If you last tried camping in 1985 and were put off by leaky tents, mud, lack of washing facilities (or indeed any facilities), uncomfortable sleeping bags or any one of a wide range of snags ready to trip up the unadventurous traveller, then glamping could be for you.
Glamping is ‘glamorous camping’, and it’s aimed at those people who’d rather not tussle with recalcitrant tents in a force nine gale then eat cold baked beans for supper, thank you very much.
Glamping takes place in more permanent accommodation, such as a tent, yurt, gypsy caravan, pod, igloo, hut, cabin, teepee or treehouse. Facilities might be basic, but they’ll exist, along with hot and cold running water and somewhere to cook.
Glamping is designed for those of us who like the idea of getting out into the great outdoors and getting up close and personal with nature, but still want somewhere to have a hot shower. As a genre, it’s taken off very fast with many festivals now offering glamping sections alongside traditional tent pitches.
If you’re planning to try it out this summer, here are a few ideas for essentials to pack (and that doesn’t include battered enamel mugs, spirit lamps or damp towels).
Rust red waterproof picnic blanket, The British Blanket Company
This luxury picnic rug, made in Wales with a 100% wool top, is the perfect companion for a refined adventure. Sit comfortably on this pure wool blanket in rust red and cream, knowing you’re protected from damp ground by the durable waterproof canvas backing. It’s also ideal for putting across your knees if it’s not quite cold enough to light the wood burning stove. £99, available from the British Blanket Company.
Embroidered Suzani Pouf Seat Cushion in yellow, Boutique Camping
Forget camping stools – seasoned glampers travel with their own Eastern-inspired seats, perfect for adding a touch of colour to your accommodation. Available in a range of bright shades, these fun Eastern inspired pompom cushions will brighten up any camping space. Mix and match with a variety of colours and design for an eclectic look. Was £39, now £29.25, available from Boutique Camping.
Melamine cup with dusty lavender flower print, Rice DK
Perfect for picnics, parties and colourful place settings for everyday, these fun, functional and funky colourful cups are dishwasher safe and won’t mind being slung in the boot of the car when you’ve finished with them. They also stack up to save space, both for travelling and when you reach your accommodation. £5 each, available from Sisters Guild.
Set of six ‘silver’ plastic wine glasses, The Contemporary Home
If you fancy the glamour of a beautiful silver edged wine glass but don’t want the breakages, these are the answer! Whether you’re glamping or having a special garden party, these glasses won’t let you down. Sold in a set of six, they’re not your average plastic wine glasses. With silver rims and bases, they’ll give you all the advantages of being plastic and disposable without compromising on style. £6.50 for a set of six, available from The Contemporary Home.
‘Spikers’ bottle and two glass holder, The Garden House
No more spilled drinks when you’re watching the sun go down with this clever idea. These bottle and glass holders will save your drinks from toppling over – just push the spikes into the ground and place your glasses in the top to have everything at your fingertips. £24.95, available from The Garden House.
Now all you need is a picnic hamper of smoked salmon, Champagne, Belgian chocolate truffles and some linen napkins – and don’t forget to turn your mobile phone off for the weekend. Happy glamping!
Glamping has my name all over it! Sign me up!!!
I love camping but have always wanted to do it in a comfortable way! There are so many good things around now, I love those silver rimmed plastic wine glasses!
Loving the wine holders, very cool! My friend keeps pestering me to give glamping a go, I’ve not given in yet but it is certainly more appealing to me than camping!