Camping season is upon us and while it's glorious for our mind, body and soul to get out in nature, sometimes the actual sleeping-in-a-tent with no amenities isn't as fun as it sounds. The solution? Glamping.
All the nature and benefits of camping with a hint of luxury. And here in Wales we are pretty fortunate to have some utterly incredible and jaw-dropping stays that'll allow you to sleep under the starry skies, wake up to birds chirping and fully embrace the deliciousness of Wales' green landscape and coast - all whilst being able to enjoy a hot shower and oven-cooked food and even sometimes a hot tub.
From amazing, hand-crafted treehouses that'll make Peter Pan jealous to converted Army trucks and wooden cabins complete with stargazing spots, we've rounded up some of the country's most idyllic, unique and otherworldly places to stay in the wilderness that'll truly help you unwind and get into the 'staycation' spirit. For more what's on stories, sign up for our newsletter here.
Read more:The beautiful Welsh locations named among the best in the UK for avoiding the crowds
Big Daf
Sleeps: Two adults and two children
Where: Usk
This quirky converted Army truck is perfect for those looking to enjoy a unique holiday experience that is both impressive on the inside and the outside. With dark, camo-styled interiors and dark tones, this hideaway is pretty cosy and has everything you could need for a relaxing holiday. A sofa, television, kitchenette, bathroom and even, just paces away from the van, a wood-fired hot tub.
The location is stunning too. With fields surrounding the site, you can enjoy action-packed days walking, swimming, canoeing, and fishing the breathtaking waterways of the Usk and Wye.
For more information, see here.
Taurus Stargazing Geodome
Sleeps: 2
Where: Pembrokeshire
This stargazing tent in the heart of Pembrokeshire, just minutes from Newgale Beach, Haverfordwest and St Davids, allows you to totally soak up nature and switch off. The Stargazing Geodome, called Taurus, encourages you to get back to nature and doesn't have a television but instead a stunning view of the Welsh countryside to wake up to after a relaxing sleep in the pod. If you are desperate for some connection to the rest of the world, there is wifi..
Set in a large green field with pebble paths leading up to it, the dome has all you need in one large room with geometric shaped windows through which to watch the sunrise and sunset exquisitely. In the room you'll find a large, comfortable double bed, a dining table, sofa, and kitchenette that comes complete with a combi oven and hob, kettle, sink and various other amenities that'll allow you to prepare a meal to enjoy either inside in front of the large window out to the fields or al fresco as you warm your toes by the crackling firepit.
In the evening, settle down in the wood-fired hot tub with a wine in hand and relax as the only sounds around you will be that of birds chirping and farm animals in the distance: bliss.
For more information, see here.
Wood Shack
Sleeps: 2
Where: Abergavenny
Originally a writer's cabin, the book 'The Man Who Made Things out of Trees' saw owner Rob cut down a native ash tree to discover just how many things could be made from it. Many of the things made can be found within the structure of the Wood Shack today.
The outside space is fantastic and includes a huge oak deck for lazing and lounging and there is also the relaxing hammock by the stream. Inside the shack, there's a cosy sofa for two, nestled by the wood-burning stove and the kitchen has been handbuilt.
The bedroom has a proper double bed. There is also a proper shower with hot and cold running water, as well as a basin and loo, with towels and soap included.
For more information, see here.
Island Hide
Sleeps: 2 adults + 1 dog
Where: Pentre Berw, Anglesey
Set in a beautiful spot overlooking the RSPB Cors Ddyga Wetlands Reserve, this beautiful extended shepherd's hut situated on a working farm is an ideal 'bohemian hideaway' and sounds like a pretty romantic place to spend a weekend away.
Decked out with a living room, kitchen dining and sleeping area - as well as a wood burner to warm your toes after a long walk - the shepherds hut offers a quaint veranda on which to enjoy a hot morning coffee while looking out on the views - and resident alpacas on the farm.
During your stay, you wouldn't go wrong in spending a day exploring the Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris Castle and Pier or Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens.
Later, refuel with a BBQ on the campfire and cosy up next to the firepit - or take a dip in the wood-fired hot tub - before sleeping soundly in the cosy double bed.
For more information, see here.
Melin Mabes
Sleeps: 2 + dog
Where: Pembrokeshire
Experience the simple life at Melin Mabes in Pembrokeshire with this traditional 150-year-old caravan located near the pretty town in Narbeth. This rustic retreat is the perfect romantic accommodation for couples as you snuggle up in the authentic fairytale Romani vardo. This super pretty caravan sleeps two adults in a double bed amongst luxury bedding. There is also a wood-burning stove inside to keep you warm throughout those autumn nights.
It's got a private kitchen area outside, too, with a pizza oven that'll help elevate your date night dinner before hopping in the hot tub - which has a retractable stargazing roof.
With no TV inside the caravan - simply twinkly fairylights and a reading lamp, it's an idyllic place to switch off and detox from the world for a little while.
For more information, see here.
Nantsiriol Yurt
Sleeps: 2
Where: Aberystwyth
Camping with a touch of glamour; it doesn't get more luxurious than on this Welsh glamping site. Sleeping in a beautifully finished traditional Mongolian yurt, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of not only a stunning wooden tent, but one which has underfloor heating, a super-king-size bed, a sofa, a private hot tub, and stunning mountain views.
Just a few paces from where you'll be resting your head is a private dining and kitchen area as well as a private shower room.
Set in serene surroundings, it's a romantic haven for two. For activities during the day, take a trip to Clarach Bay and head out on the coastal path or head into the picturesque town of Aberystwyth to shop, dine out and go on an adventure on the cliff railway.
For more information, see here.
Wigwam holidays Hafren
Sleeps: 2
Where: Staylittle
With six luxurious en-suite Wigwam Cabins on a working farm in Staylittle, glampers will be able to get a good night's rest under the clear Welsh skies before exploring the Cambrian Mountains area for a weekend full of hiking and trails, as well as incredible stargazing.
Each glamping pod has its own outdoor private dining area with a picnic bench and lovely views across the countryside's vast fields and provides the perfect spot to unwind with a wine or two as the sun goes down over the mountain backdrop.
The snug cabins are fitted with a bathroom and some kitchen facilities and come with everything you need for an autumn glamping break.
They also offer special 'Stargazing Weekends' that are packed with astronomical observation and astrophotography.
For more information, see here
Dove Lodge
Sleeps: 6 + 1 dog
Where: Talybont-on-Usk
This stunning safari lodge is a step up from a pop up tent and comes with a fitted kitchen, private bathroom and proper beds! With a wooden veranda surrounding the lodge, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner al fresco before enjoying an evening inside the open plan living area or around the fire pit with a glass of bubbly or lounging in the wood-fired hot tub.
Freshen up with a shower in the property's self contained pitch pod before you don your walking boots and head to Talybont resevoir or even Pen Y Fan. For keen cyclists, the Talybont Forest cycle trail is on your doorstep.
With several acitivites on site, from rowing on the lake, taking a dip in the wildlife pond to helping feed the chickens, it's bliss for adults and kids combined.
For more information, see here.
Red Kite Tree Tent
Sleeps: 2
Where: Powys
If you want to stay somewhere that gets you off-grid and close to nature then these canopy pods, which are a cross between a tent and a tree-house, surely tick the box.
It is a spherical canvas structure suspended by high-tensile wires and rope is magically cocooned in the trees of a tranquil and private forest. The clever interior design comfortably accommodates two adults and even has a (fully fire-proofed) log burning stove. The double bed, with the potential for a beautiful view from the side window, folds away to make a sofa.
Plus, there is electric - via solar power. And just outside the tent - across the drawbridge - is an outdoor kitchen complete with gas hob and cooking equipment. To freshen up, take a shower in the wilderness as, also found on the quaint decking, is your own shower cabin - don't worry, the water is hot. Down by the stream, you'll find a fire pit or BBQ.
For more information, see here.
A Woodland Hideaway
Sleeps: 2 + 1 dog
Where: Hay-on-Wye
Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this tiny home in the middle of a woodland within the foothills of the Black Mountains is cool, contemporary and a haven in which to recharge, unwind and get back to nature - without having to give up your comfort.
Situated on a farm on the Herefordshire/Wales border, this open plan cabin is a perfect base for exploring the likes of the Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, Offa's Dyke Path and the renowned book town of Hay-on-Wye. You don't even have to go that far for adventure, either, as around the hideaway you'll find 300 acres of wood and farmland to explore.
While the dwellings are simple, with a kitchen, living area, shower room and bed, the views from the patios doors and raised terrace are utterly breathtaking and can be enjoyed with a coffee in the morning or by the firepit at night while you gaze at the stars in the sky.
For more information, see here.
Camp Cynrig
Sleeps: 2 - 4 people
Where: Powys
This glamping site in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog is just minutes from the foothills of Pen-y-Fan. Take a lazy walk following the river upstream or stroll the two minutes to Cantref Adventure Farm.
Camp Cynrig's Bell Tents (with private Shepherds Hut Kitchenette that include table and chairs, sofa bed cool box and a gas camping stove) are set apart from each other in a luscious green field, bordered by the river Cynrig in a quiet and peaceful area. There is a toilet and shower block but, slightly more akin to camping, you need to bring your own bedding.
Outside, you'll find a bbq and campfire area with seating and hammocks - so what are you waiting for?! Pack up the car and get glamping!
For more information, see here.
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