A winter glamping survival guide

In good weather, glamping can be a breeze, but it pays to come with a back-up plan (or two) to make the most of a winter getaway

Do your research

Not all glampsites have options with self-contained bathrooms and kitchens; you might have to share communal facilities or pop to a composting loo. On-site cafes, bars and activities might not be available outside peak season.

Scope out space

While balconies and picnic tables are lovely, you won’t use them much in winter. Look for a place with big windows so you can enjoy the views but stay cosy. You will need sufficient indoor space to eat, sit and laze about indoors.

Plan for rain

The odd rainy day is inevitable and so too are longer, darker evenings, so it is worth having plenty of distractions up your sleeve. Pack board games and quiz books or swing by a charity shop en route to grab a jigsaw puzzle (which you can donate back before you head home). Some glampsites stock their hideaways with extras such as playing cards, crafts, portable speakers and even musical instruments.

Come with kit Bring layers (it is winter, after all) and spare clothes for when your kit gets muddy and sodden. If you have picked an especially “cosy” (i.e. tiny) hut or pod, you might not have much space to hang things out to dry – so bring more than you think you will need, just in case.

Think local

It is always great fun to glamp out in the middle of nowhere, filling your days with wilderness walks. In winter, however, it pays to be closer to other attractions such as National Trust properties, antique centres and bustling market towns, so you have other options if it is too grim outside. Just make sure you do your research before you go; many museums and stately homes, for instance, operate limited opening hours during the winter months or close completely.