The 11 Best Glamping Sites in the UK and Ireland

Half of this hardy, tent-style glamping dome is completely transparent, allowing you to feel surrounded by countryside, even when cosied up inside by the wood-burning stove. Wake up (in a king-size bed, no less) to the sound of birdsong and the sun glistening over dewey bushland, and spend the evenings stargazing from the open-air hot tub.

These quirky cabins are inspired by their historic setting, individually designed around notable Yorkshire characters and national symbols. If you’re looking for a light and airy space, opt for the Rose Suite, inspired by the White Rose of Yorkshire. If you’re after something cosier then the Howard Suite, modeled on Castle Howard, should do the trick. Regardless of what style you go for, the cabins all sleep six, while the extra luxurious Star Suite has a roll-top copper bathtub and infrared sauna.

Housed on a working potato farm, just a short distance from Clacton-on-Sea, this tiny home is the perfect place to breathe in the sea air, and stroll the bucolic countryside. Fishing fans can have a go at catching dinner from the onsite fishing reservoir, and you’ll also get a free pass to access the Essex Wildlife Trust Colne Point Nature Reserve, located a short distance from your cabin. The cabin itself is a Scandi-style space, all blonde wood and lofty ceilings – it’s ideal for cuddling up with that special someone, but also has enough space for a family of four.

This joyous campervan is an eclectic bolthole in the middle of Gloucestershire farmland, which has enough space to sleep up to five. Modernised from the 1950s original, the campervan has kept some of the mid-century design elements and is hung with vintage-inspired prints. Head up to the astroturfed roof terrace for afternoon drinks, where golden hour comes with idyllic countryside views. On chilly nights, the turquoise-coloured wood burner will keep the cabin toasty.

Perched on the shores of Loch Tay, these Wigwams – semi permanent dome dwelling – offer an ethereal getaway in the heart of the Scottish woodland. The setting is nothing short of enchanting, surrounded by towering mountains, fairytale rivers and lush greenery. With a number of adventure activities available in the immediate vicinity – such as archery and quad biking – there’s plenty to keep you busy, plus you can refuel at the end of the day with a hearty meal from onsite Italian restaurant Ciro’s at Loch Tay.

A real once-in-a-lifetime stay, this enormous yurt is a unique and eco-friendly glamping experience in the heart of Cornwall. The site is surrounded by bucolic farmland, including pretty apple orchards, sparkling streams and it’s just a half-hour walk from Cornwall’s ruggedly beautiful beaches. There is oodles of wilderness to explore, and at the end of the day you can warm up your salt-coated skin next to a wood-burning fireplace with a well-earned glass of red wine.

Stepping aboard, it’s hard to imagine that this space used to be a bus. Now decorated to more closely resemble a cute woodland cabin, it has been transformed into a cosy hideaway that sleeps six. Your hosts have thought of everything, and there is even a convenient external cabin for storing wet coats and boots after a jaunt into the countryside. Spend your day paddling in the icy waters of Lough Corrib before returning to toast marshmallows around the enormous outdoor fire pit.

Waking up to views over a Scottish loch is the norm when staying in these domes, which have enormous transparent windows. Fall asleep stargazing or relax around the firepit while taking in moonlight-dappled vistas of the towering Ben Lawers mountain. At the base of the camp sits the enormous Loch Tay, which makes for a refreshing dip during summer (or a frigid dip in winter for the brave). Whatever the season, it will be hard to resist a lochside bonfire, cosied up, of course, under a few layers of your thickest jumpers.

Taking glamping to the next level (literally), this treehouse is an elevated experience with some serious, but not quite as creepy, Hansel and Gretel vibes. The decor is whimsical and woodland themed, and luxury touches to the three-bedroom house include a whirlpool bath, rainfall shower and farm-fresh eggs to cook for breakfast. Make the most of the countryside setting with a barbecue up on the deck.

Reminiscent of a Hobbit-house, this dome feels as if it has emerged from the set of The Lord of the Rings. Unassuming from the outside, inside the dome you’ll find a magnificent space filled with heavy red drapery, sheepskin throws and featuring a sun-splashed breakfast bar with sweeping views over the valleys below. There’s a log cabin containing a shared kitchen just a short stroll away, although you may decide to throw yourself into the wilderness lifestyle and cook at the outdoor firepit instead – chargrilled sausages for dinner anyone?

Seemingly camouflaged on the shores of Lough Mardal, this Yurt sits among resplendent wildflower fields. The outside may look plain, but its vibrant interiors are strewn with Turkish-style rugs, wooden patchworking and patterned throws. Pack supplies for a do-it-yourself happy hour, which is best spent on the deck outside your yurt, watching the sun slip behind the rippling lake waters. Afterwards, retreat inside for a cosy fireside dinner – the perfect break from the clamour of city life.