Under the stars

Reconnect with nature and get away from it all with a glamping holiday in Cornwall.

If you love the outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice any holiday luxuries, then Cornwall’s glamping sites are the secret to a stunning, away-from-it-all staycation. These tucked away places make the most of their surroundings, without compromising on comfort. Whether it’s a yurt, shepherd’s hut or wooden cabin there is something to suit all tastes. We take a look at just a few hidden gems that we know you’ll love…

Hidden amongst the trees you’ll find Woodpecker, a shepherd’s hut for two on the beautiful 40-acre Dinham Estate near Rock, overlooking the Camel Estuary. The location is the ultimate in rural tranquility, surrounded by woodland and fields, but is close enough to civilisation for anyone staying here to be able get out and about and discover all the north Cornwall coast has to offer.

Woodpecker is perfect for a romantic getaway, with a deck on which you can eat al fresco after cooking your supper on the fire-pit barbeque. Lazy days can be spent reading and napping, reconnecting with nature, before ending it all with a soak in the wooden hot tub, soaking up those estuary views as the sun sets.

After dark, head inside where there’s a woodburner that you can cosy up with, before sinking into bed for a wonderful fresh air-induced sleep. Coastal colours combine with modern facilities, including a kitchen and en-suite shower room. And if you would like to share the experience with friends, Woodpecker’s sister hut, Curlew, is also located on the estate. Both are postcard-pretty and each is cleverly sited so that they have their own space and privacy.

Wildwood Hideaway is also on Cornwall’s north coast, and is the very stuff woodland dreams are made of. Its stunning log-clad structure helps it to blend seamlessly with its woodland environment and the site itself looks like a magical clearing. From your private parking space, a winding path takes you on a journey of discovery through the woods, opening out to reveal this beautiful log cabin.

Nothing jars here; everything right down to the hammock in the trees sits comfortably in its surroundings. Belying its rugged exterior, when you step inside Wildwood you are transported to a luxury hideaway like no other. Farrow & Ball paint, in soft hues, has been used to create a calming interior that has a woodburner to warm your toes on chilly nights and even a lovely sofa to relax on.

Wood abounds, as is fitting to the location, but no modern comfort is left out – with a separate bedroom and a shower room that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel. And for reconnecting with nature, the location couldn’t be better; it really has the glamping wow-factor.

For a more modern take on glamping, Squirrel Nutkin is a timber cabin that combines the sound of birdsong and rustling of the trees with a sleek, timber building that is nestled in the wood. Its shape is modern and minimal but it doesn’t look out of place thanks to its careful siting. Inside you’ll find everything you need, including a woodburner and shower room – home from home comforts in an incredible setting.

Light floods into the cabin through huge, floor-to-ceiling windows which make you feel like you’re outside even when you’re in. There’s a deck on which to chill and a hot tub where you can soak away your cares – who knows, you might even encounter a shy roe deer as you enjoy a glass of something cold on the deck.

Again, a sister cabin is available in the form of Foxy Loxy, set further up the meadow, but as both are sited on the 30-acre estate of Roe Wood there is plenty of space and privacy for all.

Moving from the countryside to the coast, and overlooking Whitsand Bay, Captain Blake’s Retreat has a toes-in-the-water position with uninterrupted sea views out across the bay. Set on Captain Blake’s Point (it’s named after a 17th century Commander of the Commonwealth who took his last voyage around this stretch of the coast), high above Whitsand Bay, this incredible getaway is ideal for a romantic break, with four-legged friends welcome to come along and keep you company.

This site is for the adventurer; you can’t reach it by car so you’ll need to pack a rucksack and walk the cliff path to reach it. But what an adventure this would be! It’s a heavenly retreat with only the seabirds for company as they circle on the sea breezes. Don’t be put off by its remote location, you’ll find everything you need when you get there to enjoy a wonderful escape.

Again, design on this cabin is modern and minimal with grey shutters across the front to shut out any inclement weather, although on a stormy day or night you might not want to shut out the view – it would be fabulous to look out across the ocean as the breakers roll in.

This is a large, spacious cabin with a full kitchen area, lounge space and dining table. And with immediate access to the South West Coast Path, and tracks to the beach below, a welcome woodburner waits to warm you up after a day’s walking and exploring. This area of Cornwall is very much undiscovered so, if you are looking to get away from it all, this is the place.

If you are a family or are looking for a glamping holiday with friends then we’ve also got you covered. Bodrugan Barton near Mevagissey (bodrugan.co.uk), offers cottages and Wigwam® Glamping cabins all set on a working farm. You can wander through fields to a secluded cove, or simply relax in the countryside surroundings. It is great for families as it even has an indoor heated pool.

Alternatively, why not book a break at Wrinklers Wood Glamping? Nestled just a few miles from St Agnes, Wrinklers Wood (wrinklerswoodglamping.com) has access to a number of great surfing beaches and other Cornish attractions, making it a fantastic base for a Cornish adventure. But it’s the accommodation on offer here that steals the show; dog-friendly Safari Tents are a great option for families, with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, bespoke kitchens, even woodburners! Located in a wild meadow, the Safari Tents overlook an ancient and stunning woodland – a truly magical view to soak up, both as the sun sets, and when it rises anew in the morning. There’s also the Treetop Glamping option. Perfect for a romantic getaway, the Treetop Cabin is secluded and quiet. You’ll hear numerous birds chirping during the day, and the hoot of owls by night, and with stunning wraparound decking, you can gaze down on the lush gardens, tropical plants and the babbling brook (frequented by herons and ducks) – a truly relaxing view for an afternoon spent enjoying one another’s company.

For those hoping to take their furry friends along too, Heligan Caravan and Camping Park (heligancampsite.com) boasts a selection of dog-friendly chalets, including deluxe bungalow ‘Caerhays’. Tastefully decorated and sleeping up to six, this is the perfect accommodation for a family hoping to enjoy all the benefits of a dog-friendly camping holiday, but with more than a few comforts of home. It’s also close to a number of dog-friendly pubs, boasts a wealth of camping and touring pitches where you and your pooch can sleep under the stars, and lies close to plenty of walks and beaches where you and your hound can make the absolute most of the coast.

Similarly close to the ocean is the National Trust’s Teneriffe Farm (nationaltrust.org.uk). Offering pitches for tents, caravans, campers and motorhomes, there’s also the option here for guests to stay in one of the site’s camping pods, perfect for those seeking a sturdier base from which to launch their adventures on the dramatic Lizard peninsula. You’ll find all the facilities you need on hand here for the most immersive camping trip, including electric hook-up for your van, laundry facilities for muddy clothes, showers, barbeque facilities and more.

Of course, for many, the option of investing in a holiday home that can be returned to whenever the mood strikes, is a tempting prospect indeed. If that sounds like you, then Oyster Bay Coastal & Country Retreat (parkleisure.co.uk) at Par Sands, Pentire, offers the perfect opportunity to purchase a delightful lodge within walking distance of the sand and dunes of the north coast. The lodges sleep up to six, and have gorgeous interiors with all the comforts of home. If you’re interested in your own slice of holiday paradise, be sure to check out what’s currently available at Oyster Bay!

Similarly, for those hoping to enjoy all the benefits of a holiday park on their next holiday, Pentewan Sands (pentewan.co.uk) is well worth checking out! With numerous ways to stay, from touring and camping pitches where you can sleep with just the canvas between you and the night sky, to sincerely stunning holiday homes that really do live up to the highest of specifications. Whatever your idea of a dream getaway, if you want to get close to the ocean on your next break, we highly recommend adding Pentewan to your shortlist.

For fun family holidays by the sea, Hendra Holiday Park (hendra-holidays.com) is yet another perfect choice for your next Cornish getaway. ‘Hendra’ is a Cornish word that means ‘home farm’, and it’s fair to say you’ll quickly feel at home here. Not only is Hendra the AA’s ‘Holiday Centre of the Year’, it’s also a premier destination for touring, camping, caravan and glamping holidays, with world-class beaches on its doorstep, incredible facilities that include the Oasis Fun Pools and a heated outdoor pool, and stunning lodge accommodation offering all the home comforts you could possibly ask for – perfect for returning to after a tiring day full of activities.

Over to the south coast and moving inland, at Forest Holidays Deerpark (forestholidays.co.uk), you’ll find a selection of gorgeous cabins in a truly incredible setting. Imagine a picturesque millpond, surrounded by woodland, with cabins peeking out of the trees and overlooking the water, and you’ll have some idea of what to expect here. But like many things in life, seeing is believing, so if your idea of the perfect break is a wooded valley seemingly isolated from the busy modern world, be sure to visit the Forest Holidays website and see it for yourself!

Finally we head to The Park Cornwall (theparkcornwall.com), just moments from the golden sands of Mawgan Porth. Think luxury lodges, breathtaking beaches on your doorstep, plenty of activities for the kids, and a luxury sauna and steam room for the adults; in short, a holiday destination truly ticks all the boxes! From family breaks to gatherings of friends and romantic retreats, The Park Cornwall has everything covered, and with a wealth of park cabins, caravans, yurts and lodges sleeping up to 12 to choose from (not to mention Lanerick House and a selection of cottages!), it’s a great choice for those of you who’ve decided to give glamping a go for your next Cornish escape.

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Thinking of investing?

If you’re considering purchasing your own holiday lodge, be sure to check out Valley Resorts (valleyresorts.co.uk), with three resorts along the north coast and lodges available to suit a variety of budgets.