The only guide to Glamping you need
New to glamping? Thinking of taking your family, friends or loved ones and need a useful guide to help you plan your trip? Whatever reasons you have, you’ll find this guide your one-stop checklist and go-to resource for glamping from Glamping Hideaways.
Who is this guide for?
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Kids
Even the children can help plan and get involved with this friendly guide!
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Dogs
Glamping is a dog friendly activity with endless room to run and play with the whole family.
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Mature
Older couples and groups can escape to the country and enjoy time out under the stars.
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Family
If you're taking the family away you'll also find this guide packed with useful information for everyone coming along.
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Romance
If you and your partner are escaping for some time on your own this guide will also help you decide what you need.
What is glamping?
Glamping is a unique way to spend time enjoying the outdoors without having to commit to the formalities of traditional camping. It’s camping with the comforts of home or glamorous camping, which is where the name ‘glamping’ came from! You still have a tent, but rather than sleeping bags and cramped spaces you can enjoy warm, cosy home-like surroundings with a bed, walls and a kitchen. Glamping allows you to experience the serenity and unique outdoor experience that traditional camping offers, just with the comforts of home!
The history of glamping
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1500s - The Scottish Duke of Atholl created a glamping in the Highlands for King James V and his mother.
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1920s - The African Safaris popular with the rich which meant luxury camping - glamping on Safari!
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2005 - The word 'glamping' arrives in the UK.
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2007 - Glamping had taken the UK and Ireland by storm, now gaining popularity across the pond in the US.
Types of glamping
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Tents
Although this may seem like traditional canvas this is genuine camping in luxury and style. Imagine a luxury home with canvas walls.
Book a Safari tent -
Yurts & Domes
These types of traditional tents echo the archaic types used throughout history. They're usually open floor with a fire in the middle.
Browse our yurts and domes -
Treehouse
Usually wooden, this is luxury camping above the ground and in amongst the trees. Heights, styles and locations vary from small huts to huge connected buildings.
Find your perfect treehouse -
Tepees
Reminiscent of the camps used by Native Americans but much more luxurious. These are wide at the bottom with a peak in the top of the tent.
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Camper Van
Glamping on the move; you can hire a luxury camper van and pitch up almost anywhere you like and enjoy a different view every morning.
Rent a camper van -
Eco-pods
A newer form of glamping, these pods vary in size but rely on eco-friendly living for fuel and warmth. Many have full glass front and backs.
Stay in a glamping pod
Where to go glamping
Glamping is available right across the UK in many locations. However, there are four Lantern & Larks sites, stunning locations for you to enjoy.
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Bleasdale
Located in the western edge of the Forest of Bowloand in Lancashire. Visit location.
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Exton Park
Luxury campsite which is Grade II listed in Exton Estate near Rultand. Visit location.
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Sweffling Glamping Campsite
Located in Suffolk's rural triangle near the eastern coast. Visit location.
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Kittisford Barton
Stunning scenery of Somerset very close to Taunton on the south coast. Visit location.
What to bring glamping
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Entertainment
- Favourite books
- Favourite magazines
- Outdoor games
- Football
- Kid's indoor toys
- Guide books
- Local area maps
- Pens and paper
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Clothing
- Warm weather clothing
- Cold weather clothing
- Wet weather clothing
- Wellies
- Sun hats and glasses
- Extra blankets
- Night wear
- Walking boots
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Essentials
- Hygiene kits
- Toiletries
- Spare toilet roll
- Phone
- Electronic chargers
- Pet food and kit
- Paperwork
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Luxury Items
- Favourite wine and beer
- S'more making equipment
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Slippers
- Torch
What to wear glamping
Spring & Autumn
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Hat
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Raincoat
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Boots and Wellies
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Gloves and thick socks
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Scarf
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Jumper
Summer
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Sunglasses
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Raincoat
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Shorts
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Sandals
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Sunhat
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T-shirt
What to expect from going glamping
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Weather
The weather is British! So no matter what time of the year you're coming we recommend being prepared for rain and shine. Layering is the key.
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Cooking
Most glamping locations have cooking facilities. This could be in your accommodation or away. We provide a butane hob and wood burning stove.
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Noises
There's going to be some interesting noises - you're outside amongst nature. You'll hear things you don't usually - enjoy them and listen!
How to cook glamping style
Cooking while glamping is half the fun! We provide a butane hob and wood burning fire for you to conjure up your culinary glamping delights. Here are some tips for cooking while luxury camping.
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Light a fire
Remember to take matches and a lighter with you. We also recommend some old newspaper as tinder to help things get going.
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Keeping cool
There's not usually any fridge available when glamping but some sites (such as Lantern and Larks) have interesting refrigeration techniques. A cool box is an option.
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Pots and Pans
Most glamping locations provide these for you (it is luxury camping, right?) so there's no need to drag them along with you like traditional camping.
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Utensils
Similarly to pots and pans all cooking and eating utensils are provided for you. Bring along the children's or baby's but all other utensils will be in your accommodation waiting for you on arrival.
Top tips
- •Bring along the kid's eating utensils
- •Bring extra matches, lighters and fire lighters
- •Try new things! Find camping recipes and try them!
- •Bring marshmallows, biscuits and chocolate to make s'mores
Glamping activities
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Explore
Each glamping location is surrounded by stunning countryside and woodland. Get your shoes and coat on and go exploring the wilderness with the family. Fresh air, wildlife and nature spotting!
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Local places
Each location is close to areas of interest. Get out during the day and visit some local attractions; there's something for everyone to do from family parks to historical attractions.
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Walking
Every glamping site is surrounded by paths and walkways just waiting to be explored. Take a hike across the countryside and absorb the sounds and magnificent sites.
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Campfire
The campfire is a place of community and bonding. Play games, drink, eat and enjoy each other's company around the campfire. Real quality time together.
Glamping activities for kids
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Games
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Nature Spotting
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Scrapbook Making
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Scavenger Hunt
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Cloud Spotting
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Den Building
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Trail Finding
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Star Gazing
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Hide and Seek
