Camping holidays are a staycation classic.
After all, the UK is filled with incredible landscapes whether you’re after a site by the seafront or you’re looking to explore the countryside.
However, the British weather doesn’t always make the idea of staying in a canvas tent seem particularly appealing.
The good news is that nowadays heaps of campsites are moving away from traditional tents and shower blocks, and are offering everything from unusual locations to quirky glamping accomodation.
We’re talking everything from tents hanging off the side of a cliff, Shepherd’s Hut stays tucked away in remote landscapes, and quirky stays in former buses, private jets and railway carriages.
We take a look at 10 unique camping experiences in the UK worth having on your radar…
1. UK’s ‘most extreme camping experience’
(Image: HONISTER SLATE MINE / CATERS NEWS)
One for thrill-seekers, campers can sleep on a precarious 500ft-high cliff edge at the the Honister Slate Mine near Seathwaite, Cumbria.
Abseil down the cliff faces and then sleep suspended above the abyss.
The tents are covered in fabric and are supported by metal frames – and after your night on the cliff edge, you’ll get treated to bacon butties for breakfast.
You can read more about it here.
2. A fire truck from the 1950s
(Image: Canopy and Stars)
The Beermoth once served as a fire truck in the 1950s, but nowadays it’s a quirky camping spot in the middle of Inshriach Estate in Aviemore, Scotland.
It’s one for seasoned campers; while there are all the basic amenities you need, there’s no electricity, and although the side of the truck is covered, it can get quite cold on chillier nights.
You’ll be dropped off at the truck, but the next morning it’s up to you to make the walk back to the main estate.
Prices start from £72 per night with Canopy & Stars, based on two people sharing.
3. A secret Smuggler’s Cove
(Image: pitchup.com)
If you idyllic camping trip includes a canvas tent, beautiful scenery, a remote setting and a firepit for keeping warm in the evenings, then Smugglers Cove Boatyard in Aberdovey needs to be on your radar.
Located on the Dyfi estuary, it offers scenic views of the river and surrounding nature reserve, and when the tide’s out there’s even a little beach ideal for swimming or canoeing.
Prices start from £20 a night with Pitchup.
4. Shepherd’s Hut stays
(Image: Sykes Holiday Cottages)
Want to go camping, but don’t want to risk the British weather making it a slightly miserable experience? Then a Shepherd’s Hut stay could be the perfect compromise.
You’ll get all the comforts of a bed, kitchenette and bathroom, while still getting to enjoy remote landscapes and the Great Outdoors.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve rounded up the best Shepherd’s Hut stays in the UK whether you’re after a family-friendly break or a romantic retreat.
5. A double decker bus
(Image: Airbnbs)
Usually, falling asleep on a bus isn’t ideal, but not on the 1964 Leyland Titan Double Decker Bus.
The converted vehicle now comes with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette, as well as a spacious deck from which to take in the surrounding views.
There are heaps of scenic strolls to be had in the area too, if you’re planning to do some exploring!
Prices start from £131 a night on Airbnb, with a minimum three-night stay.
6. An RAF Helicopter
(Image: blackberrywood.com)
This converted 1965 Wessex Search and Rescue helicopter in Blackberry Wood sleeps up to four people, and makes for a pretty memorable stay.
There is heating but you may want to pack some layers for the colder months, while the outside kitchen has everything you need to whip up a hearty meal.
Prices start from £55 for two adults – you can find out more on the Blackberry Wood website.
7. Luxury treehouses
(Image: NICK@PHOTOBAILEY.COM/Canopy and the Stars)
Forget the treehouses of your childhood – nowadays the treetop homes offer up rustic chic interiors, kitchens, woodburners and even, in some instances, hot tubs!
We’ve searched out some of the UK’s best treehouse stays to suit a wide array of budgets, whether you’re after a remote countryside escape, or just want somewhere a bit different to stay on your staycation.
8. Converted train carriages
(Image: Facebook)
These railway carriages have actually been used as holiday accommodation since the 1940s, when they were originally open only to Great Western Railway staff and their families.
Nowadays each of the five carriages has been restored to include elegant bedrooms, living rooms and a kitchen. It’s a quirky stay if you’re more after a glamping experience.
Prices start from £333 per carriage. You can find out more on the Brunel Holiday Park website.
9. A private jet
(Image: Airbnb)
No need to queue at the airport to board this plane in Redberth.
The Jet Star was built in the seventies, and still has most of its original features including a lit up bar area, but it’s also home to a double bedroom and a toilet/wash basin. (There’s a shower block on site).
Prices start from £143 a night with Airbnb, with a minimum stay of two nights.
10. A hobbit house
(Image: hostunusual.com)
Hobbiton may be fictional, but you can pretend it’s very much real at the quirky Florence Springs Hobbit House in Tenby, Wales.
The glamping spot in rural Pembrokeshire sleeps up to four people, and it’s ideal for a family getaway.
Hidden amidst the landscape, the house comes with a private garden and even an eco woodburner hot tub, so it’s definitely a little more luxurious than a classic canvas tent.
You can find out more on the Host Unusual website.
-- to www.mirror.co.uk
