Real Weddings: Catherine and Chris’ St Patrick’s Day wedding in Co Meath
Real Weddings: Catherine and Chris’ St Patrick’s Day wedding in Co Meath

Shayna Sappington

An architect’s advice if you’re planning the perfect extension
An architect’s advice if you’re planning the perfect extension

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Tips for a budget-friendly wedding, from a professional planner
Tips for a budget-friendly wedding, from a professional planner

Shayna Sappington

This beachside Connemara home is on the market for €2.8 million
This beachside Connemara home is on the market for €2.8 million

Megan Burns

You can rent a room in The Merrion Hotel for a cool €7k a month
You can rent a room in The Merrion Hotel for a cool €7k a month

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The IMAGE staffers on the spring accessories they’re shopping for this season
The IMAGE staffers on the spring accessories they’re shopping for this season

Sarah Gill

Venting, oversharing, or straight up trauma dumping — when does confiding in friends turn toxic?
Venting, oversharing, or straight up trauma dumping — when does confiding in friends turn toxic?

Sarah Gill

Real Weddings: Aoife and Brendan tied the knot at a Tudor-style house in Co Carlow
Real Weddings: Aoife and Brendan tied the knot at a Tudor-style house in Co Carlow

Shayna Sappington

This modern farmhouse in Enniskerry is on the market for €945,000
This modern farmhouse in Enniskerry is on the market for €945,000

Sarah Finnan

3 ways to style your trusty adidas Sambas
3 ways to style your trusty adidas Sambas

Sarah Finnan

Image / Editorial

5 Of Best British Summer Spots To Go Glamping


By Melanie Mullan
03rd Aug 2017
5 Of Best British Summer Spots To Go Glamping

Heading over yonder for a summer break with a difference? Melanie Mullan went glamping in five of the best spots in Britain. Here’s the lowdown on each…


HEREFORD Majestic Bus

Nestled in the Herefordshire countryside, this converted bus is surrounded by impressive mountain views. The hand-crafted wooden interiors contain a double bed, as well as a couch that can be transformed into an extra double sleeper in the evening if necessary. Solar panels power the electricity for lights and sockets, while outside there is an area where an additional four guests can pitch their tent. The nearby Hay-on-Wye offers hours of downtime fun in second-hand bookshops and galleries, while those who prefer the great outdoors can head to Wye Valley for a choice of canoe trips or mountain-biking expeditions. Spend your evenings on the decked area of the Majestic Bus, cooking dinner in the open-air fire pit, while drinking in the lovely views and perhaps a glass of your choice of something chilled. The bus starts at €90 per night based on two people sharing. majesticbus.co.uk

ISLE OF WIGHT The Tribeca

Transforming caravans to give the sense of a New York boutique hotel, The TriBeCa on the Isle of Wight features children’s rooms with timber-effect walls and large windows to create a jungle feel. Located overlooking Whitecliff Bay, the campsite has its own swimming pool and is within walking distance of the beach, offering plenty to keep families entertained. Meanwhile, if you would prefer to relax indoors, enjoy a soak in the bath with a movie on the hidden TV while kids are off exploring. Dab hands in the kitchen will enjoy fully equipped cooking stations, while nearby restaurants cater to those who would like a night or two away from the hot stove. Caravans start at €871 for a seven-night stay. awayresorts.co.uk

YORKSHIRE Swinton Bivouac

Perched on a hilltop at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Swinton Bivouac offers eight yurts for lovers of the great outdoors. While beds are cosy and comfy, the yurts don’t have electricity, so bring a torch, while shower/loo facilities are shared. Fill up on breakfast at the on-site caf? before venturing on your way with a picnic basket they have prepared for you. The region offers a huge variety of outdoors activities, including horse riding and fly fishing – and make sure to pack your hiking boots, as a jaunt through the dales is a must. Yurts start at €135 per night and sleep up to four people. i-escape.com

CORNWALL Rail Holiday

These thoughtfully restored train carriages in Cornwall, aptly located beside the main national railway line, offer charming accommodation in two locations. The family business takes pride in running sustainable holiday experiences and even offers discounts for those who ditch the car and arrive by train. Both sites are a short distance from a beach where surfing lessons or long strolls over vast dunes are options. If the sand isn’t for you, grab the booklet in your carriage and head on over to the nearby Coldgear Plantation for some wildlife spotting. Nice touch: each kitchen-equipped carriage contains locally sourced supplies such as Cornish biscuits, milk and cider to keep you going. Rail Holiday starts from €545 for three nights. railholiday.co.uk

SCOTLAND Ecopod

 

Out on the west coast of Scotland, a short drive from the village of Appin, Ecopod domes boast panoramic views across Loch Laich to Castle Stalker and its surrounding wilderness. The retreat consists of two open-plan boutique pods, with plans for a third, each accommodating two people and both with their own handmade, Japanese cedar hot tub. Fully equipped with cooking essentials too, the pods contain all you might need to disconnect from the chatter of modern life for a few days – however, for those not fully committed to switching off, there’s TV and Wi-Fi too. The nearby Old Inn offers cosy, gastropub cooking that is well-enhanced by an accompanying pint, or two. Domes start at €550 for a minimum, three-night stay. domesweetdome.co.uk