5 Great British Staycation Ideas To Experience Luxury Camping This Year
You can’t have missed the explosive growth of glamping over the last few years. The UK is at the forefront of this growing trend of luxury camping that shows no signs of slowing down any time soon, if at all.
The British have always been great lovers of camping and the great outdoors, so it comes as no surprise that we have embraced glamping with such affection. The UK has some stunning areas to completely switch off, or for the restless, plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
If you’ve decided that you want a piece of the glamping magic this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to go.
Kate Paulwell of Unique Sleeps chooses 5 great staycation ideas to help you make up your mind.
Glamping in Sussex
The Yoghurt Rooms, East Grinstead, West Sussex – located on a 300 acre organic farm
The great thing about Sussex is that even when you are in the heart of the countryside, you are never far away from the 100 miles of coastline. The beaches are varied with shingle beaches, pebbles and golden sands. Sussex has some vibrant towns and cities mixed in with quieter, quaint villages and market towns, full of antique shops and farmers’ markets.
When you’re ready to get away from it all Sussex won’t disappoint. In the heart of Sussex this staycation idea will treat you with the Ashdown Forest (home of Winnie the Pooh) and the South Downs, with walks aplenty.
Dotted around are some lovely country pubs dishing up tasty dishes, often sourced locally.
Must See Places
- Brighton, for unique shopping opportunities, heavenly restaurants and some cheeky seaside fun.
- The South Downs for stunning and vigorous walks.
- Arundel for the majestic castle.
- The Witterings (near Chichester) for miles of golden sandy beaches.
Glamping in Cumbria
Herdy Huts – set in the heart of the Lake District National Park
Cumbria is a hiker’s paradise. With the whole of The Lake District within it you can understand why. With a wide selection of walks available there will be something to suit everyone, including routes suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Walking in the Langdales is a must, as you have Bowfell and Scarfell Pike. Walking up to Blea tarn and down into Elterwater to the Brittania for lunch is a great days walking.
Visiting Rydal waterfalls and walking the ‘coffin route’ around Rydal and Grasmere Lake is a stunning more gradual route for families, and of course stopping off at the famous ‘Grasmere Gingerbread Shop’ for treats, and visiting the Wordsworth House and Museum.
For a rainy day, browsing the shops in Ambleside, taking a walk up Wansfell, followed by catching a movie and a great vegetarian pizza at Zefferellis.
There’s the ‘Tree Top Trek’ at Brockhole which is well worth a visit for families, with outdoor adventure playground, lake walks and cafe.
In addition to The Lakes, Cumbria has more to offer. Immerse yourself in the history of the area with a visit to some of the preserved remains of Hadrian’s Wall.
Go on a little adventure and visit Piel Island, a 50 acre island off the coast of Barrow, complete with King, Queen & Castle. You can even camp inside of the castle walls! Try a little beach combing on the local beaches and general enjoy getting away from it all.
Must See
- Walking in The Lake District
- Hadrian’s Wall
- Piel Island
- A boat ride on Lake Windermere
- The World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere
Glamping in Wales
The Gypsy Cwtch Romany Wagon in West Wales – A romantic getaway
If you are after a true back to nature glamping break this year then Wales has to be on your list. The landscape varies from the 750 miles of coastline to the 3 national parks of Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast. With the huge, wide and unspoilt sandy beaches and the endless outdoor opportunities you’ll fall in love with Wales.
Of course it’s not all coastline and national parks. Cardiff is a proud modern city with a historic twist with enough attractions to please young and old.
Must See Places
- One of the national parks
- An ancient castle (there are around 100 still standing in Wales!)
- Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula. This 4km white sandy beach is located in an Area of Outstanding Beauty and recently voted the 3rd best beach in a TripAdvisor survey.
Glamping on the Isle of Wight
Tom’s Eco Lodge, Isle of Wight – Located on Tapnells Farm, ideal for families & groups
One visit to the Isle of Wight is never enough. This small island just off the south coast of England has an infectious holiday vibe, perhaps helped by the short ferry crossing to get you there. With this staycation idea you really feel like you are getting away from it all on an island adventure. A visit to the Isle of Wight can be as laid back or as busy as you choose.
With more than 500 miles of footpaths and endless cycle tracks, your opportunities for getting out and about are endless. The award winning, sandy beaches are never far away and perfect for families. The Isle of Wight, famous for their sailing, is well worth a sighting from the sea with a boat charter around the island.
The charming village of Ventnor on the South Coast of the island is recommended for a visit. Ventnor is a Victorian health resort with a sheltered beach and vintage shops to explore.
Must See Places
- The town of Cowes for its internationally acclaimed sailing.
- Ventnor for vintage shopping.
- The Needles for stunning views and coloured sands.
- Blackgang Chine, the oldest theme park in the UK (This year is the 170th Anniversary!)
Glamping in Somerset
E-Den Camping Cabins at Middlewick, Glastonbury, Somerset
A glamping holiday in the beautiful county of Somerset will truly spoil you. This destination in the heart of the West Country is full of contrasting delights. With a breathtaking countryside and a spectacular coastline, Somerset is a county to get your hiking boots on. Take a rewarding walk to the summit of Glastonbury Tor and then explore the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Visit Bath, a magical and stylish city full of unique charm. Bath is so special that the city is a World Heritage Site. Bathe in the UK’s only naturally hot spa water, browse the boutique shops and dine in the tempting eateries.
Wells is England’s smallest city. Full of history, Wells Cathedral is a must to marvel at the fine English architecture.
Take a visit to Cheddar Gorge, the home of Britain’s favourite cheese and watch the famous cheddar being made.
Must Do:
- Glastonbury Tor
- Wells Cathedral
- Cheddar Gorge
- Bath – Roman Baths
- A walk in the Mendip Hills
Where will you go?
Hopefully this short guide will help inspire you to decide the best place to take your glamping break. The UK is full of amazing experiences it is hard to narrow it down, and if you can’t choose? Well, you’ll just have to go on more than one adventure won’t you?
For more information on these holidays and other glamping breaks please visit www.uniquesleeps.co.uk
Picture and copy credits: Unique Sleeps
