Glamping, or luxury camping, has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek unique and comfortable outdoor experiences.
It offers a unique and luxurious camping experience that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience. Glamping tents typically feature comfortable beds and spacious living areas, providing all the comforts of home in the midst of nature.
One of the main benefits of glamping is that it provides a more immersive camping experience than a traditional hotel or vacation rental. You can wake up to the sounds of birds chirping, breathe in the fresh air, and step outside to stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
It’s a great way to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature.
Devon and Cornwall offer a variety of glamping accommodations, both near the beach and in the rural countryside, and each with their own unique features and local attractions.
Here are the best glamping experiences to consider for your next trip to the southwest of England.
Table of contents
- Yurts
- Shepherds Huts
- Treehouses
- Converted horseboxes
- Bell Tents
- Safari Trends
- Roundhouses
1. Yurts
Staying in a yurt offers a unique and immersive experience that allows you to be close to nature while still enjoying the comforts of modern living.
Yurts are spacious and can accommodate families or groups of friends, making them ideal for a fun-filled adventure. The round shape of yurts also creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere that can be perfect for a romantic getaway.
One of the major benefits of yurts is their unique design. They are sturdy and well insulated, which means they can keep you warm in cooler weather and cool in hot weather. Additionally, the circular design of the yurt allows for natural airflow, which helps to keep the interior fresh and ventilated in the warm summer months.
Allercombe Farm Yurts, Devon
Stay in Allercombe Farm’s luxurious yurts in the South Hams and take in the stunning surroundings whilst immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere.
Allercombe farm is the ideal destination for families looking for a relaxing getaway, couples searching for a romantic retreat, or anyone simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. During your stay, explore the farm and say hello to the friendly chickens and Dexter cows. Keep an eye out for deer, butterflies, and other wildlife that call our meadow home.
Their authentic yurt tents provide a luxurious and comfortable space to relax and unwind. Their yurts are designed to immerse you in nature while keeping you comfortable and cosy with fresh bed linens and soft furnishings.
With a log burner and steel lining, you can enjoy the immersive and authentic yurt experience without sacrificing modern comfort.
Tremeer Farm Shepherd’s Huts, Cornwall
Tremeer Farm has four Mongolian-style yurts, thoughtfully spaced apart to provide you with the utmost privacy and solitude. No need to worry about bothering your neighbors with late-night conversations or being kept up by snoring.
Relax in the cozy warmth of the wood-burning stoves that they’ve thoughtfully installed in each yurt for cooler evenings. For an extra touch of magic, they’ve also hung strings of solar-powered fairy lights to make your experience truly enchanting.
Each yurt has it’s own authentic fire pit where you can have campfires, toast marshmallows or even cook your evening meal over an open fire – perfect for creating a unique experience for kids and adults alike.
Looking for a bit more luxury? They even have a private Yurt complete with a hot tub, private bathroom, and kitchen – the perfect option for a truly indulgent glamping experience.
Enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own personal oasis in the heart of nature.
2. Shepherd’s Huts
Shepherd’s huts are a more luxurious option, designed to provide a high-end glamping experience.
The huts are usually designed with premium materials and are also designed with outdoor spaces that allow guests to enjoy the natural surroundings, such as private decking areas and outdoor bathtubs.
These amenities provide guests with a one-of-a-kind experience that cannot be found in other glamping options.
Shepherd’s huts also offer more flexibility in terms of accommodation options, with most huts designed to sleep between 2-5 guests. This makes them ideal for couples, families or small groups of friends.
Lympstone Manor Luxury Shepherd’s Huts, Devon
Luxury meets nature in Lympstone Manor’s unique and intimate Shepherd Huts.
Nestled in the woodland of the hotel grounds, each hut is a luxurious apartment-style living space with its own private decking area and outside seating.
Each cabin is unique and named after the resident wildlife, featuring hand-painted artwork inspired by its namesake, specially commissioned by local artist Rachel Toll.
With king-size beds, open-plan kitchenettes, and lounge areas, each Hut is dog-friendly and sleeps between 4-5 guests, both adults and children. Enjoy a breakfast hamper with all the continental delights fresh from the hotel’s award-winning kitchen, or book lunch or dinner in the restaurant.
Take a soak in the outdoor bathtubs in Otter Holt, Hare’s Rest, and Hedgehog Row, or relax in the free-standing bathtubs indoors and wood-fired Scandi-style Hikki hot tubs outside in Bee Hive and Fox Den. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this beautiful spot, interrupted only by the occasional rumbling of the local train.
Tregwelan Shepherd’s Hut Retreat, Cornwall
Tregwelan Shepherd’s Hut Retreat in Cornwall offers a cozy and secluded shepherds hut with stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
The hut is equipped with a wood-burning stove, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a comfy, ready-made bed that folds down from the wall, giving you more space through the day to relax.
This blissful shepherd’s hut isn’t just dreamy inside, you have everything you could possibly desire outside. A fire pit to toast marshmallows on, wooden deckchairs to unwind in with a glass of chilled wine and new to 2021 the owners have built an outdoor shelter and bike store as well as a BBQ hut.
The site is located near the bustling fishing town of Padstow and offers easy access to the myriad of food destinations in the area as well as the South West Coast Path. From your doorstep, you can even see the famous Camel Trail, an 18-mile level route beloved by walkers and cyclists alike.
3. Treehouses
Looking for a unique glamping experience that offers the perfect balance of luxury and nature? Consider staying in a treehouse!
Set high up among the trees, treehouses provide a one-of-a-kind accommodation option that allows you to feel completely immersed in nature, while still enjoying all the comforts of home.
And with options that range from intimate one-bedroom pods to larger structures that can accommodate families, there’s a treehouse to fit every type of traveler.
So why settle for a standard glamping experience when you can take your adventure to new heights with a treehouse stay?
Fox & Hounds Treehouse, Devon
Stay in a famous luxury Treehouse featured on the BBC! The Fox & Hounds Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Chumleigh, Devon that offers the ultimate glamping experience in their luxe treehouse that was built in 2014 on an old oak estimated to be more that 250 years old.
Whether you’re sitting on the deck, overlooking the duck pond in the middle of summer or snuggled by the wood burner in the middle of winter, the Treehouse is a unique get away for couples and families.
The Treehouse is a real gem, with two bedrooms to sleep up to five. The king-size master bedroom is perfect for adults, while the smaller room has unique bunk beds that kids will love. If you’re bringing a baby, we can set up a travel cot in the master bedroom.
The Treehouse is well-appointed with a full kitchen, including a hob, oven, microwave and dishwasher. In the cooler months, snuggle up around the wood burner, and in summer, soak up the sun on the wraparound deck overlooking the pond.
The copper bath in the en-suite bathroom is a luxurious touch. Keep in mind, this beauty has a two-night minimum stay and books up quickly year-round, so be sure to reserve early to avoid disappointment.
WILDish Lost Meadow Treepod, Cornwall
This stunning Treehouse pod is nestled in a magical location in the woods, right next to the peaceful river Bedalder.
Complete with campfire, BBQ, and a field kitchen equipped with a 2 ring gas burner and cooking utensils, you will have everything you need to cook up a delicious meal.
Ideal for friends or couples, inside the pod, you will find twin beds with warm duvets, blankets, pillows, and a mini wood-burning stove to keep you cosy on chilly nights. They even provide books and board games for your entertainment.
The treepod also features an off-grid spring-fed hot shower and a composting toilet for your exclusive use, and all taps provide fresh spring water.
If you need anything else, a shared toilet block is located in a converted shipping container in a nearby field, just a 5-minute walk from the Treepod. Here, you will find flushing toilets, a freezer, a washing up sink, a washing machine, power outlets to charge your devices, a hairdryer, and a lending library.
Remember, the Lost Meadow Treepod is a popular spot, so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment!
4. Converted Horseboxes
Staying in a converted horsebox provides a unique and memorable glamping experience.
Unlike traditional tents, yurts or cabins, a horsebox is an unconventional and charming space, with a lot of character. It is a perfect option for any horse lover or those looking for something different and out of the ordinary.
Guests can enjoy a cosy and comfortable double bed, a fully fitted kitchen with all the necessary equipment, and a private compost loo and shower room.
Treacle Valley Horsebox, Devon
Located in Daccombe, close to Torquay, Treacle Valley is a lovely little traditional family-run campsite offering classic camping, and a converted horsebox for glamping.
With a new shower block and toilets, and a big tree planting project and a new kids play area coming in 2023, they’re constantly making improvements to maintain the site.
Custard the Horsebox has everything you need for a comfortable glamping experience in Devon: electricity, bedding, towels, a fully kitted out kitchen and deck chairs on the private patio. You only need to bring your toothbrush!
Amidst the verdant farmland are babbling brooks and mystical woodlands to explore. With great care and effort, the family are dedicated to bringing these natural wonders to the forefront and allowing their guests to immerse themselves in the enchanting beauty around them.
Tree of Life Organics Horsebox, Cornwall
This lovely horsebox on the Tree of Life organic smallholding in Mithian, Cornwall, is dog-friendly and sleeps 2 adults. Rich in wildlife and located near the famous St Agnes beach, as well as popular pubs and bridleways, you couldn’t ask for a more relaxing holiday destination.
The horsebox is a charming retreat for those seeking a unique glamping experience. Above the cab of the lorry, you’ll find a snug double bed, accessed by sturdy cupboard steps. Solar panels provide ample lighting, while lanterns and tealights add a touch of romance.
Cook up a storm in the fitted kitchen with gas cooker and oven, fully stocked with pots, pans, and utensils. Just a short stroll from the horsebox, you’ll find your own private compost loo, shower room, and a handy sink for washing up.
On warm days, throw open the side door and let the fresh air in, taking in the stunning views of the traditional hay meadow and horizon beyond.
If you’re feeling peckish, head to the nearby Miner’s Arms for a ploughman’s or Sunday roast, and sample some of Cornwall’s finest real ales. Whether you’re snuggled up by the wood burner or watching the sunrise from the meadow, the horsebox promises a delightful and memorable stay.
5. Bell Tents
Among the various types of glamping, Bell Tents stand out for their unique design and versatility.
Bell Tents are large, spacious tents that provide a cozy and comfortable living space while maintaining the feeling of being in nature. They offer a unique camping experience, with many benefits over traditional camping, such as protection from the elements and a more comfortable sleeping arrangement.
Plus, with their customizable features and luxurious amenities, they can provide a five-star hotel experience in the great outdoors.
Mill Park Bell Tents, Devon
Forget the hassle of pitching your own tent or towing a caravan to the site, with Mill Park’s cosy Bell Tents, you’ll have instant access to dry, warm and comfortable accommodation.
At Mill Park, The Lotus Bell Tents offer excellent comfort and convenience. These spacious 5m diameter high sided Bell Tents come complete with a fully insulated liner and porch, all situated on raised wooden decks, with breathtaking views of the Lake.
Each of the three tents (Duck, Owl and Pheasant) has its own unique outlook across the Lake, with Duck and Owl positioned just a few meters back from the shore, and Pheasant set back about 10 meters from the water’s edge. The glamping units even have a designated car parking space very close to the Glamping units themselves.
All of the Lotus Bell Tents are insulated and powered, providing you with everything you need for a comfortable stay. From the heater, fridge, kettle, and outdoor gas BBQ, to the outdoor picnic table, you’ll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors.
So, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, Mill Park has got you covered.
The Sea Forts Bell Tents, Cornwall
Just over the River Tamar from Plymouth, The Sea Forts is a truly unique glamping experience in Cornwall. A historic heritage site at Maker Heights, it’s the most complete set of Napoleonic Barracks in the British Isles.
The forts have recently been transformed into a wilderness retreat for adventurous travelers and locals seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Sitting atop a rugged cliff with stunning 360-degree views, they offer a real sense of isolation and wilderness.
The Sea Forts Bell Tents are set in a prime spot with a south easterly aspect, which gives you a jaw-dropping view of the Cornish coastline.
Each tent can fit up to four people and a dog, so bring along your furry friend too (as long as they are trained well). They only have a handful of tents available to tread responsibly on the land, adding an intimate camp atmosphere.
The project includes the careful restoration and conservation of the 18th century fortifications while protecting the local wildlife. The Sea Forts also serve as a creative base camp for artisans, adventurers, and nature lovers alike, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a truly unique glamping experience.
6. Safari Tents
Safari tents are versatile and can accommodate a wide range of travelers. Families with children can enjoy the extra space and privacy, while couples can take advantage of the romantic setting and cozy atmosphere.
They offer the perfect setting for group gatherings, whether it’s a family reunion, a group of friends, or a corporate retreat.
In addition, safari tents are often eco-friendly, with features such as solar power and composting toilets, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
They also typically offer a unique range of on-site activities and amenities, from campfires and stargazing to hiking and wildlife watching, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Brownscombe Safari Tents, Devon
Nestled within the picturesque South Hams valley of Devon, Brownscombe offers Safari Tents within a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
These bespoke canvas safari lodges are a haven for both families and couples seeking an unforgettable glamping adventure. With four tents to choose from, each named after a Devon river (Bovey, Dart, Tamar and Yealm), you’ll be treated to a unique view and unparalleled privacy.
The tents are adorned with a charming decor and include all the essential amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Sit back on the decking, read one of our favourite books set in Devon, and unwind and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature.
It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a romantic getaway, family adventure or a fun-filled break with friends. Experience the great outdoors in style with Brownscombe’s exceptional facilities and stunning surroundings.
Little Nook Glamping, Cornwall
Little Nook Glamping is a fantastic option for those looking for a safari tent glamping experience in Sennen Cove, Cornwall.
Offering a home-away-from-home experience within their charming safari tents, they boast two bedrooms, a private bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy lounge-diner, meaning you can enjoy all the modern amenities in the rustic atmosphere of a canvas tent.
The wooden deck at the front of the tent offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, where guests can unwind, relax and revel in the beauty of nature.
After a long day of exploring, kick back, and warm yourself by the fire pit, while roasting some marshmallows and gazing up at the Milky Way above.
7. Roundhouses
Staying in a roundhouse offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing you to step back in time and connect with ancient traditions and culture.
The roundhouse is a traditional Iron Age dwelling, but these Roundhouse Glamping experiences offer history with all the comforts of modern glamping. The circular design creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, keeping you warm and dry even on rainy days.
Brownscombe Roundhouse, Devon
Part of the same luxury glamping site as Brownscombe Safari Tents, there’s also a luxury roundhouse on this site.
Nestled in a peaceful corner of a lush sheep field, this quaint abode boasts breathtaking views of the valley and is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the serene surroundings.
Sleeping 2 adults and 2 children, this roundhouse includes a luxury tin bath on the covered deck, an oak four poster bed and luxury Egyptian Cotton bedding.
With a wood-fired hot tub right outside your door, you can take in the stunning Southwest sunsets while you relax in style. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the kestrels nesting in the nearby oak tree. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Bodrifty Farm Roundhouse, Cornwall
Hidden away in a corner of the idyllic sheep field at Bodrifty Farm, lies a truly unique glamping experience – The Roundhouse. But not just any Roundhouse, this one has been built in the style of an Iron Age Roundhouse.
This Southwest-facing haven boasts a breathtaking view of the valley and the oak tree, where kestrels nest each year. This glamping experience is not just about relaxation, but also about reliving history.
The Roundhouse provides a chance to capture the spirit of a distant time in significant comfort. With Egyptian cotton sheets, a handmade four-poster bed, and flowers woven into the willow headboard, guests can unwind in ancient grandeur while enjoying modern-day comforts.
The open fire provides the perfect setting for telling stories, and the sound of birdsong and the wind swishing through the trees will lull guests into a peaceful night’s sleep.
Unique glamping experiences in the south-west
Devon and Cornwall offer some of the most unique and luxurious glamping experiences in the UK. Whether you want to stay in a cozy shepherd’s hut or a retro Airstream caravan, there is something for everyone.
With stunning natural scenery, a range of outdoor activities, and luxurious accommodation, these glamping locations are the perfect choice for a memorable holiday.
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