British campsites: From tree pods to tepees, where to camp in style
Red Kite Tree Tent, Powys
This innovative, spherical canvas pod, suspended between trees, can only be accessed via a rope bridge. The secluded pod, which hangs in 80 acres of woodland near Llandrindod Wells, accommodates two adults, with a double bed that folds into a sofa. The Tree Tent even has electric lights that run on solar power. Outside, there's private decking with running water, a hot shower, and gas stove. A brook also runs behind the pod, where guests can paddle in summer.
Near Builth Wells, Powys, Mid Wales (01865 764087; bit.ly/RedKiteTree). Three-night stays from £385 for two.
Alde Garden, Suffolk
There's lots of choice at this small campsite in the heart of Suffolk. Campers can either pitch up on one of the five traditional tent spaces or choose something a little more exotic, from bell tents to tepees, or a restored gypsy wagon. The yurts are all hand-crafted from locally sourced wood covered in thick canvas. They have wood-burning stoves, ground sheets, carpets, furniture, and solar powered fairy lights. The tepees come with cow-skin rugs and a wood burner in the middle. The wagon is believed to be around 100 years old and is completely renovated. It looks as though it's been plucked from a fairy tale with its green exterior, yellow shutters, and decorative front door framed by flowers.
Alde Garden, White Horse Inn, Low Road, Sweffling, Suffolk IP17 2BB (01728 664178; aldegarden.co.uk). Tent pitches from £14 per night.
Alde Garden, Suffolk
Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall
This site offers 40 traditional tepees set in 16 acres of woodland and meadow, with a quarry lake in which to swim, canoe or fish. The canvas tepees come in medium, large and extra-large, the biggest reaching 18ft tall. They have camping mats, stoves, cool boxes, and kitchen utensils, but guests will need their own sleeping bags and pillows. Outdoor activities in the surrounding area include kayaking and surfing.
Tregildrans Quarry, Trelill, St Kew, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 3LW (01208 880781; cornishtipiholidays.co.uk). Medium tipis from £310 for three nights.
Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall
Kinloch Village Campsite, Isle of Rum
One of the best parts of camping is being close to nature, and this site puts you at the heart of it. The community-run site on the shores of Loch Scresort, on the Isle of Rum, makes up for in views what it lacks in luxury. It is just a 10-minute walk from Kinloch Castle and it also has views of the hilly mainland. Basic facilities include toilets, showers, wooden shelters, taps, and picnic benches. There's no need to book, just turn up and pitch.
The Isle of Rum, Inner Hebrides, Scotland (01687 460328; isleofrum.com). Tent pitches from £6 per adult per night.
Kinloch Village Campsite, Isle of Rum
The Fire Pit Camp, Norfolk
The most impressive feature of this site in Wendling, Norfolk, is a two-level dome, The Wren's Nest, that's hand-made from local hazel wood. It sleeps eight and has a small kitchen, living area, wood-burning stove, and solar panel for lighting. It's homely, with throws and freshly-picked flowers, an old double-decker bus where children can do arts and crafts, and a communal fire pit.
The Firs, Hulver Street, Wendling, Norfolk NR19 2LT (07917 406953; thefirepitcamp.co.uk). Tent pitches £15 for adults, £7 for children, per night. The Wren's Nest costs from £130 per night.
The Fire Pit Camp, Norfolk
Eskdale Camping and Caravan Club, Cumbria
This site is well-placed for climbing Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. It's large, with space for 100 tents, all surrounded by woodland and bordered by a small stream. As well as tent pitches there are 10 wooden camping pods and a camping barn, which sleeps eight. The pods have portable indoor heaters, locking doors, and battery lights. The barn is centrally heated with a wood stove, eight beds, basic kitchen, and large dining table. The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is nearby.
Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1TH (019467 23253; bit.ly/EskdaleCampsite). Tent pitches from £7.70pp, per night.
