Tipis

Tipis (sometimes spelled tepee) are conical tents made from thirteen poles tied together at one end, then raised and spread out to create a frame around which animal skins (canvas in the modern day) are stretched and wrapped around it.  The difference between a tipi and a wigwam is that a wigwam usually has a bark covering rather than a pliable fabric one.  The main feature which sets tipis apart from other types of conical tent, such as bell tents, is the smoke flaps at the top which can be adjusted for the wind, strength of the fire and other factors to keep the interior warm but not smoky.  The covering of the tipi can also be raised up at the bottom to provide air flow for removing smoke and ventilating the interior in hot weather.

Tipis are a very popular glamping option because they carry with them the mystique of the Wild West and awaken that childhood instinct in all of us.  They are available to purchase if you love the idea and want one of your own, and with a little practice two people can erect a tipi within half an hour, quickly creating a comfortable, sheltered space in which to cook, eat, sleep and socialise.  You would be hard pressed to find a tipi with animal skin covering nowadays – canvas is a durable option which can be easily cleaned if necessary, and is simple to waterproof. 

Many different glamping sites offer tipi accommodation, with some places specialising in the structure.  The big draw of a tipi glamping holiday is being able to light an open fire inside the tent (please check with your preferred site that this is allowed), an experience that cannot be recreated inside any other temporary structure like this.  Many bell tent and yurt glamping sites offer log burners inside their accommodation, and there are some tipi glamping options with log burners, but for the authentic Native American experience you can’t beat having a fire inside the tipi.

On a practical note, you’ll want to check the internal dimensions of the tipi before you book if you are tall.  Bell tents and yurts have an upright portion of the wall before the roof starts, which creates a larger volume of space inside for standing up.  In a tipi, however, all the sides are sloping, leaving standing room only in the centre.  Tall people and those not able to sit on the ground for long periods of time may find smaller tipis a little cramped, so when in doubt book a larger option.  We think you can’t have too much space when you’re glamping, so go large and enjoy the space you have.

Some tipis have the traditional canvas flaps for doors, while others on more permanent sites have a wooden door, inspired by the wooden doors on yurts, another traditionally nomadic dwelling.  Scaldersitch Farm in the Peak District has some of the most luxurious tipis out there, with full sized beds, log burners, wood fire hot tubs and sheepskin floor rugs in each tipi, perfect for a romantic getaway.  Little Dewchurch in Herefordshire has luxury tipis and yurts, with chimineas in the tipis for heating, which is very close to the authentic experience, but suitable for those glamping with children because it’s not a totally open fire.  There are fire pits outdoors as well as hot tubs for relaxing in of an evening.  For a more rustic experience try Fuzzy’s Farm in Hertfordshire, which has three hand painted tipis with a communal fire pit, ideal for booking a getaway with a couple of other families for a large group trip (and shared childcare!).