Best Quirky Glamping Breaks in the UK this Summer

Ahh, holidays. Remember those? With a snazzy James Bond-themed Airstream, a UFO spaceship or a private grounded jet to stay in, weird and wonderful staycations are what summer 2021 is all about. Check out these quirky glamping breaks in the UK for holiday ideas.

Glamping: ‘glamorous camping’ (no, the paradox isn’t lost on me either) is being out in nature without all the faffing that camping involves. In fact, it normally doesn’t involve a tent at all. Instead, you get your own quirky glamping space, a comfy bed, cooking facilities and an en suite bathroom if you’re super luxing it.

Why go glamping in the UK? If you love being in nature, you’ll love glamping. You’ll also be around far fewer people than in a hotel (often it’s just you) and you’re not crammed in like sardines at a static caravan site. Plus, glamping breaks in the UK will give the economy that much-needed boost and you’ll avoid any hassle with foreign travel such as cancelled bookings and sudden quarantine clampdowns.

What’s not to love?

Quirky Glamping Breaks in the UK with the Best View

Stunning Sea View – Glamping Pod

Sleeps: 2 per cabin
All self-contained? YES
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: NO

White sand and turquoise sea. It can’t be the UK, right? Wrong. Scotland’s Outer Hebrides have some of the best beaches in the country. And perched above the mottled water are Carnish Cabins on the Isle of Lewis. The two completely self-contained cabins in Uig, Ebb Beach and Flow Beach, each have their own cute kitchen, bathroom, TV, comfy bed, sofa, boot room and bloomin’ fabulous views. Book your quirky glamping breaks in the UK at Carnish Cabins here.

Unusual Glamping Breaks in England

Right on Track – Old Train Carriage

Sleeps: 2
All self-contained? YES
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: NO

History buffs and train spotters, this one’s for you. A vintage railway carriage has been revamped into a self-contained glamping hut. Beamish Glamping in County Durham has a kitchen, bathroom, double bed and outdoor decking area with wicker chairs and a private hot tub. Ideal for unusual glamping breaks in the UK this year. Surrounded by woodlands, it’s only a short walk to the open-air Beamish Museum, which documents life in the North East from the 1800s. Debut opening spring 2021. Book here.

The World’s Your Oyster – Moored Boat

Sleeps: 2
All self-contained? NO
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: YES – shower and toilet

This quaint, anchored sailing boat is just the ticket for sea lovers and mermaids. An off-grid staycation in a secluded bay means you can leave all the stress of the modern internet world on land. You’re tucked away near Salcombe in Devon with tranquil water views and rhythmic bobbing to send you to sleep. Fitted out with a basic kitchen, two cabins and double bed, Oyster the boat is for those wanting rustic glamping breaks in the UK. There are shared shower facilities in the nearby field with a few other glamping options. Book here.

Oh-so 007 – James Bond-themed Airstream

Sleeps: 2
All self-contained? YES
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: NO

Ever wondered where spies spend the summer? It’s probably in this James Bond-style Airstream. Featuring 1950’s decor, kitchen and living area, the Sterling Airstream caravan’s sleek look, curves and cocktail shaker is oh-so Bond. James Bond. With two other self-contained Airstream caravans – one with an Art Deco vibe and the other a 1950’s American diner – Silver Airstream Rental near Chichester is the perfect place to enjoy retro staycations and quirky glamping breaks in the UK. Debut opening spring 2021. Book here.

Weird and Wonderful Glamping Breaks in Wales

Stay in a Spaceship – UFO-inspired Pod

Spodnic UFO from Nathan Lowe on Vimeo.

Sleeps: 4
All self-contained? YES
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: NO

A rotating circular bed with merino topper might seem a bit alien to most of us, which is exactly how it’s supposed to be. A UFO glamping pod, complete with foil interiors and private hot tub, might just be Pembrokeshire’s best out-of-this-world glamping experience. Built from a shed used in the London Olympics, it certainly gets the gold medal for wacky accommodation. Featuring a kitchen, bathroom, TV and DVD player it’s a great one for taking kids on glamping breaks in the UK. Book here.

Join the Mile High Club – Stay in a Jetstar Plane

Sleeps: 4
All self-contained? NO
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: YES – showers

Ever wanted to fly a plane? Now you can. On the Xbox in the cockpit, at least. This quirky glamping break has all the hallmarks of a first-class flight but without the hefty price tag. Complete with seats, cockpit, one double and two single beds and LED lighting, you might feel on cloud nine aboard the Jetstar. Once a private jet, the grounded aircraft is for those wanting to enjoy one of the most unusual glamping breaks in the UK. A private adjacent kitchen has the basics while the communal showers are shared with other glampers on the site. Book here.

Quirky Glamping Breaks in Scotland

Horsing Around – Glamping Horse Lorry

Sleeps: 2 adults and 2 small kids
All self-contained? YES
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: NO

Once a former horse lorry, this glamping staycation is now parked up in Auchterarder with  great views across the Highlands. Fitted with a bath, loo, kitchenette, double bed and two beds for little kids above the cab, Juniper is a great option to get back to nature. It features an outdoor wood-fired hot tub, kids’ swing and picnic area and welcomes dogs. For glamping breaks in the UK with solitude and fantastic views, it’s a top option. But don’t forget your midge spray! Book here.

Getting High – Treehouse for Two

Sleeps: 2
All self-contained? YES
Shared cooking/showering facilities with other guests: NO

Featuring a double bed, bath, toilet, wood burner and little kitchenette, this is less of a glamping holiday and more of a woodland retreat. Brockloch Treehouse is located in a bluebell wood between Dumfries and Galloway and has little peephole windows to view the surrounding scenery. There’s a skylight above the bed for when the Scottish skies are clear enough to do some stargazing. Book here.

Check with the individual accommodation providers for the latest regarding opening dates and their covid safeguarding policies.

If you prefer camping, read my wild camping tips and long distance hiking essentials. Or read my post on some of Britain’s top holiday destinations.