The most romantic back-to-nature holidays in Britain and beyond

Sarah Baxter
·4-min read
With safari tents, shepherds’ huts and ‘offgrid bubbles’ for hire, getting back to nature has never been more romantic, says Sarah Baxter
With safari tents, shepherds’ huts and ‘offgrid bubbles’ for hire, getting back to nature has never been more romantic, says Sarah Baxter - getty

There is no better way to get intimate with your other half than by sharing a tent. Some might say too intimate. Having just returned from a hike across Devon, on which the man and I bedded down in a canvas home light enough (ie, tiny enough) to carry on our backs, I feel I know far more than I want to about his knees, elbows, midnight loo visits and three-day-worn socks. (It was, however, a brilliant trip.)

But – thankfully – squeezing into a tent the size of a kennel together is only one type of camping for couples. More sensible pairs might simply pick a bigger tent, and pitch it somewhere spectacular and adult-only. Somewhere you can fling back the flaps to reveal views of vines or sea, and cuddle under the stars. Then there’s the world of glamping, which is more romance and fairy lights than bashed heads and morning breath. You can find back-to-nature retreats for two with a flavour of camping, enhanced by proper beds and hot tubs – perhaps more appealing as we head into autumn and experiment with off-season outdoor sleeps, given summer has seen many sites booked up.

Whatever level of intimacy you desire, there’s a camp or glamp to suit.

Budget romance

Dorset, England

A stone’s throw inland from the Jurassic Coast, Hobby Farm is for adults (and dogs) only – pitches are for two, with plenty of space between; the local pub is only a five-minute walk away. Couples who like to snuggle up can pitch their tents here year-round; if that sounds a bit brisk, opt for the Otter’s Nest Shepherd’s Hut, complete with wood-burning stove.

Pitches from £20pn; shepherd’s huts from £70pn (07881 563571; westdorsetcamping.co.uk)

Bubble break

Abruzzo, Italy

Italy is a latecomer to the glamping game, but Cerchio Del Desiderio (“Circle of Desire”) is perfect for couples wanting a romantica retreat under canvas. The country’s first geodomes – spacious, offgrid bubbles – are scattered amid the lesser-visited hills and olive groves of Abruzzo. Do yoga together, stare at the Gran Sasso mountains from your private deck and stargaze from your outdoor bath.

From £70pn (hostunusual.co.uk)

The country’s first geodomes – spacious, offgrid bubbles – are scattered amid the lesser-visited hills and olive groves of Abruzzo
The country’s first geodomes – spacious, offgrid bubbles – are scattered amid the lesser-visited hills and olive groves of Abruzzo - Alex Wilson

Divine dreaming

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 are rugs, cushions, twinkling candles and fairy lights, a double box pew and cosy campbeds. The Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms is right next door.

From £49pppn (020 7841 0436; champing.co.uk)

High-class Highlands

Perthshire, Scotland

For late-season camping at its most romantic, hunker down in Bramble or Heather, “tents” that seem 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 travel car-free, too: free pickup is available from Gleneagles station, and there are castles and golf courses nearby plus a gin distillery at the end of the drive.

From £200 for a two-night stay (01764 910320; alexanderhousescotland.com)

These opulent yurts, overlooking the Ochil Hills, have king-size beds, roll-top baths and wood-fired hot tubs
These opulent yurts, overlooking the Ochil Hills, have king-size beds, roll-top baths and wood-fired hot tubs

Tree glee

Cumbria, England

Canoodle in the canopy at Low Wray Campsite. This serene spot on the edge of Lake Windermere (open until Nov 1) not only has pitches by the waterfront but also sphere-shaped suspended tree tents perfect for two. Climb the ladder to snuggle up by the red squirrels, warmed by a wood burner, and look out through the roof window at the stars.

Tree tents/tent pitches 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 comfy safari-style tents sit amid 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 tastings and learning to cook traditional dishes.

From €140pn/£120 (agrikies.gr)

Swap blustery Britain for the charms of Greece
Swap blustery Britain for the charms of Greece - getty

Cwch camping

Ceredigion, Wales

Hide away in the perfect pod for two: Tŷ Barcud sits alone in a two-acre meadow, amid apple trees and free-range chickens, far from phone signals and other campers. Cedar-clad and cosy, the pod has a double bed with a duck-down duvet, a kitchenette (with welcome goodies), a bathroom, books and games; outside are a fire pit and a hammock with views of the Ystwyth valley.

From £85pn (01974 261669; tybarcud.com)

Vineyard vaction

Styria, Slovenia

The stylish safari tents at Chateau Ramšak are open year-round: you could wait to enjoy the summer sun or book a winter trip to this wine estate near Maribor, to chink glasses in your private hot tub overlooking the vines and enjoy the back-to-nature camping vibe but with heating, warm beds and bathrobes. Tours and tastings are available, too.

From £260pn (01865 600425; chateauramsak.com/glamps)

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