Next-generation glamping: Best glass lodges to stylish huts in the UK
Yurts, bell tents, tree houses, shepherd's huts, and pods – there are plenty of glamping options nowadays, many with luxury amenities and exciting extras such as outdoor hot tubs, pizza ovens, and nearby spa facilities.
Glamping allows you to get close to nature and enjoy all the hallmarks of going off-grid – campfires, rustic cooking, and stargazing – without any of the hassle of camping.
While pitching up a tent and firing up a portable stove is a wonderful pastime for many of us, fully equipped kitchens, private bathrooms, cosy interiors, and luxurious bedding (not on top of a blow-up mattress) also have their allure.
What's more, interior design is proving to be a key factor in selecting a glamping spot. According to the recent Canopy & Stars Glamping report, unique design is one of the key trends guests are looking for.
These stylish, innovative and completely unique luxury glamping options offer unforgettable experiences surrounded by nature, championing beautiful British design and craftmanship.
Best luxury nature stays across the UK
These are some of the most incredible luxury glamping destinations in the UK, from treetop retreats and design-led shepherd's huts to fantasy-inspired hobbit holes.
Looking Glass Lodge
Best for: Being immersed in nature
Looking Glass Lodge offers spectacular forest views and high-spec interiors – it's like checking into a five-star hotel, but instead, it's your exclusive woodland retreat.
This stunning East Sussex property was designed by Michael Kendrick Architects and is located near Hastings, just an hour's drive from London – and it's clear that a great deal of thought has gone into the biophysically designed eco‑lodge.
The glass lodge is situated within a natural clearing in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with panoramic views. Inside, the decor is minimal, allowing nature to be the star of the show.
Find out more: lookingglasslodge.co.uk
Lanrick Treehouses
Best for: Luxurious wellness in the forest
Lanrick Treehouses offer a wellness escape immersed in nature, with perhaps the most aesthetically-pleasing sauna in the UK nestled among the trees.
This group of five impeccably decorated eco-lodges on the banks of the River Teith in Perthshire make for a magical getaway in Scotland. Each has its own character, a world away from generic glamping sites.
The owners, who designed the treehouses themselves, are committed to a sustainable approach. The five properties are crafted from homegrown timber; inside, you'll find upcycled furniture and wood-burning stones. It's back to basics in the most luxurious way imaginable.
Find out more: lanricktreehouses.co.uk
Rick Stein x Designers Guild Shepherd’s Hut, Cornwall
Best for: Interior design enthusiasts
This unique shepherd's hut is nestled in the private grounds of Rick Stein’s British pub, The Cornish Arms in St Merryn, Padstow – where you can enjoy a cooked breakfast the following day if you're staying in the hut.
This beautiful glamping property has been revamped by British brands the Rick Stein Group and Designers Guild with a heavy dose of coastal charm.
Inside, you'll find a cosy living area, underfloor heating, a kitchenette, a double bed, and an ensuite shower room. The hut is decked out in the Designers Guild's iconic Rose de Damas linen fabric, featuring hand-painted roses, geometric foliage, and marbled velvets.
Find out more: rickstein.com
In The Vale, Lake District
Best for: Watching the sunset
The vast open spaces at In The Vale are perfect for watching the sun go down while dining alfresco. Or, if you're really feeling decadent, from the on-site hot tub or free-standing bath.
In The Vale's shepherd's huts and cabins (which come with either an outdoor bath or wood-fired hot tub) are set within a family farm with mountain views of Blencathra and Helvellyn. Hikers will love this remote spot; few landscapes are as beautiful as those in the Lakes, with their distinctive blend of lakes and mountains.
The farm has direct access to the Threlkeld to Keswick old railway line, a popular footpath and cycleway.
Find out more: inthevale.co.uk
Chillderness, Mid Wales
Best for: Going off grid
Childerness offers a wilderness experience that's totally off-grid for those who want to leave the stresses of everyday life behind and get back to nature.
Their Red Sky Earth Conker offers a truly unique glamping experience. Its creators say it's a 'world first', an aerodynamically designed glamping pod where you can do some awe-inspiring stargazing in the International Dark Skies Reserve of the Cambrian Mountains.
The sprawling Childerness Red Kite Escape is a delight for architecture fans, with its unique structures providing a surreal contrast to its natural surroundings. Childerness's two Conkers – the Earth Conker and Moon Conker – are insulated for year-round glamping. You'll also find two tree tents, Dragon’s Egg and Ynys Affalon, which both have treetop kitchens and outdoor bathing.
Find out more: chillderness.co.uk/glamping
The Little Burrow, Somerset
Best for: Fantasy fans
These Hobbit-style houses at The Little Burrow are ideal for fantasy fans. Based at Rookery Farm in Somerset, the charming huts have a wood-fired hot tub and a camping shed with an indoor barbecue for toasting marshmallows or grilling sausages. There's also a picnic table for al fresco dining in one of the prettiest settings imaginable.
Forgot to pack your groceries? No problem. Just visit the nearby farm shop, which offers a range of organic produce, home-baked goodies and fine wines. There's also a café, gym and treatment rooms onsite. It's safe to say The Little Burrow ticks all the boxes, Hobbit fan or not.
Find out more: luxurycoastal.co.uk
Hanks Ranch, Norfolk
Best for: Originality
Hanks Rach is Wild West-themed Glamping experience in Nolfolk. There are three themed cabins – the Jail, the General Store and the Church, each with its own story and are more than just a place to stay – they're a history lesson as well.
These quirky cabins are next to a beautiful wildflower meadow where guests can enjoy a picnic in the sunshine or tell tales around the campfire while toasting marshmallows in the evening. Norfolk's beaches are also a short drive away, making it a fantastic getaway destination for spring and summer.
Find out more: hanksranch.co.uk
The Beekeeper's Hut, Flintshire
Best for: Beautiful gardens
Hawarden is a creative estate in Flintshire, just over the border from Chester. Within its sprawling grounds, you'll find the picturesque Beekeeper’s Hut, a self-contained haven surrounded by fairy lights.
Perfect for a couple's getaway, this romantic retreat includes a wood-burning stove and record player for sunset tunes, an open-fire outdoor kitchen, a wood-fired sauna, and a hot tub to complete the experience. The historic walled garden within Hawarden is also nearby for picturesque walks.
Find out more: booking.com
Cathedral View Glamping, Wells
Best for: Adults only
These adults-only cabins have everything you need for a restorative weekend away, with chic interiors and private hot tubs. There are three to choose from – Chapterhouse, Cathedral View and The West View – all set within beautiful countryside surroundings on a working farm on the outskirts of Wells.
If you really want to push the boat out during your glamping getaway, you can take in the landscape from above during a hot-air balloon ride, which takes off from outside the cabin doors — and the owners can offer a discounted rate.
Find out more:booking.com
Wagtail Retreat, Worcestershire
Great for: Wine lovers
Wine lovers will feel at home at one of Wagtail's stunning shepherd's huts, situated among the vines of their sprawling Worcestershire estate. Wagtail Retreat is a 20-acre working vineyard producing four varieties – Solaris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Precoce and Siegrrebe. Those who stay at the vineyard can learn more about the winemaking process while taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Malven Hills.
As a bonus, Wagtail's owner James is a jeweller by trade and has recently launched a series of workshops where you can take old silver and gold pieces and revamp them into a new piece. You can find out more about the workshops here.
Find out more: wagtailretreat.co.uk
Wenningdale Escapes, North Yorkshire
Best for: Golfers
Fancing a glamping and golfing break? Nestled between the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and Forest of Bowland, Wenningdale Escapes offers a base to explore these beautiful regions, with tastefully decorated huts within the Bentham Golf Course's fairways.
These cute glamping pods come with everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing 'home away from home' on a miniature scale. Each pod also has a private decking area where you can soak up countryside views with a morning coffee or an al fresco dinner.
Find out more: wenningdale.co.uk/glamping
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