From woodland bell tents to plush en-suite lodges, Team Fabulous test out three of Britain’s best glamping retreats
Grab your wellies, it's time to embrace the great outdoors with these top UK glamping holidays
NOTHING says British spring-time quite like the idea of a family camping holiday.
Luckily, gone are the days of staying in a field with no toilets or showers in sight...it's time to embrace the UK's top glamping destinations.
The Shepherd's Hut
Contributing Editor Eimear O'Hagan and husband Malcom checked out Bluegrass Shepherd's Hut at Beacon Hill Farm, Northumberland.
The digs
With a wood-burning stove (and central heating), a so-soft kingsize bed, Le Creuset kitchen accessories and Molton Brown toiletries, we woke up to stunning countryside views with just cows for company.
Relax wrapped in blankets on deckchairs and enjoy a bookshelf of must-reads, a digital radio and a Smart TV (not that we switched it on).
The campsite
Expect an indoor pool, beauty salon and spa with a Jacuzzi, steam room and heated tile beds. Bliss!
After a full-body massage, £40, we hit the private woods with Peggy Sue and Percy, the site's dogs, who love to be borrowed.
For kids, there's a games room and adventure playground.
They also have a tennis court and a mini observatory with telescopes to star-gaze - so romantic.
Explore
Half an hour's drive away is , AKA Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, which offers tours from March till October, £13.95, or visit the beautiful , £7.70.
Embleton Bay is one of Northumberland's best sweeping beaches, while market town Morpeth has indie department store .
Refuel
Self-catering at the hut's modern kitchen is a breeze.
But we treated ourselves to excellent Siam chicken wings, £4.95, at Morpeth's .
Try historic coaching inn in Weldon Bridge for Whitby scampi and chips, £11.95.
Book it Bluegrass Shepherd's Hut is open all year, .
The Bell Tent
Deputy Editor Ellie O'Mahoney, husband Mark and son Elliott, two, visited The Farm Camp, Wiltshire.
The digs
Beautiful bell tents include beds made of wooden pallets, feather pillows and a wood burner to keep you cosy.
Tea-light chandeliers and a stash of marshmallows to toast over your campfire complete the lovely touches.
The campsite
There are only four tents that sleep up to four each, but if you want extra privacy, book Wossnem away from the cluster.
The idyllic outdoor kitchen has a communal table and hanging paraffin lanterns, and there are hot showers, eco-friendly toiletries and surprisingly fragrant compost loos.
Plus, the farm’s indoor pool is down the lane.
Explore
Try sheep-herding with Tim, the camp’s founder, £15, or an archery lesson, from £14.
Don’t miss 14 miles away, either. Entry costs £33.95.
You’ll see tons of animals, including very cheeky monkeys!
Later, head for the , from £35 per person for two hours, to plunge into Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral- rich waters in the rooftop pool.
The nearby Kent and Avon Canal also offers a fab footpath through the picturesque valley.
Refuel
Head to the across the field for the farmhouse breakfast, £8.50, then hit the farm shop for home-made sausage rolls, tarts and pies, plus beer from its microbrewery.
For dinner, don’t miss the down the lane for belly of Wiltshire pork, mustard mash and spiced cider sauce, £14, and a crackling fire.
Book it Open from Easter. Stays start .
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The Lodge
Editor Sinead McIntyre, husband Alistair and five-year-old twins Riley and Harris checked into Feather Down at Loop Head, Co Clare, Ireland.
The digs
The giant Canvas Frills lodges sleep six and have two bedrooms, an en-suite, plus a hidey-hole cupboard with double mattress – quickly claimed by the twins!
Lanterns, an outside shower and wood stove are nice touches.
The campsite
Book pizza-making in the clay oven and share slices with fellow campers, gather nightly around the fire pit for singsongs and sign up for yoga with co-owner Trea, – you’ll feel amazing afterwards.
Explore
Head to nearby Kilkee and wander around the seaside town shops before paddling on the beautiful Blue Flag beach.
The Pollock Holes are huge rock pools deep enough to swim in and teeming with sealife.
Flat rocks provide the ultimate sunbathing spot, too.
, home to the largest resident group of bottlenose dolphins in Europe.
Boats sail daily to catch a glimpse of them – adults cost £30, children £17.50.
Closer to camp, walk to Querrin Pier and dip your toes in – just watch out for crabs!
Refuel
The in Kilkee (where Russell Crowe has eaten) has stunning views and serves incredible seafood chowder.
Or try the Guinness-battered fish and chips, £11, overlooking the sea at .
For posh nosh, you can’t beat in Kilkee.
Two courses and a glass of wine costs £23 before 6.45pm.
Book it
Open from July. Three-night weekend stays .
If you like what you see but prefer serious grandeur, check out this 'treehouse' in Dorset.