No Tent, No Problem: My First Glamping Trip in the UK

I never imagined myself camping. Cold nights, no showers, sleeping on the ground? Not exactly my idea of fun. But then I discovered glamping—short for "glamorous camping"—and everything changed.
Last weekend, I hopped on a train out of London with nothing but a waterproof bag, a train ticket, and a craving for some fresh air. It was a short trip, but it felt like a proper reset.

What Glamping Really Means

Think fresh linens, private fire pits, and even the occasional outdoor bath. Glamping brings the outdoors closer—without the hassle of setting up a tent or finding a patch of dry ground.
My spot? A cosy cabin in Herefordshire with an outside tub and a fireplace. Everything was prepped when I arrived. No gear to unpack, no poles to assemble. Just drop your bag and exhale.

Glamping cabin bed with open window view of the UK countryside at sunset


Getting There Without a Car

I took the train from London Paddington to Hereford, then a 20-minute taxi to the glamping site. You don’t need a car for this kind of weekend getaway. Most glamping spots list public transport options on their sites—some even offer pick-up services.
If you’re holding a railcard, don’t forget you can save up to 20% off your train fare. Combine that with off-season rates and it becomes a surprisingly affordable escape.

What I Packed (and What I Didn’t Need)

No tent. No sleeping bag. No cooking gear. That’s the beauty of glamping—it strips camping down to the experience, not the equipment.
I brought:
  • A waterproof bag for camping, just large enough to hold my essentials
  • A change of clothes and a warm fleece
  • Kindle and notebook
  • Snacks, water bottle, power bank
  • A flashlight—because ambience doesn’t always mean bright
My bag of choice was a lightweight waterproof backpack. Something that could handle a muddy walk from the station and still keep everything inside dry and organized.

Places I’d Recommend Next

Here are a few more UK glamping sites on my list:
  • Norwell View Farm Glamping, Bath – value for money and peaceful views
  • The Willow, Pembrokeshire – stunning scenery at just £35/night
  • Galloway Steading, Scotland – private tub, firepit, and walking distance to the sea
If it has a bed, a kettle, and clean sheets—I’m in.

Small modern glamping cabin surrounded by forest in the UK

Would I Go Again?

In a heartbeat. Glamping is proof that nature doesn’t have to come with discomfort. It’s camping for people who want the stars—but also a mattress.
You’ll find me packing my waterproof bag again soon—next stop: Wales.

Glamping tent glowing at night under starry sky with warm lighting in the UK

Explore the kind of lightweight waterproof bag I brought: Backpackbeat Extend Pack – minimal, tough, and quietly capable.

 

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