Family Glamping; the best quirky, wild and adventurous holidays
Can a family holiday in the UK be wild and adventurous but have a splash of luxury at the same time? Yes, it can! Glamping is ideal for families who want to explore the great outdoors and run a little wild, whilst also enjoying some holiday comforts.
But with so many options now available, finding the best family glamping holiday for you and the kids can be overwhelming and confusing.
Luckily, there’s a little secret that may help with your holiday decision conundrums. Unique Hideaways have a catalogue of some of the coolest family glamping locations across the UK.
From glamping in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset right across to Wales, Cumbria and Dorset; from glamorous yurts to quirky houseboats and hidden woodland cabins, these are some of the funkiest and exciting places for your family holiday.
Here we share our 5 favourite wild and adventurous family glamping holidays;
1. Henrosa, near Bude, Cornwall
As far as family glamping in Cornwall goes, you can’t get much better! Henrosa is one of those pinch-yourself holiday locations where it feels just too good to be true. A blend of colourful interiors and cosy features, the cabin has a really welcoming feel. With plenty of space, the kids (and the dog) will be bouncing around with joy as soon as you arrive.
Open up the massive patio doors and let the outside in. There are views stretching out across the Cornish countryside, but the kids won’t be interested in that… they’ll be more excited about the outdoor firepit zone, the hot tub and ‘when can we go to the beach?’
Glamping in Cornwall
The north Cornish coastline is mind-blowingly beautiful and this is a great base to explore it from. Walk along the footpath into Marhamchurch for an ice cream from the village shop or continue along to Bude to explore the beach or have a go at surfing. There are so many incredible beaches along this stretch of coastline, many with hidden caves, sea stacks and rock arches that you’ll be spoilt for adventure choice each day!
Family Glamping Activities: What to do at Henrosa
- Mini Adventure: Watch the sunset
Henrosa has an incredible view which is perfect for enjoying the sunset. Light the firepit and sit back to enjoy the colours of the setting sun whilst you play cards and talk about the day’s adventures. You could even try cooking some campfire Bannocks with chocolate chips as an evening treat. This is dreamy family glamping at it’s best.
- Explore Local: Sandymouth Beach
One of our all-time favourite beaches, a visit to Sandymouth is a must! There are rock pools to explore, waves to splash in, lifeguards on duty and even a National Trust café for an ice cream. Whilst you’re there, wander along the coast path to enjoy some fantastic views.
Whilst you’re in Bude, have a go at surfing with the kids. Lessons can be booked through Free Wave Surf Academy
2. Mistery 2 Houseboat, near Falmouth, Cornwall
Ahoy me hearties! Have you ever wanted to stay on a boat? Now’s your chance! There’s no denying the charm of this Cornish family glamping houseboat near Falmouth. Watch the kid’s excitement levels rise when they realise they’ll be sleeping in a cabin with port windows!
The houseboat is quirky and fun with many of the renovation features celebrating Cornwall’s maritime history. Have breakfast around the Captain’s table or head out into the garden to explore the quay or sit around the impressive firepit.
Glamping near Falmouth
There are 2 acres to run wild in and direct river access for a paddle boarding or kayaking adventure (depending on tide times). Can you make it all the way to the Pandora Inn at Mylor Bridge? Don’t forget to take a bucket and line for crabbing off the pub’s slipway.
A trip to nearby Falmouth is a must, home to the Cornish Maritime Museum (my boy’s favourite place to visit) and some great pubs. It also hosts the International Sea Shanty Festival each June.
Family Glamping Activities: What to do at Mistery 2
- Mini-Adventure: Tidal Explorers
The River Kennall is tidal and it’s fascinating to watch the landscape around Mistery 2 transform across the day. When the tide is low, see who your wild neighbours are; crabs, shellfish and frogs, insects and butterflies may all be there. When the tide comes in, notice what has changed. Look for birds, fish, a passing whale (maybe just in the children’s dreams…!) There are also six seagull sculptures to spot during your stay.
- Explore local: Maenporth Beach
Maenporth is a brilliant family beach. Build sandcastles, explore rock pools, splash in the waves. The adventurous might want to clamber over the rocks at low tide to find hidden caves or see the remains of the old shipwreck (details of the accident are on display at the Maritime Museum). Walk the coast path to Swanpool to the north or the wild Rosemullion head to the south. Grab an ice cream from the café or if it’s getting late, a pizza for dinner!
If you’d like to get out on the water, hire kayaks, paddle boards or surfboards from Falmouth Surf School. You could even book a lesson or session with them
3. Poppy Yurt, Dartmouth, Devon
Luxurious? Yes. Wild? Yes!
Quite simply, Poppy Yurt is a very cool place for a family glamping holiday in Devon for those looking for adventure! The children get their very own bunkbed snug, whilst the adults sleep beneath the Yurt’s Toono window.
Cook outdoors on the large decking and enjoy the views of this wild space. You can even have your own Swallows and Amazons experience, exploring the lake in a rowing boat (adult supervision required of course). The land around Poppy Yurt is the real draw for adventurous children. There are chickens, bee hives and a few livestock to meet. There are trees to climb, butterflies to catch in the meadow, and orchards to explore.
Glamping in Devon
If you manage to tear the children away, this is also a great base for discovering the wider area. Dartmouth, Salcombe and Totnes are all nearby with beautiful local sandy beaches, as well as the wilds of Dartmoor to the North West.
Family Glamping Activities: What to do at Poppy Yurt
- Mini Adventure: Find the hidden den
With so much wild space to explore, this is perfect den building territory. Ask the kids to venture out and build their very own den in a secret location. This can take hours so you may be forced to relax on the decking with a coffee or a glass of wine. Once complete, the kids need to set up a stick trail to lead you to their secret den. Place sticks on the ground in the shape of arrows to guide the way. Will you find their secret hideout?
- Explore Local: Hound Tor, Dartmoor
The beaches around the South Devon coast are wonderful. There are also lots of beautiful streams and rivers to explore, but the wilds of Dartmoor are definitely worth exploring.
Head to Hound Tor to explore the wonderful granite rock formations. How high do you dare to climb? We like to play hide and seek on the rocks; the children can squeeze into all sorts of tiny caverns making the search very difficult! Book into a rock climbing or weaselling experience with the fantastic Crag 2 Mountain for a full experience.
4. Y Berllan Hideaway, Pembrokeshire, Wales
A rustic woodland retreat with a beautiful beach a short walk away, Y Berllan Hideaway is a great holiday base for exploring Pembrokeshire’s north coast with the kids. The cabin is cosy with a wood burner for the cooler welsh evenings, or gather round the fire pit in the garden to watch the stars and share stories from the day. There’s no wifi or phone signal here so a great excuse to switch off from all devices!
Glamping in Pembrokeshire
The real treat in this family glamping holiday is the location. This northernmost point of Pembrokeshire feels less crowded than the southern side but no less appealing. From the cabin, walk straight out onto the coast path and head north for Dinas Head or south to the pretty town of Fishguard. Pwllgwaelod beach is a short stroll away with a very nice little pub to relax with a pint and an ice cream for the kids. We enjoyed walking around Dinas Head and watching the sea bird colonies on the rock stacks.
Family Glamping Activities: What to do at Y Berllan Hideaway
- Mini Adventure: Rock Pooling and seal spotting
With the coastline so close to the cabin, it’s the perfect place for a seaside mini-adventure. Walk along the coast path to Pwllgwaelod beach with a pair of binoculars to spot seals bathing and puffins flying out at sea… maybe even a dolphin! Check tide times and arrive at the beach at low tide to explore the rock pools. What can you see? Colourful anemones, scuttling crabs, scampering shrimps or maybe even a star fish?
- Explore Local: Everywhere!
There’s so much to explore locally! From the wonderful Ty Canol woods with ancient gnarled trees and moss-covered stones right out of a fairy tale to nearby Pentre Ifan burial chamber – Stonehenge eat your heart out. Newport is a bustling little town with lots of great places to eat. For adventurous sea swimmers, there’s the mysterious Witches Cauldron and Ceibwr Bay or the infamous Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy (most will likely prefer just watching the jumpers leaping from the highest ledge). You can go on an organised coasteering trip with Muuk Adventures.
5. The Hideout, Herefordshire
Sometimes all the magic you need for the perfect family glamping holiday is right there, in your own woodland hideaway. Such is the case at The Hideout, near Hereford. This is a place for adventure and to run wild right from your doorstep… or tent step.
For me, the Hideout is proper glamping. Comprised of an army safari tent, a tipi and an air raid shelter this is a glamping holiday that’s fun, completely unique and probably a little more glamorous than its original military days. The kids have their own bedroom tipi (small distance to the main tent) whilst the adults can enjoy the luxurious army safari tent, complete with wood burning stove for cosy evenings in. The air raid shelter shower even has a transparent roof so you can look up to the canopy whilst enjoying a warm shower. The military style kitchen and recycled army equipment are a fun touch which the kids will love.
But the best bit? The wood fired hot tub. No horrible chemicals or electric jets, this is a dreamy woodland hot tub nestled amongst the trees. The Hideout has no wifi, no signal and is completely off grid, so sit back and enjoy the wild!
Family Glamping Activities: What to do at The Hideout
- Mini Adventure: Wands, Quidditch and a little bit of magic
Hidden amongst the trees, the Hideout is the perfect spot for some magical mini-adventures. Search amongst the sticks on the ground for a magic wand… your wand should be about the length of your forearm and you should feel a magical spark when you pick it up… the wand chooses the wizard after all. Now get ready to cast some magical spells. Perhaps you can find a larger stick that you can ride on? Harry Potter fans could organise a game of Quidditch in the woods, charging through the trees on your broomsticks.
- Explore local: River Wye
This is a great base for exploring the beautiful River Wye. Hay-on-Wye is well worth a visit with its amazing bookshops and cafes. The Sturts South nature reserve is also local. Buzzing with wildlife, this reserve acts as a winter flood plain for the Wye but in Spring is alive with wild flowers and butterflies. Further downstream is the village of Symonds Yat which has the most fantastic views along the Wye. In summer it’s fun to cross the river on the rope ferry, or stroll over the wobbly Biblins bridge. Hire a kayak from Want to Canoe? and have a dreamy river adventure!
*This blog is sponsored by Unique Hideaways. Each of these awesome locations has been personally chosen by Go Wild Go West because they offer the type of family holiday we love; wild, adventurous and quirky!