One of our favourite family activities over the summer is Glamping. We have been up and down the country glamping over the years and intend to continue our adventures this summer. We’ve put together a list of some glamping essentials for you to bring along on your own glamping trip!
What is Glamping?
Before we compile our glamping essentials list, I am often asked, ‘What exactly is glamping‘? Glamping is great for those of us who like the idea of spending time in the great outdoors, but don’t find the idea of living in a tent appealing. Fortunately, there is a way to explore new areas and spend time in the great outdoors without sleeping in a tent. That is glamping!
Glamping sites are littered throughout the country. Each has a number of glamping pods for hire. The most basic of these will have a sleeping area and a very basic kitchen. Others will contain a lounge area, a small kitchen and a bathroom with a toilet, A sink and shower. We prefer the latter!
1. Bedding
One thing that surprised us when we first went glamping is that unless stated, you have to bring your own bedding. This includes an undersheet, duvet and pillows. Remember that even in the summer, glamping spots tend to be rather cold in the evenings. Some glamping pods do come with a radiator, but it’s worth bearing in mind that you might want to wrap up warm in the evenings.
2. Towels
Most glamping sites we have frequented do not provide towels in their pods. We have always brought our own towels, including hand towels, bath towels for showers and fannels. A pot towel is always useful too! Remember if you’re glamping site is close to water you might want to bring a towel in case you go for a swim too!
3. Cutlery and Crockery
Most glamping pods include a kitchenette. Although some pods might come with cutlery and crockery, it’s worth checking if this is the case. If not, you’ll need to bring along your own cutlery and crockery. We have a glamping pack that includes plastic plates, bowls and cutlery. This makes them easier to wash once we have used them and also prevents any breakages if the plates get dropped outside around the fire.
4. Outdoor Games
We always bring a selection of outdoor games on our glamping trips. It’s an excellent way to keep the kids entertained while we cook on the BBQ. You could simply bring a football, or tennis rackets and a ball. Some of the best outdoor games are the simplest, such as hoops and beanbags or a frisbee.
5. Camping Chairs
Even if your glamping pod has an outdoor bench, bring your own camping chairs. These are much more comfortable than benches and can be easily positioned and moved as desired. We sit outside until the early hours of the morning. It’s nice to snuggle down in a camping chair around the fire with a blanket wrapped around you.
6. BBQ
It’s worth checking if your glamping site provides a BBQ as not all of them do. We bring along a few disposable BBQs when we go glamping. This also enables us to eat on the go. We can always cook our food away from the site and on the beach should the mod take us.
7. Fire Supplies
Most glamping sites provide each pod with a fire pit. Be sure to bring matches, wood and tinder. You can usually buy these on-site, however, they can be expensive. If there is a supermarket nearby, you’ll probably find these items much cheaper there.
8. Old Blankets
Sitting around the fire in the evening is magical, but the fire is rather smelly. Be sure to bring additional blankets or wrap-ups for around the fire. Don’t sit around the fire in the blanket you intend to use as bedding. It will skink the entire glamping pod out when you go to bed!
9. Old Clothes
As above, you’ll need some ‘fire’ clothes. Make sure you bring plenty of spare clothes for everyone so they don’t ruin their daytime clothes with the smell of the fire. We bring old hoodies, old tracksuits and old trainers or boots for the evening time. It doesn’t matter if they’re ripped or old, they’re only to be used around the fire in the evening.
10. A Torch
I underestimated how dark the evenings can be on an isolated farm in the Highlands. Or by a forest in the Lake District. You’ll need a torch to move from the fire to the glamping pod in the evening. I ensure we have a torch each and it is kept in our pockets at night time. A good torch is one of the most important items on my glamping essentials list!
