by There is no better way to bond with your other half than by sharing a tent. Some might say too personal. Having just returned from a walk across Devon, on which the man and I laid down in a home canvas light enough (ie tiny enough) to carry on our backs, I feel that I know a great deal more. than I want about his knees, his elbows. , midnight loo visits and three day worn socks. (It was a great trip, though.)
But – thank God – squeezing into a kennel-sized tent together is only one type of camping for couples. More sensible couples might choose a bigger tent, and set it up in a great location and for adults only. Somewhere you can turn back the flaps to reveal vine or sea views, and cuddle under the stars. Then there’s the world of glamping, which has more romance and fairy lights than sunken heads and morning breath. You can find nature retreats for two with a camping flavor, enhanced by proper beds and hot tubs – perhaps more appealing as we approach autumn and try out-of-season sleeping, given that many sites booked in the summer. .
No matter what level of relationship you’re looking for, there’s a camp or glamping to suit you.
Love budget
Dorset, England
A stone’s throw inland from the Jurassic Coast, Fun Farm is for adults (and dogs) only – there are playgrounds for two, with plenty of space in between; the local pub is only a five minute walk away. Couples who like to snuggle up can pitch their tents here all year round; If it’s a bit brisk, opt for the Otter’s Nest Shepherd’s Hut, complete with a wood-burning stove.
Pitches from £20pn; shepherd’s huts from £70pn (07881 563571; westdorsetcamping.co.uk)
Bubble burst
Abruzzo, Italy
Italy is late to the glamping game, but Cerchio Del Desiderio (“Circle of Desire”) is perfect for couples wanting a romantic retreat under canvas. The country’s first geodomes – vast, off-grid bubbles – are scattered among the less visited hills and olive groves of Abruzzo. Do yoga together, view the Gran Sasso mountains from your private deck and gaze at the stars from your outdoor bath.
From £70pn (hostunusual.co.uk)
A Divine Dream
Kent, England
In Kent, you can “champ” – camp in a church. St Mary the Virgin, in Fordwich, is a good choice for couples celebrating an anniversary: inside there are rugs, cushions, glowing candles and fairy lights, a double box seat and cozy camp beds. The Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms is next door.
From £49pppn (020 7841 0436; chaping.co.uk)
Excellent Highlands
Perthshire, Scotland
For late-season camping at its most romantic, it’s more romantic in Bramble or Heather “tents” that look more like five-star hotels. These opulent yurts, overlooking the Ochil Hills, have king-size beds, roll-top baths and wood-fired hot tubs. Couples can also travel car-free: there’s a free pick-up from Gleneagles station, and there are castles and golf courses nearby as well as a gin distillery at the end of the drive.
From £200 for a two-night stay (01764 910320; alexanderhousescotland.com)
Laughing tree
Cumbria, England
Canoodle in the canopy at Low Wray Campsite. This relaxing spot on the edge of Lake Windermere (open until 1 November) not only has waterside playgrounds but also spherical hanging tree tents perfect for two. Climb the ladder to be serenaded by the red squirrels, warm by a wood burner, and look out through the roof window at the stars.
Tree tents/green tents from £330/£84 for two nights (015394 32733; nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays)
Gourmet glamping
Peloponnese, Greece
Book a trip for two to Agrikies Country Retreat, where five comfortable safari tents sit among fragrant flowers and olive trees on the shores of the Peloponnese. It’s especially appealing to foodies, with on-site activities including olive oil and food pairing workshops, wine tasting and learning how to cook traditional dishes.
From €140pn/£120 (agrikies.gr)
Cwch is camping
Ceredigion, Wales
Hide in the perfect pod for two: Tŷ Barcud sits alone in a two-acre meadow, among apple trees and free-range chickens, far from phone signals and other campers. Waxed and cosy, the pod has a double bed with a duck duvet, a kitchenette (with welcome goodies), a bathroom, books and games; outside there is a fire pit and hammock with views of the Ystwyth valley.
From £85pn (01974 261669; tybarcud.com)
Vineyard holiday
Styria, Slovenia
The stylish safari tents at Chateau Ramšak are open all year round: you could wait to enjoy the summer sun or book a winter trip to this wine estate near Maribor, to clink glasses in your tub private hot overlooking the vines and enjoy the back-go. – nature camping vibe but with warmth, warm beds and baths. Tours and tastings are also available.
From £260pn (01865 600425; chateauramsak.com/glamps)
