The Herald - The Herald Magazine
Camping has come a long way So here are eight trend-setting sites to book for summer
ASARAH MARSHAL
S a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over foreign holidays this summer, a staycation might be the best we can hope for. Despite fears even holidaying at home may be difficult, we’ve chosen to look on the bright side of life for those of us with a sense of adventure.
According to a new report by website Cool Camping, who sell 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 recommended spots likely to sell out fast.
1. 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 firstclass amenities, with underfloor heating, a modern bathroom, antique kitchen, suspended loungers and veranda with a view to the river.
2. NATURE CALLING
Where: Culdees Castle Estate, Perthshire This pretty glampsite offers five woodland cabins, each tucked away within the fiveacre forest. The huts have been specially 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. FANTASY STAY
Where: Mad Hatters, Cambridgeshire
This fun-packed campsite features 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.
6. PITCHES FOR A POOCH
Where: Howgills Hideaway, North Yorkshire
This North Yorkshire site offers pitches with incredible hill 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.
7. CUTE FOR COUPLES
Where: NightSky Glamping, Gwynedd This romantic glamping option provides tented glamping with en-suite toilet facilities and private hot tubs. 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 is also a choice of two beaches within walking distance.
Bell tent from £70 per night; safari tent from £90 per night.
8. 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.