From pods to Shepherd's Huts, Gypsy Caravans to cabins, Camping's more glamourous cousin 'Glamping,' seems to be catching everyone's eye these days.
Here are a few of my favourites for 2022...
Mountainview Lodges & Spa is one of my favourite resorts in Northern Ireland as it has something for everyone. As well as their lodges, they have a Shepherd's Hut onsite and The Hobbit House (yes, I know I'm always going on about the Hobbit House but I really have never seen anything quite so cute). With private hot tubs, spa and relaxation room, children's playground, BBQ hut and that viewpoint, this place ticks all my boxes! And it's dog friendly!! Prices from £170 per night for the Shepherd's Hut. Watch out for their new addition coming soon.
Carrickreagh Bay offers 8 glamping pods overlooking Lough Erne. With stunning views and a great location for exploring Fermanagh, you can see why I love them! Each pod has ensuite shower room, heating, lighting, firepit, USB charging and kitchenette. The pods sleep 2 adults and 2 children so a great choice for family glamping. Breakfast packs and firepit packs are available at a surcharge.
Rates from £160 per night.
At the foot of the Sperrins, you will find these luxury pods with this fantastic 'viewing window' so you can lie in bed looking up at the stars... I'm serious.. how absolutely amazing is that!! Each pod sleeps up to 5 guests in 2 doubles and a single bed. Private bathroom, kitchenette, private firepit and BBQ area. Take a look at the pics... the site looks like the cutest little storybook village.. I just love it!! Close to Beaghmore Stone Circles and Davagh Forest. From £125 per night.
Currently 6 glamping pods in Armoy situated on a family farm. Each with ensuite bathroom and shower, kitchenett, smart TV, bedding and towels provided and outdoor area with firepit. In a great location for exploring all the North Coast attractions. Relax and take in those beautiful views. From £160 per night.
They've got it all at Tepee Valley-the new Meadow studio, dome, Shepherd's Hut, yerts and even a gypsy caravan. If you are looking for something a bit quirky, this will work for you. The Shepherd's Hut sleeps 2 adults & 1 child with outside seating and fire pit. From £125 per night. The Gypsy Caravan (my favourite) will sleep 2 adults & 2 children (in 2 double bunks) with handcrafted kitchen and outdoor seating. From £115 per night.
2 pods on a farm in the small village of Cairncastle. Each pod has electric heating, woodburning stove, ensuite toilet and shower, kitchenette & running water, BBQ/Firepit and best of all... private hot tub!!
Pods sleep 2 adults and 2 children under 16 in a double bed and double pull out. Because there are 2 pods onsite, you could book both if going away with friends or extended family. The village pub is only 5 minutes away and it's only 5 minutes drive to Ballygally beach and 10 minutes drive to Carnfunnock Country Park (a favourite with my family).
Minimum 2 night stay. Prices from £300 for 2 nights based on 2 adults or £340 for a family of 4.
Escape Glamping offers bell tents for up to 2 adults and 2 children. It is perfect for family glamping and is only 5 minutes from Castlewellan Forest Park & the Life Adventure Centre for outdoor activities too. 5 minutes will take you into Castlewellan town for shops and restaurants.
The site is fenced off to give parents peace of mind. Each comes with a cute little stove to keep you cosy. USB chargers in the kitchen area. The site is dog friendly so you can bring all the family along! 2 night minimum stay, reasonably priced at £70 per night for 2 adults and everything you need is included- linens, cutlery, crockery etc. Each child or dog is an additional £5 per night.
Opened in 2021 and located on a parkland area on the West of Lough Neagh, these eco-friendly pods sleep up to 6 guests with a mezzanine bedroom, separate bathroom and further sleeping area/relaxation area. Access to hot tub. Rate from £139 per night. Log cabin & bell tent from £99 per night. A few minutes away from local village for shops, takeaways and restaurants.
In a great location for exploring the Mournes, Willowtree Glamping is an adults only site in Annalong (one of my favourite places in the world). Perfect for couples and dog friendly so you can bring your pup too! Each accommodation has its own private hot tub so you can relax under the stars with your loved one. Accommodation includes log cabins, yurts & Shepherd's Hut. Yurts from £130 per night. Shepherd's Hut from £160 per night. 2 night minimum stay.
I couldn't write a glamping blog without including Glamper. This local company is the leading luxury motorhome provider in Northern Ireland with a brand new range of motorhomes for hire, sleeping 2 to 6 guests. With a motorhome, you create your own adventure and the destination is entirely up to you (which really appeals to me) Glamper services all-Ireland, the UK and Europe. Dog friendly Glampers available.
Each luxury Glamper comes with fully comprehensive insurance, Calor gas, crockery, cutlery, pots, walk-in toilet and shower. Fully insulated for all year round use and complete with modern heating system. From £300 for 3 nights (low season).
Photo credit: Instagram
As always, I've linked each accommodation to their respective website so you can find more info easily.
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