TRAVEL | How To Glamp On A Budget This Winter

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Could glamping be the ultimate choice for a cosy winter holiday? A brisk walk through a frost-covered wood, followed by hot chocolate by the firepit and then a hygge-style evening cuddled up by the fire in a cabin lit by fairy lights… it’s a fabulous way to shake off the winter blues.

Inside the Red Kite Yurt at Cledan Valley Glamping
Inside the Red Kite Yurt at Cledan Valley Glamping

There are lots of benefits of taking a winter camping break – campsites are usually cheaper and less crowded than they would be in peak season, and it can really do wonders for the soul to spend time in the fresh air in winter.

Tent camping in winter makes a wonderful adventure for intrepid travellers – but if you’re not quite so hardy, a winter glamping break is a great alternative. Pick a sturdy structure like a log cabin or shepherd’s hut and you’ll still be able to embrace the outdoors, safe in the knowledge that a hot shower and cosy bed await back on site (and maybe even a hot tub…).

Worried that the ‘glam’ part of glamping means it’s unaffordable? Think again – despite its luxurious image, glamping often compares favourably even with prices of budget hotel chains (for example, Pitchup has UK glamping sites starting at £25 per night). Read on to find our top tips on finding budget glamping breaks to brighten your winter.

Why is glamping so popular?

Outdoor stays of all varieties have been growing in popularity over the past decade as people seek new ways to spend quality time with loved ones and reconnect with nature, while also travelling in an eco-friendly way.

The Covid-19 pandemic further enhanced the appeal of outdoor stays – demand for ‘glamping’ exploded in 2020 due to ventilation concerns. Although slightly down from the peak, the trend for glamping holidays remains strong, with Google searches still up 12% on 2019 as travellers look for unique luxury budget breaks.

You may find that motorhomes and tent camping are the first things to spring to mind when you think of outdoor stays, but there are several reasons why glamping has a lot going for it:

 Howgill Lodge North Yorkshire
Howgill Lodge North Yorkshire

It’s a great way to try outdoor living

You don’t need to buy much kit for a glamping break, so it’s ideal for first-timers or occasional campers.

You can travel light

Well, in theory at least! Much of what you need is provided, making life easier when travelling on public transport, by bike or in a small car.

It’s weatherproof

Wind, rain and snow won’t matter when you’re tucked up inside a cute cabin or cosy camping pod (that’s one of the reasons why glamping in Scotland is so popular, for example).

It’s memorable

Forget the dull, uninspiring identikit hotel room – many glamping options are quirky and bespoke, with lots of personal touches to give them individual character.

Lynmouth Holiday Retreat
Lynmouth Holiday Retreat

How to go glamping on a budget

The cost of living crisis means that we’re all feeling the pinch right now – but that doesn’t mean a holiday has to be off the cards at all. With a little forward planning and some clever tweaks you can have a wonderful glamping break without spending much money. Here are our top five tips for glamping on a budget this winter…

1. Stay local

Taking a break doesn’t have to be about foreign holidays – you can easily find a complete change of scenery by travelling for just an hour or two (and save yourself not only money, but also a whole lot of stress). Even just a couple of days away close to home can be a really refreshing break and give you something lovely to look forward to in the dark winter months.

2. Travel off-peak

Choosing a winter glamping break is a good start, as prices across the board tend to be cheaper than in peak season. You can often shave the cost down even more by opting for a midweek stay rather than a weekend, or shifting your long weekend to cover Sunday and Monday instead of Friday and Saturday.

3. Bring your own kit

Some glampsites offer fully equipped stays including everything from towels to logs for the fire, while others have a more basic setup. Opt for the latter and you can keep costs down by bringing along your own duvet, kitchen utensils and other equipment (and don’t forget the fairy lights for that cosy feel!)

4. Borrow useful things

Whether it’s a good winter coat or a little camping stove, it’s a good idea to ask around and see if you can borrow bits from family, friends or local community schemes. You can often hire equipment from the glampsite too if you need to.

5. Bring a gang

That annual January meetup with your old friends? A half-term gathering with your kids and their cousins? Wouldn’t they be just brilliant in a log cabin for outdoor activities followed by cosy nights in? Teaming up with friends and family to share the costs of a larger rental can bring the budget down while raising the fun levels.

For more ways to save cash on your holiday, check out these low-cost glamping hacks.

 Riddings Wood Holiday Park Derbyshire
Riddings Wood Holiday Park Derbyshire

Ready to go glamping?

Having little treats to look forward to is a great way to get yourself through the dark winter days – and a glamping stay makes a wonderful way to have a luxurious and refreshing break without spending a lot of money. But where will you go?

Take a look through all of the tempting glamping options on Pitchup to get your cosy getaway booked in.

DISCLOSURE | This is a guest post from Pitchup

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan
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