The Sky’s The Limit – Treetop Glamping
There are so many weird and wonderful glamping options out there, from a fully kitted-out bell tent to a luxury tree house, as well as conversions of all manner of vehicles into glamping pods, that you could try a new option every time you go glamping. We may have our favourite destinations, but we should keep an open mind to trying new things. If you’re feeling adventurous you might try a tree tent.
The National Trust has two tree tents available at Low Wray, in the Lake District. These spherical canvas structures are suspended 3 metres in the air and feature a log burner to keep you warm and LED lighting for a cosy atmosphere. Private camp kitchens at the ground level provide your cooking and eating area, and there is a platform outside each tree tent where you can relax and soak up the view. We don’t spend a lot of time up trees normally, so there’s something magical about being at that level and gaining a new perspective on the world that can’t be achieved through any other means.
Similar structures can be found across the UK, in Dorset, Sussex and Herefordshire, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Typically, tree tents sleep two people so it’s a great option for camping with a friend or for a romantic weekend with a twist. These tree tents do move a little with the wind, so do be aware of that, but being gently rocked to sleep is a soothing and comforting experience you won’t get anywhere else.
Tree houses are the ultimate glamping option, and their popularity means they are dotted all around the UK. Glamping in a tree house gives you the weather protection and insulation of proper sturdy walls, while connecting you with nature, a lovely compromise between the wild natural world and your home comforts. Blackberry Wood in Sussex has many unusual accommodation options, but the fairy tale style tree house is simply gorgeous, sleeping up to four with a loft bed and fully equipped kitchen. There’s even a shower room tucked away in a turret, so if you want an experience to remember this is a great option.
The Living Room tree house in Powys, Wales, is one of several unique tree houses scattered across a large site which offers the ultimate in privacy. Hot showers and a composting toilet are a facility for each tree house, and the wood burning stove and well thought out kitchen mean you’re totally self-sufficient in your magical tree house. There are walks and wildlife nearby, but you might find the peace and quiet so relaxing that you simply spend your time enjoying the break from the pace of modern life.
Craighead Howfs in Perthshire features another fairy tale style tree house nestled away in private woodlands. As you would expect the tree house has all mod cons and beautiful handcrafted decorative accents. The long, low woodburning stove will keep you toasty even in the coldest weather, while the en suite shower means you’ll stay warm even when you wash. A small deck outside affords stunning views, while you sit back and enjoy a glass of something cold.
Tree tents and pods, as well as tree houses are also very popular in Europe, so if you fancy casting your net a bit wider than the UK (perhaps next year), then don’t forget to check out these amazing self-catering options with a difference.
