Wales On Sunday

Take a fresh look at the UK

With the chance of a summer staycation looking more hopeful, a camping trip may be on the cards, says SARAH MARSHALL

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Top terrace: The apartment was tired but roomy

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 recommende­d 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 railway line, which can transport you to and from the campsite.

■ Pitches from £24 per night.

PITCHES FOR A POOCH Where: Howgills Hideaway, North Yorkshire

THIS 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

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 is also a choice of two beaches within walking distance.

Bell tent from £70 per night; safari tent from £90 per night. 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.

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 fairytale.

■ Pitches from £18 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

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 ??  ?? Mad Hatters Campsite, Cambridges­hire
Mad Hatters Campsite, Cambridges­hire
 ??  ?? Howgills Hideaway, North Yorkshire
Howgills Hideaway, North Yorkshire
 ??  ?? Culdees Castle Estate, Perthshire
Culdees Castle Estate, Perthshire
 ??  ?? Melin Mabes, Pembrokesh­ire
Melin Mabes, Pembrokesh­ire
 ??  ?? Fishergrou­nd Campsite, Cumbria
Fishergrou­nd Campsite, Cumbria
 ??  ?? Redwood Valley, Powys
Redwood Valley, Powys
 ??  ?? Ye Olde Swan, Oxfordshir­e
Ye Olde Swan, Oxfordshir­e

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