The ultimate guide to glamping

Glamping simply but magnificently does what it says on the tin. The term combines ‘glamour’ with ‘camping’ in name and practice! The glorious concept is a terrific way to immerse you and your loved ones in the great outdoors without having to spend too much time outside the zone of comfort like you have to with traditional camping.

A tent is still very much part of the package, but rather than having to slog it out with a sleep on the floor, glamping Yurts, Pods, Geo Domes and Safari Tents contain home comforts in home-like surroundings. The exterior of these structures may look exposed to the elements, but the interior is anything but. Beds, walls and a kitchen are all features you can look forward to.

1100s- Mongolian tribes use yurt-like structures to shelter from strong winds, providing a semi-permanent home ideal for their nomadic lifestyle

1500s- a lavish form of camping is prepared by the Scottish Duke of Atholl for the visiting King James V and his mother, affording them as many comforts of their palace as possible

1920s- Safari visits to Africa become popular amongst the world’s rich and famous. The creation of safari tents allows these VIPs to retain their lavish homely lifestyle on holiday

2005- The word ‘glamping’ first appears in the United Kingdom, adding a centralised term to a practice that’s existed for centuries

2016- After continuing its rise in prominence for over 10 years, glamping is added the prestigious Oxford English Dictionary

2020s- Travel restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic result in a staycation boom, with glamping at the forefront of this surge in popularity

There are countless different ways you can glamp, with a different type of structure seemingly added to the array of options as each year passes. Here are the fantastic spaces you can glamp in on your next Haven holiday:

Yurts- A circular dwelling that’s existed for thousands of years. Graceful curves of golden timber combine with a traditional cotton canvas to provide a beautiful and practical home from home.

Safari Tents- As the name accurately suggests, these structures have their roots in the heart of Africa. Spacious and airy, they’re topped off by a wooden veranda to sit and enjoy the (sometimes!) sunny weather.

Geo Domes- an abbreviation for ‘Geodesic Dome’, these are formed by a series of triangular foundations that use minimal material. These blend seamlessly with the fantastic furnishing inside.

Pods- a private place for you and the loved ones to kick back and relax. A truly luxury form of glamping, the spacious lounge and decking make for comfort indoors and outdoors.

Glamping has established itself in all shapes and forms across all four corners of the UK, and further afield. At Haven, our glamping focus centres on South West England, with three incredible parks in the staycation heartlands of Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset to pick from.

Perran Sands, Cornwall- home to all things glamping. You’ll have all four of our glamping greats to pick from on what is one of Cornwall’s loveliest stretches of coastline. Pick Perran.

Rockley Park, Dorset- a beautiful base to go glamping in style and the home of our exclusive pods. These unique spaces are the pinnacle of the concept and attract visitors from far and wide. Retreat to Rockley Park. 

Seaview, Dorset- on the stunning south coast just a stone’s throw from Weymouth, a classic seaside destination. Safari tents are on hand to host you in the heart of Dorset’s delights. Select Seaview.

Regardless of where you choose to stay or which style accommodation you pick, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that the dedicated space for and your loved ones contains the following:

-Beds with linen

-An electric heater

-A kitchen with a sink, hob, fridge and microwave

-Kitchen utensils

-A table and chairs

Now you know what’s included, you can start planning what to bring. Take a peek at our things to take article to help you plan.

Haven parks are open from March to November and given the greatness of glamping in protecting you from all the elements the British weather can throw at us, it really is something that’s suitable throughout the season.

Whether you’re travelling with a big party of friends and family, bringing the little ones away for their first glamping experience, or travelling as a couple, we hope we’ve given you the inspiration to try one of the most talked-about staycation experiences out for yourself.