Ah, England, home of the Royal Family, fish and chips, Big Ben, The Beatles and lots and lots of pubs (over 50,000 in fact)!
The largest country in the United Kingdom (made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
England is an island nation, which means no matter where you choose to go, you’ll never be more than 75 miles from the sea!
The English terrain varies greatly, becoming more rugged the further north and/or west you travel.
Though the English weather has a bit of a bad reputation, it is generally quite temperate. The south is considerably warmer than the north and the west wetter than the east.
If you can’t stand the rain, the driest place to visit is the county of Essex- which has less average rainfall per year than Jerusalem or Beirut!
Quick Facts about England
⛰️ Tallest mountain- Scafell Pike (Cumbrian Mountains) 852 metres
?️ Lowest point- the Fens in East Anglia, parts of which lie up to 4 metres below sea level.
? Longest River- River Thames (215 miles) which flows through London.
? Largest Lake- Lake Windermere (5.69 sq miles)
?️ England has a coastline of 3,2000 km.
☔ Average annual rainfall: 21.7 inches in Cambridge.
? Highest recorded temperature: 38.7 degrees on 25 July 2019 in Cambridge.
❄️ Lowest recorded temperature: -26.1 degrees on 11 January 1982 in Shropshire.
England’s varied terrain, history and mild temperature make it a great choice for a glamping holiday!
Best Glamping Sites in England
Here’s a rundown of some of our favourite glamping sites in England by region.
Glamping in Southern England
Glamping in South East England
Norfolk
Norfolk is a county in East Anglia. It has more than 90 miles of un-spoilt coastline on the mid-east coast of England.
Places of Interest include:
- Broads National Park– one of the UK’s 15 national parks. The lakes, known as broads, were formed by the flooding of peat workings.
- Seaside resorts of Great Yarmouth, Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea and Hunstanton.
- City of Norwich for heritage, culture and shopping.
Fun fact: Norfolk is one of the only places in the UK where you can see the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. Both Kelling Heath and Wiveton Downs have ‘Dark Sky Discovery Status’, which means they are unaffected by light pollution. In fact- they are both ‘two star’ sites (the highest accolade), meaning both the 7 stars of the Orion constellation and the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye. ✨
Restored Train Carriage in Shropham, Norfolk
? This beautifully restored vintage rail coach dates from the mid-twentieth century. The carriage is set within a private 30 acre parkland with lake views, ancient trees and a host of wildlife.
? Inside you’ll find bed linens, a wood-burning stove, a fully- equipped kitchen, local artisan soaps and seasonal hand-picked flowers from Pond Meadow.
? There is also an en-suite shower room and WC- with an original Victorian lavatory.
? Outdoors, you’ll find an exclusive decked terrace complete with fire-pit, overlooking a serene lake.
Find out more here.
Tipi in Norfolk
? Rural North Norfolk getaway in a tipi set within an apple and plum orchard.
? This cotton-canvas tipi offers an authentic camping experience just 20 minutes from the coast in a very un-spoilt part of Norfolk.
? Also includes access to a private shower shed- a garden shed with an LPG gas camping shower, chemical toilet and decking floor.
? The outdoor area also includes exclusive use of a gas bbq and fire bowl.
Find out more here.
Suffolk
Just below Norfolk, on the east coast, you’ll find the county of Suffolk.
Suffolk has 50 miles of glorious coastline, lots of charming villages and medieval towns and it’s the first place in the UK to see the sunrise!
Places of interest include:
- RSPB Minsmere- an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the home of BBC Springwatch from 2014-2016.
- Suffolk Wool Towns– historic towns and villages which have hardly changed since Tudor Times. Expect timber-framed buildings, crooked streets and huge churches.
- Constable County– another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the southern border, where you can walk the footsteps of John Constable, discovering the landscape that inspired his famous paintings.
Fun Fact: Suffolk is home to Britain’s smallest pub. Built in 1867, The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds is just 15ft by 7ft. The record for the most people to have ever squeezed in at once is 102!
Wood Cabin on private Island in Saint Margaret, Suffolk
? This glamping cabin is on a private island on a two-acre lake on the edge of a wild-flower meadow on a family-run farm.
? As the only glamping spot on the site, you’ll have exclusive use of the island, lake, jetty and meadow.
? The cabin features a king-size bed, sink, decking area with seating, BBQ and an eco-toilet.
? A short walk away, you’ll find a private shower room with electric shower, flushing toilet, sink, fridge, USB charging point and plug sockets.
Find out more here.
Sussex
Sussex is located on the south coast of England, with around 90 miles of shoreline from Camber in the east to Chichester Harbour in the west.
It was formally divided into two separate counties by Parliament in 1865- East Sussex & West Sussex.
Places of interest:
- South Downs National Park– England’s newest national park, featuring The Seven Sisters- a series of chalk cliffs by the English Channel.
- Bodiam Castle– a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge, East Sussex.
- There are over 60 beaches in Sussex. The most popular being Camber Sands (one of the only which has actual sand and not pebbles!).
Fun Fact: Sussex is home to both the oldest aquarium and the oldest cinema in the UK!
Brighton Sea Life Centre opened in 1873 (it’s also the second oldest in the world!)
The Duke of York’s Picture House opened in 1910 and is the oldest cinema in continuous use in the UK. You can still catch a movie there today!
Gypsy Wagon in East Sussex
? This 100-year-old gypsy wagon is steeped in history. Formally used by travelling showmen, it has been lovingly restored, whilst still retaining many of her original features.
? The wagon is located in the lovely Sussex countryside.
? Inside, you’ll find a cosy seating area, fold-down table, electric hob, a small fridge and a double bed.
? A separate outbuilding with a flushing toilet can be found a short walk away.
Find out more here.
Kent
Otherwise known as ‘The Garden of England’, Kent stretches all the way from the South East London border all the way to the south east coastline.
If you’re looking for a Kent glamping location near London, you’ll find more information on this side of Kent in our dedicated Glamping near London article here.
Places of interest:
- Kent Downs– an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty stretching all the way from the London/Surrey Borders to the White Cliffs of Dover.
- High Weald– another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which stretches through Kent. A medieval rural landscape known for its pristine landscape, medieval manors, farms and woodlands.
- Dreamland- an amusement park based on a traditional English seaside funfair, located in Margate.
Fun Fact: The village of Pluckey, near Ashford, once held the record for ‘the most haunted village in Britain’. Featured in the 1989 Guinness Book of Records, there were reportedly 12 different ghost sightings in the area!
Bell Tent in Kent
? A spacious 5 metre bell tent in a grassland meadow, full of wildflowers and wildlife- with spectacular views of the Kent Downs AONB.
? Inside you’ll find a full-sized double bed, board games, books and upcycled armchairs.
? Great for an off-grid adventure, as there is no wifi or electricity. Just solar-powered lights.
? The outside area features a floating day bed, campfire, outdoor seating, double gas burner and grill and a compost toilet.
Find out more here.
Hampshire
Hampshire is the largest county in South East England. Located on the English Channel Coast. At its greatest size in 1890, Hampshire was the fifth largest county in England.
Places of Interest include:
- New Forest National Park– one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England, featuring over 3,000 New Forest ponies who freely roam the land.
- Highclere Castle– a Grade I listed country house built in 1678 which served as the moan location for the drama series Downton Abbey.
- The Watercress Line– One of the UKs most famous heritage railways. Today you can still hop aboard a fleet of steam locomotives to journey the ten miles between Alresford and Alton.
Fun Fact: Hampshire is famous for its watercress, having commercially grown the crop since the 19th century. The county is responsible for the majority of watercress production across the nation to this day!
Gypsy Caravan in Milford on Sea
? Rosie is a beautiful restored showman’s wagon built in 1885.
? Recently refurbished and painted by one of the last trained gypsy wagon painters in the country- she now sits overlooking a beautiful woodland garden, on the edge of the New Forest.
? Inside you’ll find, electricity- so expect converted vintage oil lamps, a cast-iron stove (for heating) and an electric kettle.
? Outside you’ll find, a heated wet-room/shower room and loo a short walk away. The patio has a table and chairs and two wood-burning chimeneas. You can also book into pottery lessons, which take place on the same site!
Find out more here.
Glamping in South West England
Cornwall
Cornwall is a county on the rugged southwestern peninsula of England. It has the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain and is one of the sunniest areas in the UK ? ?
Places of interest:
- Eden Project– two massive biomes house the largest rainforest in captivity, with plants that are collected from many diverse climates and environments.
- Lost Gardens of Heligan – although lost for many decades, today the gardens have been restored to virtually mirror the original designs.
- The Minack Theatre– an open-air theatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea.
Fun Fact: Bodmin Jail on the edge of Bodmin Moor was the first British prison to hold prisoners in individual cells. During its 150 years of operation, it saw over 50 public hangings. It closed in 1927 and has attracted many host stories and paranormal researchers ever since! Though the prison is largely now in ruins, parts of it have been turned into a tourist attraction.
Eco- Treehouse in Eworthy, Cornwall
? Nestled in a secluded setting amongst the tree-tops above a lake. Perfect off-grid escape.
? Inside, you’ll find a log burner and firewood, double bed with full bedding, as well as a balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking the lake.
? Outside, guests have exclusive use of an additional summer house which is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and rowing a boat on the lake. A sawdust toilet house can also be found a few metres away.
? This a completely off-grid experience with private access to the treehouse, lake and summer house and no other dwellings nearby.
Find out more here.
Devon
Next to Cornwall, you’ll find the county of Devon. It reaches from the Bristol channel to the English channel and encompasses sandy beaches, fossil cliffs, medieval towns and moorland national parks.
Places of Interest Include:
- Jurassic Coast– a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dramatic cliffs that line the coast and the many places of historical interest and wildlife- make this a must see!
- The English Riviera- stunning coastlines and award-winning beaches have led to the areas of Torquay, Paignton & Brixham becoming known as The English Riviera.
- Dartmoor National Park– upland area in southern Devon which covers 954 km squared. Landscape consists of moorland capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors, providing habitats for the Dartmoor wildlife.
Fun Fact: Devon is home to the narrowest street in the world. Parliament Street in Exeter is just 0.64 metres at its narrowest point. It used to be called Small Street, but was renamed to poke fun at the government for passing the 1832 reform Bill. Hilarious.
Geodome in Worston
? Luxury glamping 10 metre Geodesic dome set in the beautiful Yealm valley, surrounded by a picturesque carp fishing lake.
? Inside you’ll find: fully fitted kitchen, luxury sofas, 4k Ultra HD 3D cinema room with a 4 metre screen and latest games consoles, central heating throughout and interior bathroom with a power shower, sink and toilet.
? Outside there’s a sunken private hot tub, mood lighting and a decking area which overlooks a sunken valley.
Find out more here.
Dorset
Following the coastline further east from Devon, you’ll find the beautiful county of Dorset. Over half the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!
Places of interest:
- Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove– located on the Lulworth Estate in South Dorset, Durdle Door is an entirely natural limestone arch, formed simply by waves eroding a hole in the middle. Designated as England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
- Lyme Regis– nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis beaches and cliffs form part of the Jurassic Coast. With a bustling harbour and rip-roaring independent shopping and dining scene, Lyme Regis is a year-round treat.
- Brownsea Island– The largest of the islands in Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is where the scouts originated from in 1907 by Lord Baden-Powell.
Fun fact: The quaint little village of Holwell is home to England’s oldest postbox. Built in 1852- it’s still in use today!
Safari Tent in Hooke, Dorset
? This gorgeous safari tent sits in its own meadow in the middle of a 75-acre organic farm, giving you complete privacy and sweeping views of unspoilt countryside.
? Inside you’ll find, two generous bedrooms, one with bunk beds and the other a double bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a large decked verandah.
? Outside there’s a separate outhouse which contains a smart eco loo and hot shower. You’ll also find a bbq and picnic bench.
Find out more here.
Somerset
Somerset is a county in South West England, which borders Gloucestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon. One of the larger English counties, Somerset has stunning beaches, green countryside, woodlands, lakes and more.
- Cheddar Gorge– a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills near the village of Cheddar. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903.
- Glastonbury- not just famous for the festival, Glastonbury is possibly the quirkiest town in England. Steeped in history, myth and the smell of incense.
- Exmoor National Park– an area of hilly open moorland, named after the River Exe, the source of which is located in the area.
- Bath- largest city in Somerset, known for and named after it’s Roman-built baths.
Fun Fact: Somerset has the oldest working bridge in Britain. The Tarr Steps are thought to date all the way back to 1000BC!
Yurt near Glastonbury
? A beautiful yurt in the Vale of Avalon with stunning views of Glastonbury Tor. Surrounded by young fruit trees, wild flowers and rabbits.
? Inside you’ll find, a luxurious super king bed and wood-burning stove to keep you warm and toasty.
? Outside is a separate large wooden outdoor shower room with a gas heater. The hot water is heated by a solar system. There is also a yurt kitchen with a lovely real flame gas stove.
Find out more here.
The Cotswolds
Covering nearly 800 square miles across five counties (Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire), the Cotswolds are the largest of the 37 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales.
Places of Interest:
- Blenheim Palace– a monumental country house and a World Heritage Site with over 300 years of history.
- Bourton on the Water– often dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this beautiful village is a great place to walk and enjoy the scenery
- Bibury– nestled on the banks of the River Coln, this little village has the one of the most famous streets in the Cotswolds, Arlington Row.
Fun Fact: The total length of the Cotswold stone walls running through the Cotswolds is longer than the Great Wall of China!
Luxury Glamping Pod in Tormarton
? Luxury glamping pod nestled on the edge of the Cotswold way in an enclosed private garden.
? Inside you’ll find, a king size bed, table and chairs, sofa, a kitchenette and en suite bathroom.
? Outside there’s a private wrap-around garden with two seating areas, fire pot and hot tub.
Find out more here.
Glamping in Northern England
Yorkshire
A historic county in Northern England, known for its Roman and Viking heritage, as well as its Norman castles, medieval abbeys, Industrial-revolution-era cities and 2 national parks.
Places of interest:
- Yorkshire Dales National Park– home to some of Yorkshire’s most iconic scenery and attractions. With spectacular limestone valleys, picture-postcard villages and historic castles.
- Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden– a World Heritage Site, and with good reason. You’ll find the remains of the Cistercian abbey built in 1132- once the richest in Europe and still beautiful today. This combined with the Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Hall and Mill, as well as the Deer Park and Orchard.
- Brimham Rocks– a real natural wonder, between heather moorland and beautiful woodlands, you’ll find unique rock formations like the Dancing Bear, The Eagle and The Gorilla. Also the perfect spot to look out over Nidderdale.
Fun Fact: Yorkshire men and women know good food! There are 6 Michelin-starred restaurants in the county, more than any other region outside of London!
These are: The Black Swan in Oldstead, The Old Vicarage in Sheffield, The Yorke Arms in Ramsgill-in-Niddedale, The Box Tree in Ilkley, The Pipe and Glass Inn in South Dalton and The Burlington in Skipton.
Wooden Glamping Cabin in Kirkby, North Yorkshire
? Charming wood cabin with a traditional tin roof in a private garden with stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales. The front wall is a combination of stone walling, double glazing and waney edged larch.
? Inside you’ll find, reclaimed vintage pine floors and walls, two single beds, a Dyson heater and log burner, an infinity bath with a view, flushing toilet and a microwave.
? Outside there’s a camping gas stove, BBQ area, stargazing bench, a covered decking area and a private wildflower garden.
Find out more here.
Flying Yorkshireman- Restored Railway Carriage
? The Flying Yorkshireman is a Pullman style railway carriage overlooking the old Nidd Valley railway line.
? Inside you’ll find an authentic train table and chairs, double bedroom, kitchen with 2 ring hob, oven, fridge, kettle and toaster. As well as a bathroom with shower and toilet.
? Outside there is a decking area (or platform!) with table and chairs to admire the views.
Find out more here.
Cumbria
Cumbia is the most north-western county in England, bordering Scotland. The county is one of the most sparsely populated counties in the United Kingdom, with a population of just under half a million.
Places of interest:
- Lake District National Park– one of the most beautiful regions in the UK, located in the heart of Cumbria, it’s world famous for its beautiful lakes and mountainous fells, carved out long ago by glaciers.
- Scafell Pike– the highest and most prominent mountain in England, at an elevation of 978 metres above sea level.
- Hadrian’s Wall– also known as the Roman Wall, is a former defensive wall of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian.
Fun Fact: You can become a Knight by buying a round of drinks at Piel Island. The landlord of the Ship Inn on Piel Island, off the Furness Peninsula, is known as the King of Piel Island- as a nod to Lambert Simnel’s attempt to usurp the throne in 1847.
There is a long tradition of the King granting knighthoods to patrons of the inn- with the modern cost of such an honour being a round of drinks for everyone in the pub!
Airstream in Windermere
? “Dixie” is not your average camper van. She’s an iconic 1957 American Airstream, situated in the grounds of an 18th century residence, just 2.5 miles from Windermere.
? Inside you’ll find fresh running water, electricity and a plumbed in loo. Double bed with fresh bedding and a small kitchen with microwave and tea and coffee making facilities.
? Outside there is wooden decking area, which is ideal for a BBQ.
Find out more here.
Northumberland
Northumberland is the most northern county in England, bordering Scotland. Northumberland boasts more castles than any other English county.
Places of interest:
- Holy Island of Lindisfarne– a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, recorded in history since 6th century AD and is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity.
- Northumberland Coast– An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 40 miles of coastline from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the River Coquet.
- The Alnwick Garden – a complex of formal gardens adjacent to Alnwick Castle in the town of Alnwick. The gardens have a long history under the dukes of Northumberland, but fell into disrepair until revived at the turn of the 21st century.
Fun fact: Alnwick Castle was used in the first two Harry Potter films as a double for Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry!
Horse Box in Abbeyfield, Northumberland
? A luxury converted Bedford TK horsebox located in a meadow with stunning panoramic views of ancient woodland.
? Inside you’ll find, handmade furnishings, hot shower, wood-burning stove, gas hob and lighting throughout.
? Outside is 5 acres of private meadow and woodland for complete privacy.
Find out more here.
Glamping in The Midlands
Derbyshire
A county in the East Midlands of England. It borders Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Places of interest:
- Peak District National Park– England’s first national park, officially designated in 1951.
- The Pennines- often described as the ‘backbone of England’, the southern most point stretch into Derbyshire.
- Chatsworth House– a stately home in Derbyshire, in the Derbyshire Dales. It has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549 and stands on the banks of the River Derwent.
Fun fact: Derby Arboretum is famous for being England’s first public park. It’s Grade II listed and inspired the design of New York’s Central Park!
Boulder Field Cabin in Birchover, Derbyshire
? Nestled above the treetops and boulders at top of Eagle Tor is this beautifully hand crafted cabin with spectacular views across the valley.
? Inside you’ll find, a futon sofa bed, fold down table, wood burning stove and electric sockets.
? Outside is a Japanese hot tub, outdoor hot shower, covered cooking area with running water, gas BBQ and tables and chairs. There is also a composting loo in a separate cabin, 10 metres away.
Find out more here.
Herefordshire
Herefordshire is a county in the West Midlands, its bordered by Shropshire to the north, Worcestershire to the east, Gloucestershire to the south-east, and the Welsh counties of Monmouthshire and Powys to the west.
Places of interest:
- The Wye Valley– straddling the border between England and Wales, the Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is regarded as one of the finest lowland landscapes in Britain.
- Malvern Hills and the Herefordshire Beacon- 15km range of ancient hills which are at least 650 million years old. They provide ideal walking conditions in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
- Goodrich Castle– a Norman medieval castle ruin north of the village of Goodrich. It was once praised by William Wordsworth as the ‘noblest ruin in Herefordshire’
Fun Fact: It is still legal to shoot a Welshman on a Sunday in Hereford, provided it’s with a longbow and within the Cathedral close, under an old un-repealed law!
Shepherd’s Hut in Longtown on the Herefordshire/Wales Border
? Kingfisher camp is a romantic, completely private hideaway in the hillside of a small working farm in the foothills of the Black Mountains.
? Inside you’ll find, an open plan room with a futon sofa bed, wood-burning stove– there is no electricity, for a completely off-grid experience. You’ll see by candlelight after dark.
? Outside there is a compost loo with a separate entrance, a gas-powered shower, outdoor bbq and seating.
Find out more here.
Glamping in England with Hot Tub
Although some of the glamp sites we’ve mentioned previously in this article have hot tubs, here are a few more options, if you’re keen for an outdoor soak on your trip!
Tree Dome in Ludlow
? Set within 45 acres of private secluded woodland, nestled under a canopy of trees is this luxurious tree dome.
? Inside you’ll find, a king-size four-poster bed with plush pillows and cosy duvet, dining room table and chairs and a sofa. There’s a private bathroom with hot shower and flushing toilet and a small kitchenette.
? Outside is a large outdoor sofa, coffee table and dining table and chairs. There’s also a spa hot tub with lights and bubbles.
Find out more here.
Wagon in the Woods with Hot Tub in Medstead
? The Wagon in the Woods is a quirky, unique structure in a private secluded setting.
? Inside you’ll find, a huge cartwheel wagon window which floods the space with light, a double bed, settee, table, bath, toilet, electric heating, cooker and fridge.
? Outside is a barrel hot tub underneath a cherry tree barn with a chiminea fire to add atmosphere and warmth. There is also a saloon outdoor seating area, complete with pizza oven.
Find out more here.
Shepherd’s Hut in Saham Toney
? Golden Orfe shepherd’s hut sits on a beautiful picturesque lake with its own private hot tub.
? Inside you’ll find, a mini kitchen with basic cooking facilities including a microwave oven, gas central heating and a multi fuel stove. A king size bed with linen and a large sofa and television.
? Outside there is a private decking area with gas fire pit and hot tub. Guests may also make use of the lake for wild swimming or fishing.
Find out more here.
Yurt in Whitby
? Private, secluded yurt situated inside an old hill called Parks Hawe- this was quarried out in the late 1800’s for stone for local roads. The views from the hill are spectacular, you can see both ways up and down the Esk Balley as well as over the moors.
? Inside you’ll find, a king-sized bed, bistro set, dresser and drawers, a butcher’s block and wood-burning stove.
? Outside is a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit, water tap, covered bbq area, compost toilet. Showers are a 5 minute walk away.
Find out more here.
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