Bedfordshire might not be the first place you think of when you think of glamping but the county is home to nine amazing places to go glamping.
Whether you’re a glamping newbie or a bit of an aficionado, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Maybe you want to take it back to basics with a bell tent or tipi…
Or maybe a safari tent or glamping pod is calling your name.
Whatever you’re looking for, read on to discover the 9 best places to go glamping in Bedfordshire!
1. Re:Treat Glamping
Price per night: From £93 for 7 people
Location: Pulloxhill, nr Bedford
Can you think of many more picturesque surroundings than those at Re:Treat Glamping because I, for one, am struggling!
Re:Treat is an exclusive luxury safari tent that’s perfectly positioned on its own private deck beside a pond.
The tent sleeps up to seven people across a king-size bed, a triple bunk room (double bed with single bunk above), and a beautiful four-poster bedroom.
Similarly, the living and dining area is just as impressive and it houses everything you could need to cook up a storm.
Step outside onto your spacious raised veranda and you’ll find a picnic table and Adirondack chairs for you to bask in the sun.
Further afield, you’ll discover serene 16-acre surroundings that you have all to yourself!
After a few days of R&R here, you’ll never want to leave.
What guests say: “From initial contact with the delightful owner Jo, the whole experience was fantastic. The 5-star super safari tent is located in a wonderful location and kitted out with bits and bobs you wouldn’t find in a boutique hotel. Just go and sit out on the deck with a glass of something tasty in your hand and watch the wildlife and shooting stars come and go.”
2. The Meadows at Polehanger
Price per night: From £140 for 2 adults and 4 children
Location: Shefford
The four beautifully-crafted luxury glamping cabins at The Meadows at Polehanger are seriously special.
Expect luxuries like king-size beds, well-equipped kitchens, and private decking and gardens.
All their outdoor areas enjoy the same beautiful countryside views; however, only two benefit from a private wood-fired hot tub.
Prices start at £140 a night, increasing to £180 for the Marigold Cabin which not only has a hot tub but a free-standing bath too.
The height of luxury!
Top tip: make your stay even better by ordering some added extras, such as a continental breakfast box, breakfast bap box, barbeque box, or a fire-pit pack basket.
The latter sounds amazing because who doesn’t want to toast marshmallows and make s’mores?
I know I do!
What guests say: “Every last detail is well thought through from towel hooks by the hot tub to the wheelbarrows to cart your belongings from the car park. Unusual to have a large comfy sofa in a glamping cabin which added a great deal of comfort. The best glamping experience we’ve had.”
3. Feather Down New Barn Farm
Price per night: From £114 for 6 people
Location: Carlton, nr Bedford
Feather Down is wildly popular the nation over for providing some of the best safari tent holidays around, and its New Barn Farm location is no exception.
Each safari tent contains a living room, kitchen, bedrooms, toilet and private shower.
They each sleep six people across a double bed, bunk bed and unique cupboard bed, making this a great getaway for families or groups of friends.
Speaking of families, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied on-site.
From a play area and cuddle barn to a pizza oven and bicycle hire, there’s so much to do at New Barn Farm.
And that’s not even to mention all the exploring you can do through the woodland.
No matter how you choose to spend your time here, you’re guaranteed a great holiday.
Top tip: order a farmer’s stew, breakfast hamper or BBQ box to make your stay even better!
What guests say: “We had a great time with our grandchildren, they loved looking after the chickens, visiting the ponies in the barn and playing on the go-carts in the farmyard. Having no electricity and internet made a fun change for a few days. The children enjoyed a level of freedom they don’t get to experience living in the city.”
4. North End Farm Glamping
Price per night: From £120 for 4 people
Location: Stagsden, nr Bedford
The bell tents at North End Farm Glamping are some of my favourites.
They describe themselves as ‘rustic luxury’ and that’s exactly what they are!
You’ll find touches of glamour everywhere you go, whether it’s cosy bedding, steamy showers, or your own camping kitchen pack.
However, of course, you get to experience the bliss of rustic camping life in the form of a private fire pit area.
S’mores and campfire stories, anyone?
There are six bell tents on-site and each can be set up to sleep two, three or four people, on a double bed and up to two singles.
So whether you fancy a romantic break, a getaway with friends, or a family holiday, North End Farm has you covered.
As for your surroundings, it’s nothing but fields and country walks here so if it’s gorgeous countryside that you’re after, you’ll love this place.
What guests say: “North End Farm Glamping delivered on every level. We loved everything about it! There were hot tea and scones ready for us on arrival which made us feel very welcome. We had a campfire and watched the stars every night. It was great to wake up to mooing cows and chirping birds.”
5. Henlow Bridge Lakes
Price per night: From £55 for 4 people
Location: Henlow, nr Shefford
Henlow Bridge Lakes is one of the cheapest places to go glamping in Bedfordshire.
Set in a private field, their three pods are comfortable, cosy and perfect for families.
The wooden structures were built with sheep’s wool insulation to keep the pods cool in summer and warm in winter, making them ideal for year-round stays.
Admittedly, the pods are very simplistic and only house double electric sockets, an electric heater and wall lights.
As such, you’ll need to bring your own bedding and mattresses or blow-up beds.
Outside, in the field, there’s a play area for the young ones to run free in, and nearby, you’ll find the showers and toilets.
However, if this still feels more camping than glamping to you, they also have larger lodges and cabins for those who want a bit of added luxury!
Either way, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and ample fishing opportunities.
What guests say: “We had a great weekend in their pods with our young boys. The pods are a really good way to get young kids into camping for the first time and come with electricity, water, outside seating and a small BBQ/Chimnea. The site itself is well looked after and had so much going on for the whole family.”
6. Wild Canvas Camping
Price per night: From £140 for 4 people
Location: Turvey, nr Bedford
Wild Canvas Camping is only a once-a-year affair but when it does roll around, it sure makes up for lost time!
Set on the riverside meadows of the magnificent Turvey House Estate, this annual pop-up camping experience has a laidback festival vibe.
Yep, that’s right: they have on-site activities and lots of food and drink options.
From stand-up paddleboarding, yoga and DJ sessions to a bar, burgers and wood-fired pizza, you get the full festival experience!
You can book a furnished tipi for £180 a night or a tri-lodge tipi tent for £140 a night.
The former sleeps up to four people, while the latter only sleeps two, but they both benefit from the same great amenities including beds and bedding.
Outside, you also get a private table and chairs where you can relax to your heart’s content.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling in a group and want to book out your own private tipi village, you can do just that!
Perfect for family gatherings, each tipi village includes three tipis (sleeping up to twelve people in total), a central gazebo, a communal fire pit, and a private portable loo.
What guests say: “My children and I had a fantastic time at Wild Canvas. I cannot fault any aspect of the location with the wonderful river, the beach (where we spent most of the time) the team that went that extra mile, the amenities, the various activities for both adults and kids. The entire vibe was wonderful.”
7. Lookout Lodge at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Price per night: From £298 for 2 people
Location: Whipsnade, nr Dunstable
Animal lovers gather around because I’ve just found the best place for you to go glamping in Bedfordshire!
Book a stay at Lookout Lodge at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and you’ll get to experience the zoo after dark.
For £298, you get an overnight stay in a private lodge with double or twin beds – but you also get so much more than that.
Firstly, you get a complimentary drink on arrival, followed by a delicious two-course dinner, as well as a full English breakfast the following morning.
You also get three exclusive after-hours tours of the zoo at sunset, after dark and in the morning.
And of course, the price also includes full entry into the zoo for two days, as well as free car parking.
What’s not to love?!
The accommodation itself is simple but comfortable and it enjoys beautiful views over the Chiltern Downs and your neighbours: a herd of white rhinos and reindeer.
What guests say: “WOW!!! What an experience from start to finish, could not fault a single thing. Lodges were comfortable, extremely clean and well-equipped with tea/coffee, towels and a heater if required. Great night’s sleep. Would definitely recommend and hope to do it all again one day.”
8. Filly’s Folly Tiny House
Price per night: From £140 for 2 people
Location: North Crawley, nr Milton Keynes
Filly’s Folly Tiny House is easily one of the more unique places to go glamping in Bedfordshire.
Situated down a quiet country lane, this unique space gives you the chance to experience the increasingly popular tiny house lifestyle for yourself.
The tiny house houses all the creature comforts of home in an open-plan layout, including a bed, living area, desk, kitchen and en-suite.
The sofa does transform into a second double bed by night if you want to bring along two extra people, but the tiny house is best-suited for couples, given its size.
But it doesn’t stop there!
Outside in your private garden, you’ll find other luxuries including a private hot tub, fire pit and BBQ!
Get ready for stargazing in the hot tub and toasting marshmallows under the stars.
How dreamy does that sound?!
What guests say: “We LOVED this Tiny House. Actually a lot bigger than it looks. We had a wonderful time. The hot tub is INCREDIBLE. We had a romantic evening soaking under the stars and even saw a massive meteor! Karen was amazingly accommodating and I can’t thank her enough.”
9. Town Farm Bell Tents
Price per night: From £50 for 4 people
Location: Ivinghoe, nr Tring
If you’re looking to stay somewhere where you can reconnect with nature, look no further than Town Farm Bell Tents.
The bell tents are simple, comprising four proper mattresses, a lantern and a picnic bench.
As such, you’ll have to bring your own bedding, sleeping bags and cooking equipment.
The four bell tents measure five metres across and comfortably sleep four, with plenty of space for bags and belongings.
Nearby, you’ll find male and female toilets, hot indoor showers, washing-up facilities, a communal fridge and freezer, and a play area.
Naturally, this option is best suited to those who want to glamp on a budget and aren’t as fussed about all the added extras.
However, what the tents lack in amenities, they sure make up for in beautiful surroundings.
One of the best places to go glamping in Bedfordshire?
I think so!
What guests say: “I must say that all facilities were spotless at this campsite, set within beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a peaceful, no music site to enjoy the beautiful views and open space while warming around a campfire, then I’d definitely recommend Town Farm.”
So there you have it: the 9 best places to go glamping in Bedfordshire.
As you can see, although there aren’t tons of places to go glamping in Bedfordshire, the places that are here are pretty great.
I think my favourite might have to be The Meadows at Polehanger but they all look amazing!