From city to coast - Britain’s best glamping and camping spots

From a magical treehouse escape, to an eco-quest on one of Scotland’s islands, Britain’s camping scene is making its mark. Visitors can unearth their sense of adventure as they explore from coast to city and everywhere in between, with quirky stays accompanied by relaxing activities and glowing firepits. So, whether it’s grabbing some marshmallows for toasting, or getting a buzz from our city hubs, discover the places across Britain where visitors can pitch up, hunker down and chill-out.

Immersive experiences

Churning up the off-grid glamping scene, Teesdale Cheesemakers offers a sustainable stay in the heart of a working dairy farm. Located on the fringes of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), visitors can dip into dairy tours, cheese making days and a journey through iconic cheese boards with a tasting and pairing session. Or in Warwickshire, bask under the forest canopy with a spot of mindful forest bathing, just a stone’s throw from Wolford Wood Cabins and Camping. Set in over 200 acres of ancient woodlands, expect a wild escape filled with bug hunting tours, bush craft workshops and butterfly safaris.

Alternatively, visitors should look to Scotland’s islands for a remote and soulful escape. On the Isle of Skye, they can get stuck into voluntourism, where they’ll work alongside locals and organisations to maintain and repair pathways, plant trees and leave a lasting legacy. For an overnight stay, try Skye Eco Bells Glamping, an eco-friendly camping spot with a communal social kitchen and sweeping coastal views – look out for its re-wilding project that’s turning farm land back into natural habitat.

Sustainable glamping in the wild

Hidden in the Cotswolds, uncover a world of cosy shepherd huts, quirky tepees and steamy hot tubs at Wild Carrot. Through climate-friendly initiatives, from tree planting to exploring the estate by bike, visitors can get back out into nature at this eco-friendly spot. Or choose to get the adrenaline-pumping on a fast-paced motorised skateboarding adventure through the woodlands.

Venture off-grid at The Huts in the Hills – providing minimal environmental impact stays, visitors get the chance to dip into the Brecon Beacons and explore the area by foot, by bike or even by horseback. Here, they can look to the night skies for cosmic displays in the heart of the National Park’s Dark Sky Reserve, or take to the River Wye or Usk for a canoeing paddling adventure.

Hit the coast

Step into domes and log cabins at Fforest Coast in Wales for an idyllic escape. Guests can get cosy at the converted dairy farm, complete with a cedar barrel sauna and glowing firepits, before switching-off in the picturesque rural location, just a short walk from the sandy shores of Penbryn Beach. Spot fluffy seal pups at the beach from August to December, and as the nights draw in, enjoy striking starry skies as the area is recognised as a Dark Skies Discovery Site.

Pod it up at Flamborough Glamping and Vineyard for a stay in a natural oasis on the edge of East Yorkshire. A short distance from five beaches packed with experiences, visitors can explore the rock formations at dog-friendly South Landing beach, spy nesting seabirds at Thornwick Bay, or go fossil hunting at Danes Dyke.

The city buzz

Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a city break without missing out on the action should look no further than a camping stay on the fringes of Britain’s capitals. London’s Lee Valley Sewardstone campsite is less than 40 minutes from the city centre and provides Peaky Pods and tent pitches. Travel just north of the site to discover thrill-seeking adventures at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, including the opportunity to paddle in the wake of Olympians.

Visitors can find their wild side in Edinburgh’s natural surrounds. Pitch up at Pentland Hills Regional Park, located south-west of the city, for an escape filled with walking and cycling, as there’s 100km of pathways to pick from. Or choose to saddle up on a pony trek. Offering experiences for absolute beginners through to seasoned riders, Exmoor Pony Trekking run hacks between September and May. Wild camping is also permitted in Scotland, providing visitors leave no trace, offering a chance to venture further off-the-beaten-track.

Travel 30 minutes outside of Cardiff for a taste of the Welsh countryside and adrenaline-fuelled adventure at Port Talbot’s Red Rock Wild Camping site. Bringing a real slice of the action to South Wales, visitors can take to the treetops with Go Ape, or hit the waves at Porthcawl’s surf school. 

Quirky stays

Think airstreams, bell tents and Landpods in one of Cornwall’s most iconic locations – the Eden Project. From wood burners, to eco-friendly solar lighting and BBQ firepits, YHA’s accommodation packs the punch for a unique stay in England. Visitors can soar above the Eden Project’s biomes on a zip wire, step back in time on an underwater discovery at the nearby Shipwreck Treasure Museum, or get a taste for the award-winning hops of St Austell Brewery.

Alternatively, guests can live out their fairy-tale fantasies at Shorefield Country Park. Among the secluded Hampshire woodland, visitors can discover luxury treehouses where they can take a hot tub dip and tuck into freshly baked pizzas from their very own outdoor oven. Built with sustainability in mind, they can walk or cycle the grounds before relaxing at the luxurious Reflections Day Spa.