10 Best Glamping Spots by the Sea

A 45-minute ferry trip from the Irish mainland, Chléire Haven promises an adventurous break on an island strewn with wildflowers and ancient monuments. Standing on the edge of Cape Clear Island’s South Harbour, the glampsite is within earshot of the Atlantic. All yurts are furnished with beds, bean bags, a small kitchen plus a log-burning stove, and have a window in the roof for stargazing at night. Also available are large bell tents. Enjoy the myriad water-based activities here – from snorkelling and kayaking to whale and dolphin-watching. Yurts sleep from 2-6; from €100pp for a week, based on 6 sharing (+353 86 1971956, yurt-holidays-ireland.com).

On the Lizard Peninsula, two large safari tents called Hobie and Woody stand in 12 acres of wildflower meadows with views across hills out to sea. Suitable for families, both are kitted out in a rough-luxe style – each with an en-suite double shower/wet room, woodburning stove, comfy beds with proper mattresses and design-conscious touches such as Robin Day dining chairs and apple crate storage. Also on site is an honesty shop stocking local produce, plus plenty of wild play opportunities for children. Safari tents sleep 6, from £11pp, per night (01736 230 147, https://uniquehideaways.com/).

Carole and Matthew Short renovated a run-down 1930s passenger van to create their glamping Coastal Carriage, which looks out over the Moray Firth from their Aberdeenshire farm. Incorporating a bush shower and compost WC, it offers an off-grid escape, and a chance to spot dolphins offshore. Further accommodation options include a Harvest Hut and two cylindrical High Seas Hobbits, sleeping 3 and 4 respectively. Coastal Carriage sleeps 2 (plus 1 small child), £75pn; Harvest Hut, £75pn; Hobbits £55pn (07954 989737, downonthefarm.net).

Just inland from the ancient Cinque Port of Rye, Swallowtail Hill offers a range of glamping places to stay, including two crooked cottages, reminiscent of a Grimm fairytale. Hand-built by local craftsmen using timber sourced from nearby woods, the Meadow Keeper’s and Woodcutter’s Cottages are rustic in appearance. Inside is a cooking range, log burner, a double bed and two singles. A private log-fired shower is to the side, while a compost WC is nearby. Kids will enjoy feeding animals on this family-run farm or dune-jumping on Camber Sands. Cottages sleep 2 (with space for 2 children); from £102pn (0117 2047830, canopyandstars.co.uk).

Lottie, an upcycled truck, is stationed outside the pretty village of Solva on the Welsh coast, providing a cosy place to stay. The interior has been clad in timber, and has a kitchenette, double bed over the cab and Welsh blankets. Pristine hot showers and WCs are in a separate building close by. Explore the nearby beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and historic St Davids city. Sleeps 2, plus space for 1 child, from £60pn – two-night minimum stay (01348 830922, qualityunearthed.co.uk).

Accessible via a rough path and floating bridge, this tiny island off Scotland’s west coast is inhabited only by Ian and Jess McWhinney, who run three self-catering properties. The newest is the Badachro Bothy and Camping Barrel – a simple timber cabin plus a unique sleeping space in a wooden cylinder next door. While there be sure to book a place on one of Ian’s Shellfish Safaris aboard his traditional working fishing boat. The Badachro Bothy and Camping Barrel sleeps 4 adults, or 2 adults plus 3 children, from £35pp, pn (01445 741263, dryisland.co.uk; coolcamping.com).

Close to the Atlantic’s surfing beaches, Loveland Farm is a sustainable eco-retreat. The five dome-shaped glamping Pods share a hip yet laidback aesthetic. Decorated with vibrant colours and witty details (the family-friendly Eden Pod has a vintage football table), all have private showers, eco loos and kitchens. The animals, including two water buffalo, are also fun for kids to see. Two of the Pods, Hartland and Welcombe, are dog-friendly – as are the Tipis (sleeping 2-4). Welcome hampers, handmade pizzas and home-reared roasts can be pre-ordered. Pods sleep 2-6; from £150pn, two-night minimum stay (01237 441894, lovelandfarmcamping.co.uk).

Open since New Year’s Eve 2017, The Treehouse at Dale Farm is a romantic bolthole for grown-ups equipped with a seriously cool outdoor kitchen and a dining deck affording views of the wooded countryside. The interior space is generous, with a double bedroom, shower room, living room set around a wood-burning stove plus electric sockets and lighting. A private WC is downstairs. Dotted around the farm, run by Liz and Paul Halliday, you’ll find pieces of art by Paul, a sculptor who works mainly in steel. Sleeps 2, £100pn, 2-night minimum stay – and if you stay 4 nights you will get a night free (01723 890175, dalefarmholidays.co.uk).

This pretty shepherd’s hut was first opened last spring by owner Zoe Dunford. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Blue Skies campsite, it has an en-suite shower and WC plus built-in kitchenette. In the secluded garden space, guests can make use of the barbecue and deckchairs, while watching the sun go down. Zoe’s cherry-red beach hut, The Den, is also available for hire during your stay. ‘What I think makes Wells special,’ says Zoe, ‘is that you can buy great coffee and enjoy shopping in town, but only a short walk away find complete solitude, remote beaches and abundant wildlife.’ Sleeps 2, from £65pn (07786 303597, hutnextthesea.co.uk).

Graig Wen’s 40-acre site overlooks the Mawddach Estuary. ‘You can walk or cycle three miles along the off-road Mawddach Trail to our nearest beach,’ says owner Sarah Heyworth. The year-round choice of glamping experiences varies with the season – from now until October, stay in one of three yurts or a Welsh Caban in a secluded silver birch glade. In summer, you can also go wild glamping in a bell tent or pop-up yurt. Families and couples will delight in chic details: sheepskins, log-burners and, in the Large Yurt, a king-sized bed. Sleeps 2-5; from £60pn for a minimum two-night stay (01341 250482, graigwen.co.uk).