*To the tune of Born in the USA* GLAMPING! IN THE UUUUU-K! Etc.
I always get festival season fever around this time of year. I think it’s to do with the (sort of) lighter evenings and getting FOMO at the US festivals like South by Southwest and Coachella. Thoughts begin to surface of frolicking barefoot (as if) in a field with flowers in my hair and a pint of fruit cider in my hand, wearing fringing and suede and faded denim and embroidered blouses…
Anyway. This might explain why I bit the bullet *cough* blew the budget *cough* and this weekend not only bought tickets to the Isle of Wight Festival (HELLO FLEETWOOD MAC) but also splashed out on a furnished squrt (snigger) from Cloud Houses. #LIVINGTHEBOHEMIANDREAM.
Now sleeping in my IKEA bed in my London flat just doesn’t seem to quite cut the mustard. I wanna sleep under the stars (but with decent insulation and protection from bad things, with electricity and bedding) in one of these glamp sites in the UK…
Black Mountain Tipi Retreat, Wales
Just looking at he pictures (see also main image, above) is enough to make me chill the fuck out. In fact, I might set the top one as my screen saver at work, and stare longingly at it when I’m meant to be doing ALL OF THE THINGS.
Located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, chill out and relax (maxin’ all cool) on a hammock and listen to the Cwm Banw river flowing gently by, or the odd bleat of a mountain sheep. Apparently there are otters AND a hot tub (I do not know if the two are inter-connected). Either way, I’M IN!
Jollydays Glamping, Yorkshire
So basically, I first saw Jolly Days beautiful enchanted forest-style campsite over on jforjen.com and it’s been on my dreamy staycation list ever since.
With things four-poster beds, white wooden floors and shabby chandeliers, Jolly Days certainly puts the glam into camping. Set in 200 acres of private woodland on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds it’s a bit like being in a boutique hotel, but in a bell tent.
Wild Luxury, Norfolk
Wild Luxury is a series of luxury safari-style tents scattered along the beautiful North Norfolk coast. But don’t worry, you won’t have to scavenge for your own food – there’s a farm shop on site, as well as a restaurant in a yurt. How idyllic. And a lot easier to get to than Africa.
Little Oasis, Wales
OK, so I am obsessed with gypsy caravans. Not the sort you see in a lay-by in Basildon, but the beautiful, folky wooden sort. Rosy, the Red Wagon (above) is pitched in an ancient cider orchard in Wales, which you access via a wild flower meadow. Swoon.
Owners Emma and Paul moved from Brixton to Pandy in 2011, and bought the wagons (there’s also Josie, the Blue Wagon) from eBay. They stumbled across Little Oasis while looking for a new rural home, and the rest, as they say, is history. How dreamy.
Teapot Lane Luxury Camp, Ireland
Located in five acres of woodland, one of Ireland’s first luxury glamp sites features feature king-size beds, rugs and pot-bellied stoves as eel as holistic aromatherapy, massage and reflexology treatments.
Choose from the country cottage, a luxury yurt, tree house or cute vintage caravan – all complete with excellent vintage style communal kitchen – all equally as Instagrammable, right?
Could you see yourself getting close to nature (as is possible while still having electricity on tap) in one of the new breed of campsites? Got any other glamping recommendations to share? Let me know below or tweet me @NatWallers!
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