Why Glamping is nothing like Camping
Katie Jeynes-Cupper • October 14, 2019
Glamping has become all the rage in recent years and with its popularity growing, you’ve probably heard holiday stories from friends and seen adverts everywhere. But exactly how is glamping different from camping?
Glamping, as the name suggests, is more lavish than traditional camping with ‘luxuries’ such as heating, running water and appliances included. Camping returns you to basic living in the rough and toughness of the great outdoors. Both will offer you many fun and different experiences of the countryside that you simply wouldn't have if you opted to stay in a hotel; roasting marshmallows on a campfire or simply waking up to rolling green hills. The key difference is that glamping is a home-from-home providing amenities like central heating and electricity.
The popularity of glamping has spiked because of how trendy and fashionable it is. All over the place you can find a wide variety of different options from pimped up lodges, safari tents, converted planes, shipping containers and even treehouses. These stylish alternatives to traditional camping offer added value and a different kind of fun factor. For instance, at Bowbrook lodges we offer exciting safari tents that have hidden away beds and playful cubby holes for the kids.
The joy of traditional camping is largely based on a the ‘back-to-basics’ experience. It’s those memories of putting up tents and sleeping on the floor which take you away from all the modern conveniences we have today. This is completely weather dependent and something you’ll have to prepare for; if it’s raining you still have to pitch the tent and try and keep everything dry doing so. But I think that’s the whole point of camping – to say goodbye to your comforts and embrace the hardship. But again, this is basic not fashionable. For most of us, that isn’t our idea of a holiday or a break away from the city life. Its challenging when we all have busy lives with work and family, and we just want to spend time with the people we love on an enjoyable and relaxing break away. In this sense, camping isn’t going to be your go to if you want a relaxing, stress free holiday. Especially if you are from the city, and don’t have camping experience or gear – let alone anywhere to store it once your trip is over. Therefore, glamping offers you the same nature loving experience but with hotel-style living. This is usually a better option for a hassle-free trip to the country that doesn’t require excessive time planning or outdoor experience (i.e. If you aren’t comfortable using a travel stove).
Whether camping or glamping, you’ll be waking up to stunning rural sounds and views, but your living situations are polar opposite!
As I said before, camping is back to basics. That means bringing blankets/sleeping bags to keep you warm, lanterns or torches for light and the difficulty of whipping up a fry up on a travel stove – unless you are a true camping connoisseur!
On the flip, with glamping you’re paying for the heating, the spacious living quarters, electricity and usually a fully fitted kitchen. I know at Bowbrook Lodges that’s exactly what we offer. We even provide you with the little things like a toaster, kettle and a microwave, which makes breakfast a piece of cake.
Accessibility is very important to ensure everyone can experience the things they want to in life. The popularity of glamping has grown massively merely because it makes the camping experience more accessible to all types of people and gives individuals the opportunity to experience the countryside regardless of age, mobility or experience. Glamping removes the rough and toughness of camping to provide you with a home-from-home. For instance, adults who once thought they’d outgrown camping due to issues with sleeping on the floor, now have the option of sleeping in a comfy bed. In addition, it still invites the highly tech reliant millennials who need to charge phones, have Wi-Fi, use hair dryers and have a proper shower. These are all home-hotel style amenities that can all be offered whilst still enjoying nature and the great outdoors. In addition, it gives you the comfort to relax and not worry about the issues you would have encountered with camping. Let’s consider the fact that you won’t have to spend time putting up a tent and setting up equipment which means more time to climb hills, visit the beach or explore local attractions.
Lastly, when it comes to camping you can’t knock the fact that there will be more places to pitch a tent than glamping locations in the UK, especially in peak season. Let alone it could be potentially cheaper depending on what equipment you already have. But again, if you do live in the city it could be a more expensive choice especially if you don’t have camping gear or a spacious car to fit it all in. It must be said, glamping is a much more convenient, fun and less risky option when choosing a break to the country.
Come glamping at Bowbrook lodges to have the best possible experience of the countryside. Stay in top notch accommodation and live your best life under the stars while roasting marshmallows!
MORE ARTICLES
Owners Rich and Matt Jaques from Pinvin near Pershore have joined the David Bellamy Blooming Marvellous Challenge to support both the Wonderful Wetlands and Tree-mendous initiatives.
Alongside some iconic venues, we’re delighted to announce that Bowbrook Lodges is a finalist in this year’s wonderful Visit Worcestershire 's Tourism Awards!
Everyone loves a summer holiday, but there’s more to holidays than bikinis, swimming pools and hot sun. Have you ever considered a UK countryside holiday in winter? It might seem a little crazy, but there’s plenty of very good reasons to take a holiday in the colder months. A winter holiday here at Bowbrook Holidays gives you the chance to take a break and really appreciate the simpler things in life. On shorter winter days, there’s something very special about walking in the countryside or warming up round the fire in a cosy pub. So if you’re into beautiful scenery, as well as peace and quiet, there’s no better time to take a holiday than in the winter. Our lodges, safari, tents and pods at give visitors a unique blend of modern living and countryside ambience. Have a weekend or a week away with us and enjoy home comforts like WiFi and hot showers, whilst surrounded by nature and the great outdoors. Here’s why you should visit Bowbrook Lodges in winter…
We've recently worked with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) to build wetlands on our wonderful camping and glamping site.
There can be few nicer treats while on holiday than relaxing in a tea shop. Whether it’s a full afternoon tea or a well-earned cup of coffee and slice of cake to break up a countryside hike, you really can’t beat it. Of course we’ve got our fair share of chain coffee shops in the area, but if you are looking for something a bit different, there are also lots of lovely independent tea and coffee shops in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Here are some of our favourites….....
Bowbrook Holidays is perfectly situated for you to enjoy some great days out on our doorstep, in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and beyond. There are so many places to choose from, whatever time of year you visit. But here are a few of our favourites.
Bowbrook Holidays is set in the beautiful countryside and we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by great local walks in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire. Whether you are looking for a long hike, a short ramble or a potter round a town centre, there is something for everyone. Here are just a few of our favourites…
Bowbrook Holidays is a great base to explore the local area. There’s always plenty of events happening in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. Here’s some of our favourites, whatever time of year you visit. We will keep adding events throughout the years, but while the Covid situation keeps changing, we would definitely recommend double checking that these events are taking place and whether there are any restrictions you need to be aware of.
But why are these healthy alternative holidays becoming all the rage and replacing the cheap package deals to resorts in Spain and elsewhere? Glamping is luxury on a budget Well, arguably, cheap package deals to resorts in Spain are often not a cheaper alternative. Due to the drop in the value of the pound against the Euro prices have boomed in recent years which has left holidaymakers with no option but to enjoy a vacation on home soil. Glamping provides the perfect solution for a cost effective break away, but with the same perks of staying in an apartment overseas. Of course, you can’t always guarantee the weather in England, but you can still guarantee luxury accommodation. Our Luxury Lodges and Safari Tents offer plenty of accommodation options at an affordable rate, while still providing true comfort. Since you don’t have the added extra cost of flights you can treat yourself and the family to a couple of nights in our Zebra lodge which offers a private hot tub for up to six people without breaking the bank. Glamping offers unique accommodation A common theme in today’s society is that people are often looking for ways to break trends and do something which is a little bit outside of the norm. Of course, everyone enjoys their 5-star all-inclusive holiday in the Mediterranean, but a trip to the countryside to stay in a ‘quirky’ glamping lodge will often trump that due to the uniqueness of the experience. Why settle for ordinary when you can book a quirky night’s stay that offers the comfort and facilities that would rival many top hotels. Glamping is for everyone If you’re looking for a romantic break for just the two of you, or a place for the whole family to enjoy, Bowbrook Lodges offers both without foregoing certain home comforts. You can enjoy a comfy bed, a bath tub and a fully equipped kitchen and living area all while enjoying the best parts of camping, such as gathering around the fire pit, relaxing on the balcony enjoying the stars and the 360-degree view of the beautiful countryside surrounding you. Glamping is truly a great way to soak up the outdoors and revert back to the authentic, simple way of life, so when you start to look for holiday alternatives be sure to add glamping to your list.
When you start thinking of unique Valentine’s Day ideas, it wouldn’t be surprising if camping didn’t instantly spring to mind. When we think of camping we often think of the cold, muddy wellies, instant food and an uncomfortable night’s sleep. The words “luxury” and “camping” don’t really go together. Unless you are familiar with glamping. Romantic glamping breaks tick all the boxes and they won’t break the bank if you’re on a tight budget. Choose some unique glamping accommodation, follow our suggested tips and your romantic glamping trip is sure to create a lasting memory and give you a new perspective on camping. How To Make Your Valentine’s Glamping Trip Extra Special Why not make your glamping trip a complete surprise for your partner? Keep the date free and get planning. It makes it extra fun if you have the pleasure of planning for your valentine. Now that you’ve decided on a glamping experience in the countryside, you can decide on a dinner to complement the evening. While previous years you may have left the hard work to the professionals, cooking is actually far more sentimental and makes for a great bonding activity. Bowbrook Lodges come fully equipped with a kitchen that has everything you could ever need to serve up a luxury three course meal for your partner. No date night is complete without some bubbly, so be sure to pack some along with candles and a speaker for some relaxing background music. Stock up on some savoury snacks to nibble on before dinner, marshmallows to toast and a pack of chocolate hearts for a little sweet treat later in the evening. This will really complement the special sense of sharing and indulging. Where To Find The Best Romantic Glampsites Location is key when planning a Valentine’s break. Choose a place that allows you to disconnect from the rest of the world and escape the pressures of every day. If you’re looking for romantic sunsets or remote natural beauty, our lodges offer up 360-degree view of the beautiful countryside surrounding you, while giving you the privacy of a remote spot. Relax and be at one with nature in one of our lodges or safari tents. You get everything from a comfy bed to a bath tub and a fully equipped kitchen and living area. More luxurious than camping but with a rustic charm, each one of our homes brings beautiful elegance and peaceful surroundings to enjoy whilst spending some quality time with your significant other. That’s what romantic glamping getaways are all about.