Unusual places to stay in the UK

Glamping seems to have been a buzz word in the travel industry for a while now, being added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2005.

Imagine a cold windy day, you are tending to your sheep and need some shelter...a triangular tent just won’t cut it, so instead you erect your circular yurt (or ger), safe in the knowledge that it is strong whilst being easy to setup and dismantle quickly.

This is what happened in  Mongolia in the 1100’s, when Nomadic tribes needed protection from the cold harsh winds of the open plains on which their herds grazed.

Now I am not saying that these were glamorous by any means, but the yurt is now a popular choice for glamping holidays with king size beds, wood burners and plenty of soft furnishings.

And if they were good enough for the powerful Genghis Khan, then they are good enough for me! 

Early in the 16th century a 3 week summit called the Field of the Cloth of Gold was arranged to cement the friendship between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France following the Anglo-French treaty of 1514.

Here there were luxurious tents aplenty made of gold cloth and silk (approximately 2,800) and even fountains of red wine, both signs of the kings’ wealth and power. 

Fast forward a hundred years and the Turkish Ottomans were said to have such lavish tents for the Sultan whilst on campaign that it would take 600 camels to carry them!

These tents were said to be exquisite with colourful cloth, floral patterns and various stitchwork in silk and metal thread. 

Finally skip forward to the early 1900’s when wealthy Americans and British travellers ventured to Africa for safari trips. Not wanting to give up their luxuries they stayed in canvas tents with luxurious bedding, Persian rugs and even electric generators and folding baths! 

Hope you enjoyed your whirlwind guide of glamping history!

And next time you book a glamping holiday, be sure to remember the chilly plains of Mongolia or the luxurious tents of the Field of Cloth of Gold and smile and give a little thanks, as you sink into the bubbles of your hot tub or your cosy double bed!  

Take a look at QuirkyAccom's large selection of glamping accommodation, starting with the selection below: 

Prices from £118/night

 Potter's Lodge 1-6

Stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt near the Peak District and enjoy the HOT TUB and on site Finnish BBQ hut. Couples rates or add family or friends.

Staffordshire, England

• Beautifully decorated Mongolian yurt stay with private hot tub, located close to Burton Upon Trent and the picturesque market town of Ashbourne on the edge of the Peak District.
• The yurt enjoys either a king size or super kingsize bed, along with daybeds and sofa beds.
• Onsite facilities include a large BBQ hut, children's play area, cooking cabin and private luxury shower and toilet.

Prices from £100/night

 Vinegar Hill Bed & Breakfast 1-6

Rosie the gypsy caravan and 2 spacious rooms with tasty breakfast in Milford-on-Sea. Sign up for pottery classes too.

Hampshire, England

• Charming 2 bedroom B&B, plus Rosie, the unique gypsy wagon, located near the New Forest.
• On-site pottery courses available.
• The Garden Room sleeps 2-4 people, suitable for family stay.
• Hayloft is a self-contained en-suite bedroom, ideal for romantic hideaway.
• Rosie the gypsy wagon can sleep up to 2 people, perfect for couples.

Prices from £90/night

 Ash Yurt 1-4

Gorgeous wooden yurt with al fresco dining and firepit plus a communal pizza oven. Just 15 minutes from Welshpool.

Powys, Wales

• Wooden yurt sleeps up to 4 guests (max 2 adults) on a quiet site close to Welshpool.
• Built by local craftsmen, it houses a double bed and 2 single futon chairs and stays cosy with a woodburner.
• You can dine using your private BBQ or head to the communal kitchen/dining area with al fresco pizza oven.
• Private bathroom facilities can be found just a short stroll away.

See all glamping stays

For that extra touch of luxury, why not try glamping with a hot tub?

Prices from £118/night

 Potter's Lodge 1-6

Stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt near the Peak District and enjoy the HOT TUB and on site Finnish BBQ hut. Couples rates or add family or friends.

Staffordshire, England

• Beautifully decorated Mongolian yurt stay with private hot tub, located close to Burton Upon Trent and the picturesque market town of Ashbourne on the edge of the Peak District.
• The yurt enjoys either a king size or super kingsize bed, along with daybeds and sofa beds.
• Onsite facilities include a large BBQ hut, children's play area, cooking cabin and private luxury shower and toilet.

Prices from £118/night

 Beaumont's Hideaway 1-6

Gorgeous yurt with wood burning hot tub near the Peak District offers a fabulous break for couples or families.

Staffordshire, England

• Traditional Mongolian Yurt with private hot tub sleeps 6 guests in a double bed and up to 4 days beds near Anslow.
• The yurt is off grid but has a wood burning stove for warmth and light as well as seating, a dining area and a 2 ring gas hob.
• Outside you can enjoy cooking on the BBQ or if you prefer you can use the modern facilities in the cooking cabin.

Prices from £135/night

 Willow Canvas Cottage 1-5

Amazing two storey canvas yurt for up to 5 guests, with own garden area, outdoor seating and hot tub. In country setting near Lewes.

East Sussex, England

• Unique yurt like cottage all the way from America offer you a wonderful way to enjoy glamping with all mod cons near Horam and the High Weald.
• Sleeping up to 5 guests (2 adults and 3 children or 4 adults) there is a ground floor superking bedroom and gallery level with 3 single beds (or extra superking bed).

See all glamping breaks with a hot tub

Book your getaway today and start relaxing now!

-Louise, Content Editor at QuirkyAccom

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