spotting.
- Season: April to October (best in summer).
10. The Yurt Retreat – Gloucestershire, England
Location: Gloucestershire, England
Specialty: Traditional Yurts with Modern Amenities
Set in the stunning Cotswolds, The Yurt Retreat offers an authentic yet luxurious glamping experience. The yurts are set in beautiful meadows and come with comfortable beds, wood-burning stoves, and fully equipped kitchens. Some yurts also feature private hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking or exploring the local area. The site is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering plenty of walking and cycling opportunities, as well as charming villages to explore.
- Key features: Traditional yurts, private hot tubs, Cotswold views.
- Activities: Hiking, cycling, exploring villages, stargazing.
- Season: Year-round (best from spring to autumn).