Reasons to go glamping in summer

We’re not sure why food cooked outside tastes better but it just does. Perhaps it’s the scent of the BBQ mingling with the fresh country air, the gentle breeze as sausages sizzle on the grill or rose-tinted memories of childhood camping trips. At Oak Hut in Shropshire, the BBQ firepit is perfectly set up for leisurely al fresco meals. Once your food is grilled to perfection, snuggle up in the sheepskin-clad lounge chairs and tuck in as you gaze out over miles of rolling hills. 

You might spot Red Kites soaring overhead and horses trotting in the fields below as you ponder whether to stay put or relocate to the wood-fired hot tub and wait for the stars to appear. There are miles of hiking trails all around and within a 45-minute walk of the shepherd’s hut, you can reach the historic sites, arts scene and attractions of Bishops Castle.

There are those hardy souls who brave cold water in the depths of winter but for fair-weather swimmers, summer is the perfect time to go for a wild dip in the UK’s rivers and lakes. If you thought the combination of cool water and warm sun was blissful, just wait till the incredible scent of lavender hits your nostrils at Pantechnicon Powys. 

Set on a sustainable lavender farm (the first in Wales), the stylishly converted truck is right next to a windswept hilltop swimming pond at 1,100 feet with far-reaching views down the valley. After a few laps, grab a hot coffee to drink on the deck and refuel with goodies picked up at the farm shop. The Brecon Beacons are a 25-minute drive away, you can hire bikes in The Elan Valley or head to Hay-on-Wye to browse the galleries, cafes and multitude of independent book shops.

Summer isn’t summer without the smell of fresh sea air and the feel of sand between your toes. The ultimate luxury is being able to stroll from your glamping place to the coast without the need for a car.  At The Cabin at Halzephron House, you can see the sea through the windows and the coastal path is just beyond the back gate of your private garden. 

Said path crosses the grounds and leads to Gunwalloe beach, a five minute walk away, while Dollar Cove and Gunwalloe Church Cove are a 25 minute walk along the South West Coast Path.  The cabin itself looks unassuming from the outside, but inside it’s been transformed into a cosy retreat with a wood burner, double ended bath and a mini kitchen with a breakfast bar. By night, break out the telescope and stargaze under dark Cornish skies

Hot tubs are not just for the colder months, in summer they come into their own as the light fades in the evening. At Vineyard Cabin Retreat, the best time of day to hop into the wood-fired tub is as the sun goes down over the vines and the deck is softly lit by fairy lights.  

By day, you can wander through the vineyard on the six-acre working farm spotting hares, birds and deer, before heading back to relax in the little fenced garden or flopping on the Chesterfield sofa for an afternoon snooze. You’re on the border of Norfolk Broads National Park and the unspoilt sandy beach and watersports at Sea Palling beach are a short drive away. For a slap up meal head to The Swan at Ingham to enjoy fine dining in a relaxed, heritage setting.

Multiple relatives squeezed into your living room can feel a little tight, but spread them out across a massive garden – and it's a party. We’ve got plenty of places suited to larger groups including Hinterland House in Cornwall, which sleeps six in three stylish bedrooms. The open plan kitchen/dining space is stunning, but your happy place will be the huge private garden with its hammock, hot tub and firepit. 

It's the place for riotous afternoon games, long alfresco celebratory meals, and mellow evenings talking and stargazing. When you’re ready to round up the troops for an excursion, Bodmin Moor, The Tamar Valley AONB, Dartmoor and the coast are all within easy reach. Bude beach is the perfect spot for building sandcastles and surfing, with the spectacular South West Coast Path running behind it.

A balmy evening, a glass of something chilled, blissful silence and the sight of a shimmering orange sun setting on the horizon. If that scene ticks a lot of summer bucket list boxes, head to Trebus on the wild North Cornish Coast and make the dream a reality. An ex-mobile library, there’s nothing fictional about the epic sea views here, or the hot tub. 

When you’re not reclining in the deckchairs by the firepit gazing at the scenery, there are beautiful walks all around, binoculars provided for bird watching and board games in the bus. The local village is Tintagel, with its dramatic castle. And the magical waterfalls of St Nectan’s Glen are also close by. The beautiful coastal harbour town of Boscastle is well worth a visit to see the crooked cottages and long narrow valley. While you’re there you can get a fix of the supernatural at The Museum of Witchcraft.