While overseas travel may be opening up, for others 2021 will be the year of the summer staycation.

If you long to be out in nature but dread the thought of traditional camping – glamping might be the option for you.

The term “glamping” – or “glamorous camping” – only entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. Its popularity was on the rise long before that, though, and this summer it is expected to be big business.

Here are five of the best glamping sites from around the UK if you are looking to camp in style this summer.

1. Onsen Domes – Fforest Farm, Cardigan, Wales

Fforest has three sites in and around Cardigan, west Wales. Each site offers unique accommodation informed by its specific setting, be that on a farm, at the coast, or in the town of Cardigan itself.

Opt for the farm location, just outside of Cardigan, and you can glamp in style in a geodesic dome with its own onsen bath. An “onsen” is a Japanese hot spring.

There are four Onsen Domes at Fforest Farm – as well as lodges and “shacs” – all with their own shower, electricity, and a Japanese-style bathhouse with a sunken tub, perfect for relaxing in nature.

You’ll also find a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and barbeque.

Situated in the beautiful Welsh countryside, this is the perfect spot to unwind.

If you can tear yourself away from the meditative calm of the farm, though, you can explore the town of Cardigan. Among many other points of interest, you’ll find the 11th-century Cardigan Castle, the beautiful Poppit Sands beach, and the start of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

2. Shepherd’s Hut, Campwell Woods, Wiltshire

Situated just north of Bath, this handcrafted eco-village boasts log cabins, yurts, and a traditional cob roundhouse built using clay, sand, and straw.

More rustic than some glamping experiences, all accommodation choices – including the shepherd’s hut – have wood-burning stoves and outside firepits. The village also has shared hot showers and kitchens.

At the hut itself, you’ll find a double bed, a wood burner, and a fold-up desk. A compost loo is situated within 20 metres.

Lose yourself on the edge of this secluded, wooded valley or use it as a base to explore the historic city of Bath.

3. Tented Safari Lodges, Hope Valley, Derbyshire

Situated in the beautiful Peak District village of Edale in Hope Valley, these safari lodges come fully equipped.

Sleeping six, with a double and two twin rooms, you’ll find hot running water, comfortable beds, and an open-plan living space with a kitchen and wood-burning stove. Firewood is delivered to your safari lodge each morning.

Outdoor, you’ll find a fire cauldron, a gas BBQ, and beautiful views over open moorland.

As a base for further exploration, you might consider a ridge walk from Mam Tor to Lose Hill, a boat trip into the heart of a 200-year-old lead mine at Speedwell Cavern, or a visit to the Eyam Plague Museum. Here you’ll find out about the extraordinary self-sacrifice made when, in 1665, the bubonic plague arrived on the village’s doorstep, in a package from London.

4. Loch Tay Highland Lodges, Central Highlands, Scotland

Loch Tay is a 15-mile-long stretch of freshwater in the central highlands of Scotland. On the banks of the loch, you’ll find Loch Tay Highland Lodges.

Offering wigwams, domes, and woodland cabins, finding your optimum level of glamping comfort should be easy. This is a fantastic location to combine simple but comfortable living with the adventures of the great outdoors.

The loch is ideal for kayaking, boating, and fishing. Hiking and mountain bike trails up Ben Lawers offer a genuine challenge, even to the hardy. Equally, relax and enjoy the stunning views over the loch and mountains.

Great for families, this resort-style glamping experience includes children’s play areas, putting greens, and plenty to see and do locally.

5. The Hudnalls Hideout, Lydney, Gloucestershire

Pushing the definition of glamping to its limits, if you are looking for a romantic break without the kids or pets, consider Hudnalls Hideout. A secluded treehouse in the canopy of private woodland, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind hideout in the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty in rural Gloucestershire.

This cabin in the woods, with its underfloor heating and Scandinavian design, offers total luxury and seclusion – though be warned, its remote location does make it harder to reach than some other accommodation on our list.

Once settled, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a relaxing stay, plus ample opportunity for adventure.

The Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean are great locations for mountain biking, canoeing, and walking. The Hideout is situated just off the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.

For culture, try Chepstow Castle and Tintern Abbey. Other local activities include falconry experiences, gin and brewery tours, plus Puzzlewood, filming location for blockbuster films and TV shows from Star Wars to Doctor Who.

Then return to your private hideout for a complimentary picnic hamper in the Hideout’s own wildflower meadow.