Carry on glamping this summer
Camping purists may sneer but glamping is here to stay with sites scattered across Wales. We pick seven sites that add a touch of luxury to outdoor living
IT is an established phrase on the holiday scene these days – glamping.
More and more people are looking for that little bit of extra refinement when it comes to pitching up a tent or a tipi.
Or your vacationing residence of choice could be a yurt, a round tent covered with skins or felt and used as a dwelling by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.
Whatever you are more comfortable in, the chances are that your enjoyment will be supplemented by gorgeous scenery.
So, with Whitsun coming up, here are some tasty options in the glamping department.
Henfryn Farm, Carmarthenshire
Paddle in the river, walk the farm, enjoy the views around the river, light a camp fire and relax in the beautiful surroundings of a working organic farm on the banks of the River Teifi. What you get: Bell tents that accommodate from four to six people. Facilities include a compost loo (flushing loo in the yard area), hot shower, fridge and mobile phone charging point.
Where: Pentre Cwrt, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire SA44 5BB. www.henfrynfarm.co.uk
One Cat Farm, Lampeter
A small site set in a three-acre meadow in a hidden wooded valley. It overlooks ponds and is surrounded by hedgerows and trees, a haven for wildlife. The farm is also close to the beautiful Cardigan Bay. What you get: An insulated den sleeping up to four (plus cot bed) with heating and double glazing, double beds with sprung mattresses and duvets.
Where: Ciliau Aeron, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7PT. www.onecatfarm.com
Camp Cynrig, Powys
A glamping site in the heart of the countryside in the Brecon Beacons and just minutes from the foothills of Pen-y-Fan. You can take a lazy walk, follow the river upstream or walk the two minutes to Cantref Adventure Farm. What you get: Spaced-out Sioux tipis with futons in a gently sloping field, bordered by the river Cynrig. There is a toilet and shower block but you need to bring your own bedding.
Where: Camp Cynrig Tipi Village, The Brecon Beacons, Powys LD3 8LR. www.breconbeaconstipis.co.uk
Cwm Tawel, Bridgend
A luxury yurt and tipi camping site in the Llynfi Valley in a small valley meadow near a farm. The site, which was set up as a community group, is surrounded by walking and cycling tracks and the beautiful beaches of Ogmore and Porthcawl are 20 minutes away. What you get: Nomadic yurts from Mongolia with an eclectic mix of rustic and ethnic furniture. They sleep up to five people, have beds, a log burner and a private deck with a BBQ and seating. Bring your own duvets and linen. There is a communal roundhouse for cooking.
Where: Cwm Tawel, Cwmcedfyw Farm, Lletty Brongu, Llangynwyd, Bridgend CF34 0EA. www.cwmtawel.org.uk
Larkhill Tipis and Yurts, Carmarthenshire
Eco-friendly campsite on a 20-acre smallholding with great views of the countryside and not far from the coastlines of both Carmarthen and Cardigan Bay. The entire campsite is run by alternative energy - wind and solar. What Wha you get: A choice of one of five glamping experiences that include tipis and yurts, sleeping f four to six people. The accommodation is spaced out and separated by mature shrubs and trees. B Bring your own sleeping bags and towels.
Where: Larkhill Tipis and Yurts, Cwmduad, Carmarthen SA33 6AT. www.larkhilltipisandyurts.co.uk
Pitch P My Tent, Gower
Your pitch is just a short stroll from the stunning Oxwich Bay at the picturesque and family-friendly Oxwich Camping Park when you book with Pitch My Tent. What W you get: A bell tent measuring 5m x 5m that sle sleeps up to four people. The standard layout in includes a double and two single beds. Where: Oxwich Camping Park, Oxwich, Go Gower SA3 1LS. www.pitchmytent.co.uk