Glamping, or glamorous-camping, is about embracing a sense of adventure and freedom. It’s crucial to the experience that a genuine connection to the outdoors is established, encompassing the exhilarating natural experiences we associate with traditional camping trips, such as campfires, exploring and star-gazing. What sets it apart is the focus on comfort, simplicity and on providing something a little bit special.

We have discussed the ways that glamping goes above and beyond camping in the article What is Glamping? Now we want to uncover the ins and outs of the glamping world in a little more detail, to help you make your next glamping trip the best it can be.

Firstly, there are a couple of initial decisions that you will need to make to begin narrowing your options.

Where

There are now Glampsites all over the world, so the potential number of options is enormous. However, it is worth noting the rise of staycations. Even before the pandemic there was an increasing trend towards holidays in the UK. This is a reflection of the increasing excellence of national tourism providers.

The most common length of holiday taken by UK residents is 2-3 days, so it’s easy to see why people would choose to spend as little time travelling as possible. Jumping in the car for 2-3 hours is enough to create a convincing change of scenery and won't eat away at your precious holiday time.

Glamping in Norfolk, for example, offers a charmingly remote rural setting with loads on offer and is easily accessible from much of the South East and other areas of England. Many of our guests actually come from as close as Norwich. Talk about cutting down your travel time.

When

Many glampsites are open all year round, meaning you can choose your preference of season to visit. Summer weather may appear to lend itself to outdoor adventuring more than winter, but with a few extra layers and some good wellies or boots there is nothing more satisfying than getting outside to breathe beneath the bare branches on a beautiful, bright, bracing winter day. At the very least, it's an opportunity to prove to yourself how hardy you are, before retiring to your home-from-home to light the fire, pour some hot chocolate and pick a comfortable spot to read a book or play some games. You may also find that many sites charge a premium in the summer months, particularly during school holidays, so it is worth considering other options.

Now that you’ve considered where and when you will be taking your holiday, let's explore the relevant specifics of a glamping holiday. These are the decisions that could define your experience, so take time to weigh up the options:

5 top tips to help you find your perfect glampsite

1.Check for outdoor space:

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Ranging from a few ‘glamping-style’ offerings cluttered together on a campsite, to an expansive, natural site offering a dedicated and secluded glamping experience. The site can make or break your glamping holiday. Remember that there should be a genuine connection with the outdoors and, in my mind, space to roam and explore should be a key factor. The larger and more natural the site, the better. If you want to practice your tree climbing, you’re going to need a tree or two.

2. Get to know your accommodation:

Yurt, bell-tent or safari tent? Canvas can provide a definite sense of adventure and a classic camping feel. These magical spaces can also be very comfortable, if well equipped. Maybe you’d enjoy something more distinctive, unusual and memorable like a roundhouse or treehouse? There are an incredible array of imaginative and innovative structures to choose from. Consider the ‘magic factor’ of the space and how it might make you feel. Also give attention to practicality, attention to detail, comfort, warmth, protection from the elements and originality when making your choice. Read our guide to choosing your accommodation for a rundown of the many types of glamping accommodation.

3. Define your level of comfort:

Comfortable bed in a bell tent Credit Amanda Klamrowski

Is bedding provided? Is there even a bed? This is not always the case, so if you don’t want a surprise when you turn up, or a mountain of bedding to wash when you get home, make sure to check this detail. Also, don’t forget to consider heating. Even warm summer days can turn to chilly nights and being cosy and comfortable is what glamping is all about. A wood burning stove is definitely my favourite choice.

4. Research the facilities:

With many glampsites also functioning as campsites, it is important that you know if you’ll be sharing facilities. Are the showers and toilets communally shared, or private? For many this could be a crucial detail to be aware of, particularly in these uncertain times of social distancing. What are the cooking facilities like? Do you have access to an oven? Hobs? Microwave? Does each unit have their own facilities, or is this in a communal area.

5. Insist on service:

During a chilly March trip with our then 3 month old teething baby, Elliot, we were struggling to get the woodburner to stay lit. It was cold. Elliot wasn’t happy. We called the owner and were told they would be there to help us tomorrow. Tomorrow? We are cold now! That lack of service can ruin a trip pretty quickly.

A high level of service can really help to add some extra glamour to your glamping trip. Not sure how to light a woodburner? No problem. Not had a chance to plan your days out? Too hungry to look at trip advisor reviews to choose the best local eatery? Ask your hosts. Will your hosts meet you to help you settle into your new and unusual home-from-home? We are fortunate enough to live onsite at our Norfolk glamping site, but some hosts are not so accessible. Access to a helpful and knowledgeable host can make a holiday feel effortless, leaving you more mental space to sit back, relax and enjoy time with your loved ones.

Are you a seasoned glamper? What makes a great glamping experience in your opinion?

First time glamper? Let us know if you’ve got any questions. We’d love to hear from you.

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