✅ Essentials Checklist
- Check what bedding is provided — many glamps include it, some don't
- Towels (usually not provided — always check)
- Toiletries (few glamping sites have shops nearby)
- Waterproof jacket (you're still outside getting to facilities)
- Wellies or waterproof shoes (paths between structures are often muddy)
- Phone charger (most have electricity — confirm before arriving)
- Food and drink for first evening (rural locations, shops close early)
- Torch or head torch for moving between tent and facilities at night
- Any prescription medication
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Layers — glamping is still outdoors
- Waterproof jacket
- Wellies or waterproof ankle boots
- Comfortable clothes for evenings
- Something for the morning walk to shower block if shared facilities
⭐ Nice to Have
- Bluetooth speaker
- Bottle of wine or prosecco
- Fairy lights (many bell tents already have them)
- Board games or cards
- Good book
- Candles (check fire rules first)
- Outdoor shoes comfortable enough for a countryside walk
- Camera
Frequently Asked Questions
Do glamping sites in the UK provide bedding?
Many do, particularly higher-end sites, but it varies significantly. Always check the booking details carefully. If bedding isn't included and you don't want to bring it, a good-quality sleeping bag liner with a duvet is a comfortable alternative.
What is the difference between a bell tent and a shepherd's hut?
A bell tent is a large canvas tent — warmer than a standard tent, atmospheric, but still a tent with a groundsheet. A shepherd's hut is a small converted railway-style wagon — fully insulated, often with a wood-burning stove, running water and sometimes en-suite facilities. Shepherd's huts cost more but are more comfortable in cold or wet weather.
Is glamping in the UK worth it in winter?
With a wood-burning stove and proper insulation, a shepherd's hut or heated pod in winter can be magical. A bell tent in January is a different matter — cold, and only for the committed. Always check what heating is provided and how effective it is before booking a winter glamping trip.