O2 Feature 3: Glamping

Seven ways to have the ultimate Mexican staycation

Have a well-deserved break in a wide open space at one of these luxe alternatives to traditional camping

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Time Out

Ten wonderful glamping spots in the UK

nature experience, then good news: the UK is packed with glamping options that range from quirky pods to cute yurts and luxury safari tents. And, at time of writing, each of these featured in our list has re-opened, with the necessary safety measures in place. For the last few months, we’ve teamed up with Priority to bring you fabulous experiences you can have from the safety of your home; and now, we’re excited to help you venture out and experience the loveliest things you can do now that your world is getting a little bigger again. Want more tips on making the most of summer 2020? Check out our guide to the best experiences across the UK, curated exclusively for Priority customers.

2 Bramblewood Yurt

Where is it? Somerset Why go? Even hardened urbanites will feel right at home in this cosy Somerset yurt. Inside there’s a log burner, a big wooden bed and clever little kitchen. Outside on the deck, you’ll find a wood-fired tub and a BBQ area for grilling bangers in the woodland.

3 Plush Tents Glamping

Where is it? Chichester Why go? If you think camping isn’t for you, then you probably haven’t tried sleeping in a hand crafted Mongolian yurt in the South Downs. This glamping option is the perfect choice for those who shudder at the thought of damp roll mats and no-frills, flimsy tents. Instead, swap the sleeping bags for hand-carved wooden beds with proper mattresses and Egyptian cotton bedding, and add a wood-burning stove to keep you cosy, no matter the weather. There are flushing toilets and hot showers too. In short, everything you need to get back to nature without sacrificing your home comforts.

6 East Coast Adventure

Where is it? Rostrevor, Northern Ireland Why go? There’s no better way to explore the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland than on two wheels. If you’re here for a biking adventure, hire your ride from the National Mountain Bike Centre in Kilbroney Forest Park. The same company owns East Coast Adventure, where you can lock up your bikes securely after a day adventuring, and then retire to your glamping pod. Each cosy, waterproof pod can sleep four people, so whatever the weather, you won’t have to come back to a soggy tent at the end of the day. Bliss.

1 The Farm Camp

Where is it? Wiltshire Why go? This dreamy spot south of Bath is just the right mix of outdoorsy and plush. Each of the site’s roomy bell tents have real beds, fresh linen and a wood burner to keep you warm. The loos are of the compost variety, but you’ll also find hot showers, a well-equipped kitchen, dining shelters and a really, really beautiful woodland setting. Fancy, right?

7 Oak Apple Lodge

Where is it? Dorset Why go? Peace and quiet is guaranteed in this secluded spot surrounded by old oak trees. You get a true rural experience, but with mirrors, lanterns, heated blankets and Moroccan-inspired interiors rather than sleeping bags and tent pegs.

7 Spice things up with some authentic hot sauce

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5 Stoneymollan

Where is it? Loch Lomond, Scotland Why go? Imagine waking up and walking out of your luxury glamping pod to the sight of the pristine waters of Loch Lomond and the rugged mountains which surround it. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Stoneymollan, where your only concerns will be whether to take a hike in the nearby trails or to just relax in your private hot tub. The glamping pods are fully insulated and equipped with a fridge, microwave, underfloor heating and even Wi-Fi.

inally, we have some scope to travel in the UK again (but as always, keep your eye on updated government advice, people). If you’ve been craving an off-the-grid

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4 Campwell at Cherry Wood

Where is it? Gloucestershire Why go? There are a bunch of glamping options at Campwell at Cherry Wood, and you could book them all up if you had 14 like-minded pals keen to spend a few nights in a forest in the Cotswolds. Our fave is Yurtup, a two-person yurt with a solid double bed, set in the wilderness. Wander through the trees to find the wood-fired sauna, or book on to classes, from yoga to foraging and a campfire cookery how-to.

8 The Lost Garden Retreat

Where is it? Suffolk Why go? These canvas lodges are so luxe we’re not sure you can get away with calling a stay here camping. The four tents look out over a pretty lake, and each comes with a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, BBQ, king-sized four poster, real bath (in a bathroom with heated floors!) and fully-equipped kitchen. Roughing it this is most definitely not.

9 Deer’s Glade Caravan and Camping Park

Where is it? Norfolk Why go? Right now, no one needs an excuse to treat themselves – 2020 has been a wild ride, and you deserve it! Treat you and your significant other to a night in a super-cute bell tent in the woods of Norfolk. These spacious tents are kitted out with vinyl flooring, heaters and even a TV. There’s also the option to stay in cosy little camping pods or a rustic (yet well furnished) shepherd’s hut.

10 Top of the Woods

Where is it? Pembrokeshire, Wales Why go? At Top of the Woods in Pembrokeshire in Wales, everything is about getting back to nature. And they have plenty of ways to do it, too. The only decision you’ll have to make is which eco-friendly accommodation to pick. Will you choose a boutique safari lodge or a brand new nature dome (which looks a bit like a giant golf ball with windows)? Or a ‘pioneer camp’ with a large, tent-meets-marquee lodge and a separate kitchen under canvas? Of course, there’s always the classic: BYO tent and pitch up in the wildflower camping meadow.

11 Cornish Tipi Holidays

Where is it? Cornwall Why go? Hire a North American tipi or bring your own pop-up with poles for a spot of wild camping in a hidden woodland valley in Cornwall. Whichever you choose, there’s the option for private spots or pitching in open meadows, so you can be as sociable or secluded as your heart desires. There’s a beautiful lake for fishing, swimming or canoeing, or just relaxing by the water’s edge watching the swallows and dragonflies drift by. At the end of the day, sit out by the fire pit, toast marshmallows and gaze up at the stars. This is camping.

7 Oak Apple Lodge

8 The Lost Retreat Garden

9 Deer’s Glade Caravan and Camping Park

10 Top of the Woods

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Photograph: Canopy & Stars

Photograph: Air Bnb

Photograph: Canopy & Stars

Photograph: Plush Tents Glamping

Photograph: East Coast Adventure

Photograph: Top of the Woods