Looking for the best places to go glamping in Durham?
Well, you’ve come to the right place as I’ve rounded them all up for you!
Durham may not be one of the most popular glamping destinations in the country, but this beautiful North East county is a bit of an underdog on the glamping scene.
From romantic shepherds huts to cosy glamping pods to uniquely decorated tipis, there’s something for everyone in Durham.
And loads of these sites have hot tubs too!
So without further ado, here are the 17 best places to go glamping in Durham.
1. Crowdy Hall
Price per night: From £140 for 2 people
Location: Foxton, nr Sedgefield
Set on over 200 acres of land, you’ll find Crowdy Hall which firmly deserves its #1 spot at the top of this list.
Their Copper Cabin is completely off-grid but you would never guess because it’s so luxurious!
Inside, you’ll find the most gorgeous bespoke king-size bed nook with a romantic stargazing window, as well as a unique sofa nook, a handy kitchenette, and an en-suite bathroom.
This eco-friendly escape uses solar panelling to generate power and an incinerator loo to leave no trace.
There’s no Wi-Fi here, allowing you to fully switch off, and if you want to go one step further, they also provide a deposit box for your phone so you can have a full digital detox.
Instead, turn your attention to their mini library that’s lovingly filled with thought-provoking titles.
There are also all sorts of bespoke, one-of-a-kind features to discover inside, from boat port hole windows to reclaimed mop buckets used for the kitchen!
The space is full of charm and character, and I can promise it’s only more special once you see it in person.
What guests say: “An absolutely beautiful stay in a wonderfully quiet location. Everything about Crowdy Hall is thought through, from the stylish crockery to the “detox box”. Crowdy Hall is a gorgeous space, perfect for a weekend away from it all. Alasdair is a fantastic host, very hospitable and welcoming.”
2. West Hall Glamping
Price per night: From £165 for 4 people
Location: Witton Gilbert, nr Durham
If you’re looking to go glamping with a hot tub in Durham, then look no further than West Hall Glamping.
West Hall is home to six amazing glamping pods, each of which comes with a private bubbling hot tub.
They all sleep up to four people across a double bed and a sofa bed, making them ideal for a couple, a small family, or a group of friends!
Inside, you’ll also find a fully-equipped kitchen, a modern en-suite shower room, and a living area with a TV, so you’ll be left wanting for nothing.
Take one look at all of West Hall’s glowing 5-star reviews and you’ll be rushing to book a stay here!
What guests say: “You feel like you are a million miles from the city! The pods have everything you need with lots of little extras and treats on arrival too! The bed was lovely and comfortable, shower was piping hot! We loved toasting marshmallows over the fire pit and the hot tub was amazing!”
3. The Garden Rooms Shepherds Huts
Price per night: From £120 for 2 people
Location: Middleton-in-Teesdale, nr Eggleston
With wood-fired hot tubs, cosy matching robes, and gorgeous king-size beds, The Garden Rooms is one of the most romantic places to go glamping in Durham.
It’s home to two bespoke shepherds huts, Luna and Flora, which are both as pretty as their names suggest!
They benefit from all kinds of luxuries, including a Hypnos mattress, Egyptian cotton sheets, a TV, a record player, underfloor heating, a fully-fitted kitchen, and so much more.
Top tip: book Luna for the added benefit of a freestanding copper bathtub!
As well as the amazing amenities inside, you’ll also be treated to plenty of comfy outdoor furniture and a large fire pit outside.
What guests say: “What can we say! You could not really get much better. Immaculate little shepherds hut in a stunning location. Sarah and Scott could not do enough for us. Nothing was a bother to them. All of the little details made this an absolutely fabulous little break. The hot tub was brilliant and set in a private garden.”
4. Beamish Glamping
Location: Beamish, nr Stanley
Beamish Glamping is one of the more unique places to go glamping in Durham.
Steeped in history and bursting with character, its three restored railway carriages are situated within peaceful private grounds overlooking woodland.
Each carriage has its own private decking and bubbling hot tub, giving you plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.
However, they vary inside depending on what you’re looking for!
The Willow sleeps two for a romantic getaway, while The Sycamore has space for four, making it a great option for a small family break.
The Silver Birch, on the other hand, can sleep up to six people, so it’s ideal for larger family getaways.
Whatever you need, Beamish has you covered!
What guests say: “I would 100% recommend staying here! The site is so peaceful, lodges are well spaced out and private. We stayed in The 4/6 Berth and I couldn’t believe how spacious and modern it was. The hot tub is huge and covered so perfect for any weather. I could live here.”
5. Hidden Retreat Glamping
Price per night: From £94 for 4 people
Location: Shotley Bridge
Hidden Retreat Glamping may be Durham’s best-kept secret but it won’t be hidden for much longer!
This gorgeous glamping site sits on the banks of the River Derwent, providing glampers with the opportunity to unwind amid some of Durham’s best scenery.
On-site, you’ll find two glamping pods, The Annandale and The Oley.
Both benefit from large glass panoramic entrances which allow lots of natural light to flood in, as well as the opportunity to enjoy some great views!
Inside, the pods are just as impressive, and they contain a comfy double bed, en-suite bathroom, kitchen, and a living area with a TV and sofa bed.
Outside, the story is much the same with a plethora of outdoor furniture, BBQ, a fire pit, and the star of the show: a bubbling hot tub!
What guests say: “Stayed in the Annandale and it was just what we needed – a tranquil break away! Small touches like brownies on arrival and the well-thought-out decor really made for the perfect stay. We loved the hot tub and the location. It really was a hidden retreat. Everything was so clean, so quiet and so well organised.”
6. Mill Granary Shepherds Hut
Price per night: From £95 for 2 people
Location: Ingleton, nr Darlington
There are countless things to love about Mill Granary Shepherds Hut.
From the outdoor cast-iron bath to the immaculate interior decor, this shepherds hut has been done to such a high standard.
And that’s not to mention the incredible countryside views!
Step through the stable door and your eyes will be instantly drawn towards the king-size bed nook which has a good night’s sleep written all over it.
Then, take a look to your right and you’ll see an open-plan living area, kitchen, wood-burning stove, and an en-suite bathroom.
You’re truly left wanting for nothing here and I know you’re going to love it as much as I do!
What guests say: “This was the perfect escape! The hut was immaculate and had everything we needed and more. The views were spectacular and sitting on the decking eating breakfast in the morning was certainly my favourite part. Also, the homemade treats on arrival were AMAZING!”
7. Eden Grange Glamping
Price per night: From £150 for 2 adults and 2 children
Location: Shildon
Eden Grange Glamping is one of the larger glamping sites in the area, with five glamping pods and three tipis to choose from.
Yep, you heard me correctly: tipis!
Not only does Eden Grange have classic glamping pods, but you also have the option of sleeping under the stars in a spacious and airy tipi.
Don’t think you’ll be roughing it here, though, as with every tipi, you get underfloor heating, a fixed double bed, and even a private bubbling hot tub.
As for the pods, they’re just as luxurious and well-equipped as you may expect.
They sleep up to two adults and two children, with their extra special Honey Pod being designed for couples only!
What guests say: “Wish we had booked in for more than one night! It was absolutely beautiful and immaculately clean, and the bed was so comfortable. The bathroom had a powerful shower. The hot tub was amazing and the surroundings were peaceful and picturesque. Immaculately maintained.”
8. Moorside Huts
Price per night: From £112.50 for 2 people
Location: California, nr Bishop Auckland
Moorside Huts is one of my favourite places to go glamping in Durham, thanks to their wood-fired hot tubs, smart TVs, and other luxurious touches.
Inside each hut, you’ll find a double bed, kitchen, and en-suite bathroom, which are all beautifully done and immaculately appointed.
You can also expect to find a welcome pack, complimentary toiletries, and a cosy bathrobe and slippers to cosy into.
And as if things couldn’t get any better, you get to enjoy miles of stunning countryside views across the Wear Valley and the Durham Dales.
The views here warrant a stay alone, hot tubs aside!
What guests say: “Derek has been a fantastic host and the pictures do not do the location and accommodation justice. Incredible attention to detail and a wonderful overall experience. The hot tub was amazing, and the peace and quiet made it very peaceful and resting. We are definitely planning to revisit.”
9. Derecroft Glamping
Price per night: From £125 for 4 people
Location: Lanchester
Nestled in a scenic hillside on a family-run farm, Derecroft Glamping‘s pods are some of my favourites in the county.
While you can stay in these pods all year round, they really come into their own in the summer, thanks to their well-equipped outdoor spaces.
From a bubbling hot tub and ample seating to a BBQ, stove, and pizza oven, this glamping site was designed with long summer evenings in mind.
The pods themselves are generous in size, sleeping up to four people across a double bed and a double sofa bed.
Inside, you’ll also find a modern kitchen, a dining and living area with a smart TV, an en-suite bathroom, and a generous welcome hamper filled with everything from pastries to Prosecco!
What guests say: “Thank you, Jane. We would like to thank you for such a lovely stay. You have put so much thought into all the little things that are needed from the marshmallows to the breakfast pastries. Just perfect!
The views are breathtaking. Wish we stayed longer. We will be back.”
10. Teesdale Cheesemakers Shepherds Huts
Price per night: From £80 for 2 people
Location: Copley, nr Eggleston
If you’re a big cheese lover, then boy have I found the perfect glamping site for you!
There are two shepherds huts at Teesdale Cheesemakers, an award-winning cheesemaker that provides guided tours and tasters, as well as having a cheese-centric café and shop.
However, aside from all the on-site amenities, these huts warrant a stay in their own right!
They both come with wood-fired hot tubs as well as gorgeous countryside views and a heap of great amenities.
Want to make your stay even better?
Well, they’ve got lots of great upgrades to help you do just that!
From BBQ packs and breakfast packs to chilled bottles of bubbly and fabulous cheese platters, there’s an upgrade for everyone.
What guests say: “The cafe is fabulous, the cheese is amazing, and the glamping is exceptional. My wife and I had a week glamping here in April and had such a great time that we came back for another week in September. The huts are tucked away over the hill, with amazing views over their woodland. And now they have wood-fired HOT TUBS! Such a lovely experience.”
11. Hill Top Huts
Price per night: From £47 for 3 people, £56 for 4 people, and £65 for 5 people
Location: Hill Top, nr Eggleston
With a name like Hill Top Huts, you know these huts deliver exceptional views.
Okay, so technically this glamping site is situated in the village of Hill Top, but the views are still spectacular!
There’s a range of glamping pods on-site, sleeping anywhere between three and five people.
Each is fully insulated and includes beds, a living area, and a kitchenette, with bathrooms and an on-site shop and launderette just a short walk away.
Some of the pods are dog-friendly too so you can bring your pup along for the trip!
What guests say: “What a fantastic stay at Hill Top Huts. Excellent location, fantastic food and drink and best of all, excellent staff and company! The huts are brand new, have that new feel to them, and have everything you need and more.”
12. Toadlands Shepherds Hut
Price per night: From £130 for 2 people
Location: Mickleton, nr Barnard Castle
Toadlands is home to two characterful shepherds huts which are decorated in bold and impactful colours and patterns.
Inside, they’re somewhat of an Instagrammer’s dream with so many fabulous fabrics and items of furniture to feast your eyes on.
Head inside and throw on a luxury bathrobe, before heading back out to your wood-fired hot tub to stargaze under the clear Durham sky.
Afterwards, you can get straight back inside to enjoy a strong shower and a good night’s sleep in a comfy king-size bed.
This is complete indulgence!
What guests say: “Pictures really don’t do it justice. An absolutely incredible shepherds hut, I’d go as far as to say it’s the best one we’ve stayed in yet. Everything is catered for and I mean EVERYTHING. Lovely hot tub with a fire pit and the hottest of showers. My only wish is that we could have stayed for longer.”
13. Derwent View Glamping
Price per night: From £70 for 2 people
Location: Edmundbyers, nr Consett
Derwent View Glamping is one of the most cheap and cheerful places to go glamping in Durham.
For just £35 per person per night, you could stay in one of Derwent View’s five carefully designed glamping pods.
There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re a couple looking for a hot tub break (Mally Mansion is the pod for you) or you’re a family of five wanting to stargaze (look no further than Pheasant’s Parlour or Dec’s Den).
Whichever pod you book, it’ll come with lots of great amenities, such as beds, a kitchenette, a TV, and heating.
What guests say: “We enjoyed a relaxing and tranquil break. It was our 2nd anniversary and we absolutely loved it. The family who runs the business are very friendly and extremely helpful. Stargazing in the hot tub while being in the middle of the countryside was extra special to us.”
14. Ben’s Hut
Price per night: From £45 for 3 people
Location: Rowley, nr Consett
Ben’s Hut is the cheapest place to go glamping in Durham which already makes it an absolute winner in my eyes.
Prices start at just £15 per person per night so a stay here truly is a steal!
For this price, you get to stay in a simple yet luxurious hut which contains a double bed, single bed, TV, kitchenette, and en-suite bathroom.
What more could you need?!
Ideal for couples or couples with a small child in tow, the cosy, insulated hut is set up for all-year-round stays.
Alternatively, there’s also Jessie’s Hut on-site if Ben’s is booked up for the dates you’re interested in!
What guests say: “Perfect little getaway. The hut was immaculate, well appointed with everything you need for simple meals – we brought ready meals for the microwave. The bed was comfy, and the hut was really warm and cosy. It was lovely being on a working farm, and lots of happy memories were triggered for me and my wife.”
15. The Gables Pod Camping
Price per night: From £130 for 2 people
Location: Escomb, nr Bishop Auckland
The Gables Pod Camping is more than just a glamping site; it’s a glamping experience.
This licensed wedding venue and spa retreat ramps up the romance to the max with its wood-fired hot tubs, on-site sauna, and spa treatments.
Fancy a tipple or a bite to eat?
Then head to the unique on-site horsebox bar or book in for an afternoon tea experience!
Stays cost £130 a night for which you not only get a lovely little pod but a complimentary breakfast thrown in too.
(They do all the hard work for you here at The Gables.)
If you’re looking for some serious R&R, you know exactly where to find it in Durham!
What guests say: “We cannot recommend The Gables highly enough. The setting is idyllic with beautiful and thoughtful touches everywhere you look. Sue and Mike’s hosting is second to none and nothing is too much trouble. They make your stay a pure joy. The continental breakfast served in a fabulous authentic tipi is delicious.”
16. Elsie’s Retreat
Price per night: From £110 for 2 people
Location: Kimblesworth, nr Durham
Elsie’s Retreat is an adorable little shepherds hut situated just a stone’s throw from Durham in the small village of Kimblesworth.
Less than ten minutes from the city centre, it’s a great option for couples looking for an alternative city break.
The space is small but they pack a lot into it including a kitchenette, a sofa bed, a small dining area, and an en-suite bathroom!
Outside, you’ll find outdoor seating where you can relax in the sun, as well as access to a shared hot tub which you can book for free in advance.
17. Sharpley Camping
Price per night: From £90 for 2 adults and 2 children
Location: Seaham
Last but by no means least, Sharpley Camping certainly ends things on a high!
Although its five pods are relatively back to basics as they just contain beds (you’ll need to bring bedding with you), they do enjoy the added benefit of a private wood-fired hot tub.
Alternatively, Sharpley Camping also has some five-metre bell tents for those who want to get a little closer to nature!
They, too, are simple, comprising a double bed, mattress, electric sockets, and a kettle.
And don’t you worry, they also come with that much-sought-after hot tub!
What guests say: “Brilliant pod in a peaceful spacious campsite. The hot tub was beautiful and lovely after a long day’s walk and a great fire pit to enjoy the sunset with some toasted marshmallows. The bed was comfortable and a great night’s sleep in a cosy lodge. Facilities were good with a hot shower, toilet facilities and a wash area.”
Quick Breakdown of the Best Glamping Sites in Durham
As you can see, there are so many great places to go glamping in Durham.
So much so that I’m sure you’re already struggling with which to choose!
That’s why I’ve done the legwork for you and shortlisted some of the best for you, hopefully narrowing down your search.
My personal favourite place to go glamping in Durham: Crowdy Hall
The cheapest place to go glamping in Durham: Ben’s Hut
Most luxurious place to go glamping in Durham: The Garden Rooms Shepherds Huts
Best place to go glamping in Durham for couples: Mill Granary Shepherds Hut
Best place to go glamping in Durham for large groups: Hill Top Huts
Most unique place to go glamping in Durham: Beamish Glamping
Best place to go glamping in Durham with a hot tub: West Hall Glamping
So that concludes the best places to go glamping in Durham!
It’s safe to say that wherever you end up, you’ll have a great time.
Just promise me you’ll take me with you, yeah?