Take a fresh look at the UK
With a huge question mark over holidays abroad, maybe a camping staycation is the answer, says SARAH MARSHALL
AS A cloud of uncertainty still hangs over foreign holidays this summer, the UK looks set for another bumper year of staycations. Once again, camping looks likely to be popular, as travellers seek to explore nature and re-discover a sense of adventure.
According to a new report by website Cool Camping, which sells a variety of campsite holidays, treehouse accommodation is set to be a big trend. By studying page views, they estimated a whopping 1,624 interested customers to every one treehouse. Unsurprisingly, given booking habits last summer, glampsites are also likely to sell out fast. The website says almost 50% of enquiries request a hot tub.
Other anticipated trends for 2021 include a rise in ‘en-pitch’ accommodations, offering private toilet facilities, plus an increase in pop-up campsites, which were also popular last year.
Keen to book but don’t know where to start? Here are some of the spots likely to sell out fast.
TREETOP ADVENTURES
Where: Melin Mabes, Pembrokeshire
THE quirky Templar Treehouse has its own private hot tub, plus a slide to take you down to the ground. The property features a combination of rustic charm and first-class amenities, with underfloor heating, a modern bathroom, antique kitchen, suspended loungers and veranda with a view to the river. ■ From £152 per night, sleeping two people.
NATURE CALLING
Where: Culdees Castle Estate, Perthshire
THIS pretty Scottish glampsite offers five woodland cabins, each tucked away within the five-acre forest. The huts have been designed to be incorporated into the nature of the site, and all have hot tubs available. There are plenty of options for walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing and golf nearby.
■ Cabins from £120, sleeping two.
FAMILY NOSTALGIA
Where: Fisherground Campsite, Cumbria
FOR those looking for a more traditional grass pitch option,
Fisherground Campsite in Eskdale is a popular choice.
It’s a great choice for families, as there is plenty for the kids to enjoy, including campfires, a paddling pond and the nearby steam railways line, which can transport you to and from the campsite.
■ Pitches from £24 per night.
GLAM OPTIONS
Where: Redwood Valley, Powys THIS family-run, eco-friendly campsite is set among 25 acres of woodland on the Welsh borders.
The site features two yurts and one woodland cabin styled to give a treehouse feel. The stilted abode provides a view over the brook through floor to ceiling windows.
■ Treetop cabin from £130 per night; yurts from £110.
FANTASY STAY
Where: Mad Hatters, Cambridgeshire A FUN-PACKED campsite featuring all the magic of a ‘mad hatters’ tea party in camping form.
Following an Alice in Wonderland theme, pitches are named after characters from the tale. The Queen of Hearts glamping cabin is straight out of a fairy-tale.
■ Pitches from £18 per night.
PITCHES FOR A POOCH
Where: Howgills Hideaway, North Yorkshire
THIS North Yorkshire site offers pitches with incredible mountain views.
The site has a relaxed atmosphere with both campfires and dogs welcome, and a mix of walkers and families taking up the pitches.
The location is easily accessible for the beautiful Bolton Abbey, while the 80-mile long Dales Way is a popular walking route nearby.
■ Pitches from £24 per night.
CUTE FOR COUPLES
Where: NightSky Glamping, Gwynedd
TENTED glamping with en-suite toilet facilities and private hot tubs for those looking for the romantic option.
Aptly named, the campsite is in a location famed for its stunning sunsets and starry nights, while animal lovers will enjoy the on-site alpaca trekking options.
There are also two beaches within walking distance.
■ Bell tent from £70 per night; safari tent from £90 per night.
DESERT ISLAND ESCAPE
Where: Ye Olde Swan, Oxfordshire FOR something truly different, try Ye Olde Swan in Oxfordshire. The campsite is located on Thames Island, making it feel like an exotic escape.
Fortunately, civilisation isn’t too far away, however. A traditional pub just over the bridge provides pizza and prosecco to the campsite.
■ Weekend (2 nights) £120 - £155
■ All sites can be booked through Cool Camping.
Visit coolcamping.com