Glamping in Wales
For a country with such an association with legends from long ago, dragons are, unfortunately, few and far between while glamping in Wales. But what this culture-packed principality lacks in fire-breathing beasts, it more than makes up for with your pick of all the ancient sights, myth-making landscapes and postcard-pretty towns you could possibly fit into a short break.
And that’s if adventuring is even on the agenda. Glampsites in Wales are loaded with swish amenities, from steaming hot tubs to kitted-out kitchens, so no one could blame you for staying put at your posh pitch the whole hol long…
With that in mind, here’s what’s in store for you while on a glamping trip to Wales.
Glamping in Wales: from chic shepherd’s huts to rustic cabins
With just three million people to share the lush landscapes with, Wales is a first-rate choice for a break away from the crowds. Book yourself a bolthole in the Brecon Beacons, a hideaway in Hereford or an escape to the Elan valley – topnotch glampsites are in every corner of Cymru (that’s ‘Wales’ for those who haven’t invested in their Anglo-Welsh dictionary yet).
When it comes to choosing which type of accommodation to go for, offbeat options are all around. Tipis, yurts and bell tents in Wales transport guests to destinations that feel further away, while gypsy caravans and shepherd’s huts have an quirky feel. Many spots are pet-friendly, so you can even go glamping in Wales with the dogs.
Keen to cut down on your carbon footprint? Browse sites with eco credentials – think compost loos, LPG showers and biodegradable bathroom products. Picking a place where the wilderness is your back garden, so you can ditch the car and have a weekend of wandering on foot, also helps keep things environmentally conscious.
The facilities to expect at glampsites in Wales
Glamorous + camping = glamping, so you’re in for a plush trip when staying at a glampsite in Wales. But forget setting up the tent and bringing the barbecue: these parks provide the accommodation for you – whether a cosy pod or a spacious bell tent – and all sorts of other extras besides. Grab the essentials, jump in the car and speed towards the spot of your choice after booking your base (but be sure to check the Ts and Cs to avoid leaving anything important at home).
Many units also come with underfloor heating, swanky ensuites and well-equipped kitchenettes, while others have woodburning stoves to cwtch (cuddle up) next to. In terms of outside space, keep an eye out for a private patio for swooning over the sunset – cwrw (beer) in hand – after trips trekking up the mighty peak of Cadair Idris or strolling cliffside on the Gower’s coastal path.
Want to dial up the decadence a touch more? Go glamping in Wales with hot tub access to a personal hot tub overlooking spectacular scenery (and don’t forget to bring the bubbly for a glass as you soak…).
With prices starting at just over a fiver a night for two people, there’s sure to be enough cash left over for a bottle of champagne. Cheers (or iechyd dda, as they say in Wales…)
Where to stay while glamping in Wales
It’s all about getting deep into the countryside while on a trip here. Skip around the nation’s three national parks for a varied slice of Welsh life – there’s the Brecon Beacons in the south for gentle walks, the Pembrokeshire coast to the west for spectacular sandy beaches, and Snowdon in the north for some of the best trekking in the UK.
You could also nest in a glamping site at an under-the-radar spot – maybe near the moorland-covered mountains of mid-Wales or the near-empty beaches close to Llantwit Major in the south east?
If you’re over in England, breach the border for a break in the book-loving town of Hay-on-Wye – it’s famed for its literary festival – or commandeer a kayak and paddle through the rushing river in the Wye valley.
Must-see sightseeing spots when glamping in Wales
Heading on a glamping trip to north Wales? This part of the country is home to the grand castles of Conwy and Caernarfon – just two of the 600 or so structures of this sort still intact in the nation – as well as the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno and the wild beaches on the Llyn Peninsula. There’s also the isle of Anglesey with its hidden coves and the multicoloured trails of an old Roman copper mine.
West is best if the kids are in tow – Tenby’s a tiptop spot for the tiddlers thanks to sweeping sandy beaches with plenty of room for castle-building and rounders-playing, while Oakwood Theme Park’s rollercoasters and Folly Farm’s animals are major draws for younger travellers too.
Going glamping in Wales by the sea? Chuck Barafundle Bay on the itinerary for a west Wales location that regularly appears on round-ups of the world’s top stretches of sand, or seek out the surf in Freshwater West if you raring to ride the waves.
A stint in south Wales equals ventures to the Victorian arcades of Cardiff – for browsing at independent boutique like Spillers, the world’s oldest record store – and the brand-name shops at the gleaming St David’s centre. There’s also the city’s Gothic Revival castle (yep, yet another castle…) and the sprawling grassland of massive Bute Park.
If you’re on a tour of the British Isles, check out our glampsites in England and Scotland too.
