Different types of glamping stays
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Different types of glamping stays

28th June 2024

From the inspiring coastlines of Cornwall to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the UK has so much to offer when it comes to spectacular scenery. With sprawling National Parks, peaceful ancient forests and craggy mountain ranges, there is simply so much exploring to do. And there are few better ways to truly immerse yourself into the great outdoors than by indulging in a glamping break.

Glamping is on the rise. It offers you the chance to be at one with nature, without the chores that accompany traditional camping. With a glamping break you can turn up to a ready-prepared stay, with comforts and luxuries throughout, as opposed to having to spend time putting up a tent in a gale, before hiding from the elements all cramped up inside.

Add to this the fact that many glamping stays provide hot tubs or outdoor baths, firepits and BBQs as well as stunning views and modern amenities, and you might just have found your perfect break.

In today’s blog post, we’re going to tell you about some of the best glamping options that the UK has to offer, so you can see which one best suits your wants and needs…

Different types of glamping stays

Yurts

Originating in central Asia, yurts have been a form of home in Mongolia dating back thousands of years. These portable dwellings are most commonly made up of a lattice of flexible poles, that create a circular living space, which are then covered in felt or other fabric to keep the elements away. Yurts often have a domed roof and would traditionally have a wood-burning stove sitting in the middle to keep inhabitants warm and toasty.

The rolling green hills of the UK countryside might be a long way from the Gobi Desert or the vast grasslands of Mongolia, yet we still see thousands of yurts popping up across the country, offering nature lovers comfortable, eco-conscious glamping opportunities.

Here at Coolstays we have a vast array of yurts, tucked away on the edge of peaceful meadows or nestled in a woodland glade. Our yurts are nice and varied being ideal for romantic retreats or family getaways. We’ve got traditional style yurts and more modern yurts with huge windows framing beautiful views. We’ve got Yurts with hot tubs and yurts with outdoor baths, offering you and your loved one the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the countryside.

If you’re interested in a yurt break, then why not take a look at some of our favourite yurt stays here…
Different types of glamping stays

Tipis

And now from one traditional dwelling in Asia to another on the other side of the world in North America. The tipi is a beautiful, conical-shaped home that originates from the Great Plains of America from Texas to southern Canada. Traditionally homes of Native American people, tipis have become ever popular with glampers, popping up across the UK and commonly being found at glamp sites and festivals.

Tipis are cone-shaped homes that are made up of a number of long, thin poles placed vertically to form the framework. Traditionally, they would then be covered in animal skins, stretched around the poles to create the dwelling’s outer layer. More commonly these days, you’ll find a glamping tipi with a canvas outer layer to protect inhabitants from the weather.

The canvas layer allows you to stay nice and cool in hot weather, and you can wake in the morning to open up the front of your tipi and let the fresh country air in. We offer a wide range of tipis here at Coolstays, some of which are sitting atop cliffs with wonderful sea views, whilst others are located in a hidden slice of countryside away from the crowds.

Take a look at some of our favourite tipis here…
Different types of glamping stays

Safari tents

If you’re after something a bit more luxurious than a tipi or yurt, then you may want to consider a stay in a safari tent. These marvellous canvas structures may have less historic charm than the previous two stays on this list, but they tend to suit different needs. Safari tents often have multiple rooms, making them ideal for larger groups of family or friends. They also tend to have the same furnishings you might find in a cottage or cabin, with proper sturdy beds, comfy sofas and nicely equipped kitchenettes.

Another reason we love safari tents, is they often come with their own private deck, meaning you can open the front of the tent and create an inside-outside living space, where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face as you take in your sumptuous surroundings.

If you’re considering a safari tent for your next staycation, then take a look at some of our favourite tents below…
Different types of glamping stays

Glamping pods

And now for something completely different. Glamping pods are modern, self-contained accommodation options that tend to offer a no-frills comfy place to relax and unwind. Quaint and cosy, glamping pods will often feature a small kitchenette and living space, with a separate small sleeping area.

Whilst glamping pods don’t provide sprawling social spaces, they will often sit in a delightful spot of countryside, and regularly come with private hot tubs, firepits and alfresco dining spaces.

If you fancy a stay in a glamping pod, take a look at some of our favourites here…
Different types of glamping stays

Shepherd's huts

Now we move onto a truly classic type of glamping stay. The trusty shepherd’s hut is a supremely popular choice amongst couples who want to enjoy a rustic, characterful rural retreat. Pretty on the outside, cosy and warm on the inside, shepherd’s huts are a fabulous place to relax and unwind.

Often tucked away in their own slice of peaceful countryside, shepherd’s huts tend to feature warming wood-burning stoves inside, and firepits outside where you can sit and gaze at the starry night sky. Many of our shepherd’s huts also come with private hot tubs for an added slice of luxury on your glamping retreat and some even have their own saunas!

Take a look at a selection of our favourite shepherd’s huts today…
Different types of glamping stays

Wagons

Whether it’s a converted railway wagon, an old gypsy caravan or a renovated showman's wagon, there are a number of different types of wagon stays on offer here at Coolstays. Many of these quaint retreats are ideal for couples who wish to enjoy a peaceful stay that harks back to a time long ago.

The wagons on Coolstays were almost all once on the move, rolling across various landscapes, serving a function with a true purpose. They’ve now been put out to pasture, reimagined as cosy living spaces, offering you and your loved one a truly idyllic stay in the tranquil UK countryside.

Take a look at some of our favourite wagons below…
Different types of glamping stays

Glamping domes

And last but not least it’s time to talk about glamping domes. These modern structures are a bit like contemporary yurts. They feature a domed structure that tends to house a bed (or beds), a wood-burner and some comfy seating.

These beautiful domes are often designed to make the most of their surroundings, with huge windows that take up a fair portion of the structure, allowing you and your loved one panoramic views of whatever countryside you’re immersed in.

We’ve got a whole host of domes on offer, from collections of domes on glampsites that are ideal for group getaways, to secluded domes for two offering couples a private space for a romantic break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Take a look at some of our favourite domes below…

Sky House

Craswall - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2

Unique, quirky Yurt with all the charm of glamping plus all the comforts of home nestled in a peaceful spot near the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Hadrians Wall Country Yurts

Brampton - Cumbria

Sleeps 4

Mongolian yurts located just a mile from Hadrian’s Wall, with hot tubs and stunning views of the Cumbrian countryside.

Devon Yurts

Tavistock - Devon

Sleeps Yurts sleeping 2 adults + 4 kids

Stunning award winning luxury yurts offering dramatic views towards Dartmoor National Park, each with their own private paddocks, fire pits and hot tubs.

The Country Yurt - With Hot Tub

Rural Carmarthenshire - Carmarthenshire

Sleeps 4

Romantic high-end yurt with hot tub and pizza oven on a tranquil farm in Wales.

Adhurst Estate Yurts

Petersfield - Hampshire

Sleeps 4

A magical, rural glampsite in the lush Hampshire woodlands, where four cosy yurts boast luxury home comforts…

HARTA retreat

East Down - North Devon

Sleeps Tipis sleeping 2

Luxury glamping for two in a cosy tipi, HARTA retreat is a tranquil couples hide-away set amongst the scenic hills and meadows of the Devonshire countryside.

Shanti Tipis

Tintagel - Cornwall

Sleeps Tipis sleeping 2 adults

Gorgeous and simplistic tipis with firepits and uninterrupted views in every direction, on a 45 acre former quarry.

The Fishermen's Hideaway

Hintlesham - Suffolk

Sleeps 6

Gorgeous fisherman's hut inspired safari tent with fabulous decking, a hot tub and a fire pit in wild Suffolk.

Birdholme Glamping

Stanton on the Wolds - Nottinghamshire

Sleeps Lodges sleeping 4 adults & 2 kids

Enjoy a luxury glamping experience complete with a private hot tub - set among woodland and meadows in Nottinghamshire at Birdholme Glamping.

Exe Valley Glamping

Bickleigh - Tiverton

Sleeps 6

Luxurious canvas eco-lodges on a family farm in Devon set above a pretty woodland trail

Oaklands Glamping - Luxury Safari Tents

Welshpool - Powys

Sleeps 2 adults

Grown up chic safari tents that are just waiting to be discovered in the stunning wilds of Mid-Wales.

Secret Meadows Lodge Tents

Woodbridge - Suffolk

Sleeps 6 in each luxury tent

Delve deep into the heart of lush, rural Suffolk with a stay at these boutique glamping tents in an idyllic nature reserve.

Beacon View Pods

Knighton - Wales

Sleeps Pods sleeping 2

Take in the uninterrupted views of the mid-Wales countryside from the comfort of these charming glamping getaways for two.

The Paddock Pods

Kendal - Cumbria

Sleeps 2

Three lovingly hand-built tiny-house style self catering pods set on a family farm in the Lake District National Park.

Wellington Farm Glamping Pods

Cockermouth - Cumbria

Sleeps 2 +2 per pod

Glamping with a private hot tub on a working farm in the Western Lake District with panoramic views of the Cumbrian Fells.

The Glamping Pods at Middlemoor Farm

Alnwick - Northumberland

Sleeps 2 per pod

Three fab glamping pods with modern amenities and wood-fired hot tubs tucked on a beautiful Northumberland farm.

The Shepherd's Hut

Tywyn - Gwynedd

Sleeps 2

Cosy shepherd’s hut surrounded by nature and with access to a heated pool, on the stunning Welsh coastline.

Owl's Roost at Quantock Glamping

North Petherton - Somerset

Sleeps 2

Experience the luxury of glamping in a charming shepherd’s hut with a hot tub on a smallholding at the foot of the Quantocks in rural Somerset.

Well Furlong Shepherds Retreat

Near Pershore - Worcestershire

Sleeps 4

Unique co-joined shepherds huts with boutique cottage interior and sunken hot tub with views across the Cotswolds.

The Wagons

Newdigate - Surrey

Sleeps 4

A beautifully refurbished antique workman’s wagon and a shepherd’s hut set on the edge of a private lake in the Surrey countryside.

Outside at Another Place

Penrith - Cumbria

Sleeps 2-4 per hut

A choice of six beautifully handcrafted shepherd’s huts on the shores of Ullswater, the perfect location for tranquil and adventure-filled retreats.

Walkwood Wagon

Uckfield - East Sussex

Sleeps 2

Escape from the hustle and bustle at Walkwood Wagon, surrounded by beautiful National Trust bluebell woodlands in Sussex.

Stargazers Wagon

Leominster - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2

A beautiful, wood-panelled circus wagon looking out across acres of fields in Herefordshire, perfect for stargazing from the outdoor hot tub on clear nights.

The Wagon Above the World

Hereford - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2

1950s showman's wagon lovingly restored with outstanding views overlooking the Herefordshire hills and Black Mountains with an eco hot tub.

Wilding Wagon

Kington - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2

Secluded and tranquil converted railway wagon in Herefordshire with fab amenities, total privacy and an outdoor bath.

The Dome

Lochwinnoch - Renfrewshire

Sleeps 4

A spacious glamping dome in rural Scotland, sleeping up to four guests in complete luxury. The ideal getaway for families, groups and couples.

Loch Tay Camping Domes

Killin - Perthshire

Sleeps 4

Geodesic glamping domes with wood burning hot tubs, at Loch Tay Highland Lodges, on the banks of the stunning Loch Tay in the Scottish Highlands

Oxford Glamping Dome

Beckley - Oxfordshire

Sleeps 2

This spacious glamping dome has a luxury hot tub, firepit and a tranquil location, offering couples a wonderful romantic retreat in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Domes by the Sea

Kirkcudbright - Dumfries and Galloway

Sleeps 2 per dome

Four wonderful, self-catering geodomes overlooking Kirkcudbright Bay, complete with their own woodburning stoves and hot tubs.

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