London glamping breaks
Looking to explore London and its surrounding countryside on the same break? Perhaps you’re looking to get a taste of the inner city without being totally immersed in its bright lights and sounds? Glamping in London is an excellent way to set up a memorable break, mixing up the adventure of an outdoor holiday with the comfort of a hotel stay.
Whether you’re burrowed down among scenic views in a rental tent in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or relaxing in a shepherd’s hut a short journey from London’s many historical attractions, glamping sites are as varied as they are relaxing, and many are very well located too.
There are palaces, historic buildings, family attractions and museums scattered all around Greater London, so it's worth checking out the outer corners as well as using public tranport to hit the city centre. Staying on the outskirts also means it'll be easy to get your theme park fix or head out for a hike in the hills.
Where you should stay in London
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If your London glamping getaway includes bringing the family, you might want to park yourself somewhere in Chessington. With the Chessington World of Adventures Resort and other attractions nearby such as the Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park, there are plenty of ways to entertain mini family members. Consider giving your break an extra excitement factor with a base such as a yurt, tipi, bell tent, dome or wigwam and look out for kid-friendly features such as firepits or a play area.
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Bringing your dog on your city break? Check out dog-friendly glamping sites with easy access to city parks or walks in the hills. A good option is a Sidcup glamping site, where you have the option of dog walks over the Five Arches Bridge in Foots Cray Meadows or heading out onto the trails of the Surrey Hills. Look out for a lodge or log cabin with a deck to make wiping down muddy paws easier before you get inside the accommodation.
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Those travelling for major sports fixtures or music events can set up a fabulous break at a glamping site in Wembley. You might fancy an adults-only glamping site if you’re leaving the kids behind, and maybe you'd like to hire a caravan for kitchen facilities that will help keep food costs down?
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Romantic London city break? Forget the boxy and overpriced hotel room – glamping is a great way to find somewhere special to set the scene. A cute little shepherd’s hut is a prime example, as they provide a cosy base for two and have features like firepits, barbecues or ensuite bathrooms.
What you can do in London
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Take a tour of London’s many museums and galleries. Whether you check out the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, peruse the paintings at Tate Britain or take in world history in the British Museum and Natural History Museum, there’s plenty to learn about and admire.
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Foodies will certainly want to hit Borough Market’s varied food stalls. Use it to pack a picnic for a walk in Hyde Park, then track down one of the city’s characterful cocktail bars or traditional pubs or go for afternoon tea in a smart hotel like the Ritz.
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Tick off some of the city’s biggest monuments, including the Queen’s home at Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and London Eye are among the other famous spots to include on your tour.
Here’s how
There are many different types of glamping, so you'll need to decide which one fits your needs best. For a more luxurious version of a classic tent break, try out glamping in a bell tent. Shepherd’s huts are a smaller, compact version of a lodge, but both options provide greater privacy, more home-like features and a more solid construction that makes them good picks for stays outside of the summer months.
To find the place for you, play around with Pitchup’s easy-to-use filters, which will narrow down specific features and sites that are suitable for families, dogs and couples. If you'd like to make day trips to London part of your countryside break, browse collections of glamping sites across Kent and East Sussex, which have good transport links to the city.
