How to camp if you hate tents – glamping for families

For someone who has often said she’s not a fan of camping, I seem to be more and more of it as I test out some of Europe’s best glamping for families, from the lodges at Warwick Castle to my trip to Costa Barcelona, glamping on the border of Wales as well as luxury glamping in Shropshire and glamping domes in Kent.

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So what changed my mind? Camping that comes with its own bathroom. I’ve always liked a lot of camping’s attractions – being outside, enjoying the countryside, watching the sun set over a campfire and sitting under the stars.

I spent much of my childhood camping: as a Girl Guide, pitching the traditional canvas tents and tying knots (all of which I have forgotten) and with my parents in significantly more comfortable pre-erected Eurocamp tents with beds… It didn’t take long for me to realise I’m more about the luxury camping holidays than the traditional sort.

Because what I don’t like is blundering about in the dark with a head torch, trying to find the toilet. Or communal showers. Especially with a small child.

Been there, done that, vowed to avoid it as much as possible. And let’s not get me on to blow-up mattresses that slowly deflate in the night. But glamping? Now that’s rather different – bring on the tent alternatives!

Of course, not all glamping is the same. Proper beds and wood burners are wonderful (especially outside of summer) but if there’s no en suite, you’re back in head torch territory.

So with the explosion of different types of glamping, here’s how to camp if you hate tents…

Glamping tents

If you don’t feel like it’s proper camping unless you’re in a tent, there are still ways to stick with canvas but have a luxury camping experience.

Yurts and bell tents have been popping up everywhere and they can be a great option when you’re looking at glamping for families, with lots of space, proper beds, their own toilet (sometimes even a shower) and some fabulously decorated interiors.

Our stay at one of the Persian alachigh tents at Penhein is a great example, and even more spacious than a yurt, as were bell tents at Hopton Court in Shropshire (with a private bathroom, although that was a short walk away).

I’ve even come across souped up wigwams – insulated, heated, with a double-glazed window and memory foam on the beds, these are wigwams but not as you know them.

Safari tents

Yes, it’s canvas but with a difference. After all, you wouldn’t want to wander around outside if there actually were lions – not all safari tents have their own en-suite but you’ll usually find a bathroom and toilet facilities included. Plus zebra-themed decor if you’re lucky.

Inspired by the original versions from the African bush, they’re usually a great option if you want kitchen facilities as well.

These are luxury camping holidays after all, so many have their own fridge, some even come with a freezer to keep your ice cream and sundowner ingredients cool…

Cabins, lodges & treehouses

A move away from traditional tents but there’s plenty of choice when it comes to staying in a wooden lodge – check out some of the treetop cabins and treehouses around, like these lovely family glamping options in Devon at Dittisham Hideaway.

Because it doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s something rather magical about the idea of sleeping in a treehouse. In my case, especially if it’s a treehouse that someone else has built and which will therefore stay up! Choose a campsite in or near a forest and it feels as if you’ve entered a fairytale.

Or look out for wooden cabins and lodges which have all the mod cons: camping with a wet room? Now you’re talking! Some have their own mini kitchens, central heating and even a TV.

If you’re planning to go away with die-hard campers, you can often find space on site nearby for tents. I’ll be inside, thanks.

Shepherd’s hut/caravan

The original alternative to camping in a tent? A little shepherd’s hut or caravan of course. But these have had a luxury makeover too – think a proper mini bathroom and little kitchen inside, but still a rather romantic raised bed for adults (and sofa bed for kids).

They might not head for the open road any more, but you can escape to some beautiful scenery.

Best for smaller families, or those with younger kids as there’s not always a huge amount of space – although some do have second bedrooms, including bunk beds, so there are plenty of options when it comes to glamping for families.

Camping pods and domes

Look out for some of the quirky tents that look almost like wooden camping pods – except they’re not made from wood – as well as domes, like these gorgeous Luna Domes in Kent.

They usually have lots of room inside, sometimes even separate bedrooms, so there’s often space for a bathroom or toilet. At Luna Domes, ours was outside the main dome but private to us and just a short stumble along the wooden decking, so still counts.

There are plenty of actual wooden camping pods as well if you want more tent alternatives. Some will have their own bathroom or toilet facilities, but you’ll often find they’re a simple wooden version of a tent – good for staying warm, but facilities not guaranteed. You’ll also find them called camping dens.

Why luxury camping holidays are perfect for families

Wild camping out in unspoiled nature certainly has a temptingly romantic ring. But from a practical point of view, I’m far more likely to be won over by some luxury camping with all the facilities – a campsite which provides baby kits, sheets and towels, and has a pool on site? Now that’s what I call glamping for families.

A kids’ club, waterpark and heated pool, plus activities including stand-up paddleboarding, sand yachting, surfing and even diving, plus WiFi and a bar and restaurant to hand too?

Definitely a more tempting style of family camping, especially when it’s all included in the cost.

For our wonderful glamping stay at Penhein, click here to read the review, as well as Luna Domes in Kent, Dittisham Hideaway in Devon, and Hopton Court in Shropshire

PIN FOR LATER: HOW TO CAMP IF YOU HATE TENTS

Images courtesy of Depositphotos

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions about glamping for families are my own, including the one about not wanting to wander about in the dark when you need the loo…

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