Five of the best UK glamping sites where you can stay this summer

Staycation bookings have gone through the roof this year (for obvious reasons), and brand new camping sites are popping up all over the UK.

But if you think it’s all just glorified tents, think again.

There are some really wild structures out there for you to have a sleepover, including topsy-turvy treehouses, horse boxes and dinky shepherd’s huts.

Here are some of the more unusual options to tickle your posh-camping fancy.

Yurts by a stately home

The grounds of north Norfolk’s palatial Raynham Hall – scene of the infamous Brown Lady ghost photo – now include four furnished yurts in a wide meadow.

Wood-burning stoves and super-king-sized beds ensure much comfort, while kids’ beds can be incorporated.

Your designated loo and shower are close by, as is the communal, canvas-topped cooking area.

A small stone church overlooks the whole scene. Holkham’s huge, sandy beach is about 30 minutes away by car via chic shopping town Burnham Market.

Three-night minimum stay for two from £390.

Click here to book

Top tipi for foodies

Ynyshir, near the Dyfi Estuary south of Snowdonia, might well be Wales’s greatest restaurant.

This summer, three natty new tipis are available alongside bedrooms in its 15th-century house and gardens.

Log-burners await if it’s chilly. Otherwise, spend time on patios made from local oak gazing at the Cambrian Mountains.

Before devouring Gareth Ward’s meaty, Michelin-starred tasting menus, you could visit an RSPB reserve or sandy Ynyslas beach. Dogs welcome.

Two nights for two from £400, breakfast hamper £20pp.

Click here to book

Bell tents replace wartime bombers

Debuting in the New Forest this summer, the Old Airfield from Harry’s occupies a secret RAF wartime reconnaissance base.

Its runways have long beeen replaced by grass, with hot showers, eco-friendly loos, shared kitchens and visiting food trucks.

Alongside standard pitches, ten bell tents, sleeping up to four, are available for rent.

Illuminated by fairy lights and laden with rugs, each includes double beds to ensure you sleep well, plus fire-pits for stargazing sessions.

New Forest ponies roam the wide-skied heathland and you’re just five miles from Highcliffe Beach.

Two-night minimum stay, £250.

Click here to book

Hole up in a horse lorry

Alongside its self-catering bases, central Scotland’s Alexander House estate yields a pair of distinct glamping options.

Shaded by pine trees, two horse lorries have been cleverly converted into cute cabins – one has a claw-foot bath and kids’ swing – while each of their terraces hosts a hot tub.

Then there are three yurts, with bigger beds and wood-burners. These have baths, too, plus views of Perthshire hills or Gleneagles golf course.

You’re also near whisky distillery tours and salmon-fishing rivers.

From £175pn for the horse lorry, sleeps two adults and two children.

Click here to book

Curved Cornish treehouses

A luxurious new pair of treehouses on Cornwall’s lovely Lizard Peninsula do something unusual – they curve.

Both Kosel boltholes bend around tranquil wooded ridges to afford far-reaching pastoral views from their balconies.

Keep quiet and you might see deer, as well.

Each contains a modern kitchen, shower room and loo. The owners will happily recommend beaches, hikes, pubs or even paddling spots on the Helford River.

From £225pn for two, including a welcome hamper of local produce.

Click here to book

Play shepherd in North Yorkshire

Typifying the gently cool options of members-only Kip (£14 a year) are the three romantic North Yorkshire Huts, set on a tranquil farm north of Harrogate.

Flanked by many a waving wheat field, these shepherd huts pair chic grey panelling with boutique hotel trappings of underfloor heating, bathrooms with Bramley smellies, espresso machines and even hot tubs.

You can walk to the nearest pub and if you see badgers in moonlight on the way back, it isn’t necessarily due to that last pint of Black Sheep.

From £135pn, sleeps two.

Click here to book

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