How To Go Solo Glamping
Glamping on my own with only Arthur for company is one of my most favourite things to do if I fancy a weekend away in the UK, and with it becoming a very big trend in recent years there are some amazing places to stay. I’m often asked on instagram for recommendations for a solo glamp, usually mums wanting a big switch off for a night or two, but somewhere definitely more ‘glam’ than ‘camping’. Whatever your reason, glamping solo is a brilliant thing to do, and there are a lot of choices near the North East. Here’s my specific tips for how to go on a solo glamping trip.
You might not think it would be much different to going with someone, but I’ve found that it really is. Glamping can be quite hands on, depending on just how glam or how rustic the place you go to is, especially around the cooking arrangements. I’ve stayed in some places that are definitely more like a luxury hotel experience, and some that are much more closer to nature and have more of a camping aspect. That can be harder on your own.
Based on my experiences, these are my tips for a solo glamping experience to get the very best from it.
Choose a Luxury Glamping Spot
If you’re new to glamping or solo travelling, picking a luxury site makes a world of difference. It’s just easier all round. Look for places with cosy proper beds, ensuite bathrooms with real shower and toilet facilities, and all the incredible extras you can now get from glamping huts.
A touch of luxury ensures your stay is relaxing and stress-free, no matter what the weather throws at you, but they still provide the facilities you might want from a camping experience such as cooking outside, star gazing, and being in the middle of nowhere.
My recommendations for a luxury solo glamp in the North East: Rest at the Nest, the Northumberland Nook, Woodland Chase
Time Your Trip Right
The time of year can significantly impact your glamping experience. Winter glamping, while it can be magical and a lovely break, can be pretty challenging in remote areas with limited daylight and no Wi-Fi. Heating is a big thing to consider here too, although based on my experience some places do close in winter because they aren’t suitable for the conditions.
For colder months, I’d recommend you choose a site with a pub, café, or other facilities nearby to keep you entertained and to retreat to if you need it. Spring, summer, and early autumn are my ideal times for making the most of outdoor spaces and longer days – my favourite is Autumn though. Now is a great time to book ahead for the year—many places take deposits, letting you spread the cost.
Although a lot of places have minimum two night stays, I’ve found you can get one night stays if you follow places on Instagram and they sometimes advertise them.
My recommendations: Kip & Nook in North Yorkshire, they have a full bar, pizza oven, games room, yoga and more on site, but their glamping huts can also be fully self contained if you prefer to do it all yourself. Also follow East Farm Glamping, Westfield Huts and the Hiddle Hut – I’ve even seen the Hiddle Hut offer specific solo stay rates which is brilliant (not dog friendly though), and the others often advertise last minute or one night stays.
Opt for a Hot Tub or Outdoor Bath – but check what type it is!
A hot tub or outdoor bath can really make your glamping experience extra special and is the relaxing element you might be craving. As much as the wood fired tubs are lovely and more environmentally friendly, I do find the electric ones much easier if you’re on your own. Wood fired ones require frequent attention to maintain the heat, putting logs on frequently —a bit tricky when you’re solo and don’t want to be in and out all the time.
If this sounds like too much work, pay the extra fee to have it pre-heated before you arrive, most places offer this and then you can dive straight into relaxation.
My recommendations for outdoor hot tubs and baths: Blossom Plantation Pods, Sycamore Glamping, Woodland Chase, Beadnell Shepherd Huts, East Farm Glamping
Learn to Light Fires
Fires are the heart of many glamping experiences, whether it’s for cooking, keeping warm, or simply setting the mood. Brush up on your fire-lighting skills to make the most of your stay, especially if you need to rely on it for heat. Whether it’s an indoor wood burner or an outdoor fire pit, being self-sufficient with fires is a handy skill to have.
My recommendations for places with good log burners: Dod Mill Glamping, Yurtshire, Northumberland Nook, Gisborough Shepherd Huts, East Farm Glamping, Hewn North Yorkshire (pictured), Westfield Farm Shepherd Huts
Bring Entertainment
Solo glamping is a great time to disconnect from daily life, but having some entertainment on hand is key for a solo glamp. Bring a good book, pre-download playlists or podcasts, and download any TV shows you’re watching.
My recommendations: Woodland Chase (pictured) had everything – binoculars, games, bluetooth speakers which was lovely on the terrace outside (be aware of noise rules), and Stag Hideaway in Teesdale had TV with Netflix
Plan Day Trips Nearby
Explore the area around your glamping site by researching local attractions, hiking trails, or hidden gems. Planning day trips not only breaks up solo time but also gives you new experiences to enjoy and memories to cherish. The Lake District is my favourite glamping spot for this type of activity as there’s so much on your doorstep.
My recommendations: Hinterlandes – but be aware this is a very nature based glamping experience and not for the faint hearted, Mirehouse Farm Glamping and Woodland Pods near the Brown Horse Inn. In Northumberland, Bamburgh Under Canvas is in a brilliant spot (do a summer visit), and Blossom Plantation is too near Alnwick
Pack Your Favorite Treats
Treat yourself to the indulgences that make you happiest—whether that’s a bottle of wine, coffee, or your favorite snacks. Glamping solo is about comfort and self-care, so make sure you have all the essentials to enjoy your time. If you plan to switch off and stay holed up in your cabin then make sure you don’t need to leave to run to the shop for anything.
Consider Your Dog
If you’re bringing your dog it can be a brilliant experience for you both, I love taking Arthur glamping, but have definitely found that booking places with enclosed outdoor spaces makes life a lot easier. It gives your dog the freedom to explore outside safely and gives you peace of mind too. It’s one less thing to worry about, especially when you’re trying to relax and don’t want them on a lead all the time.
My recommendations: the best glamping experiences where we’ve had our own private garden/outside area have been: Woodland Chase, Northumberland Nook and Shepherd Retreats Beadnell. Unless otherwise stated all places I’m mentioning in this post are dog friendly.
Decide on Wi-Fi or No Wi-Fi
Disconnecting can be refreshing, but when traveling solo, having Wi-Fi can be reassuring for safety, navigation, and connection. If a site offers Wi-Fi, check in advance if it’s reliable. Alternatively, ensure you have offline maps and entertainment downloaded before you go. I have done a couple of stays with no wifi, and I really struggled on one of them because it was winter and dark very early. I learned my lesson that time!
If that’s what you’re looking for though of course you don’t have to connect. There is no wifi at: Hinterlandes, Dod Mill or Bamburgh Under Canvas.
Do Your Homework On Everything Before You Arrive
I’ve had situations where places are in the corners of fields, sat nav hasn’t worked, I’ve had to hike up hills, all fine for glamping experiences if you know what you’re going to be faced with. Avoid surprises by checking what’s provided at your glamping site and prepare in advance. Many places supply essentials like bedding, towels, and kitchenware, but it’s worth confirming. Knowing what’s included helps you pack smarter and ensures you have everything you need for a stress-free stay.
Pack for Comfort and Practicality
Bring warm layers for cooler evenings, comfortable shoes for exploring, waterproofs whatever time of year it is, and a torch or headlamp for navigating after dark. Don’t forget basics like insect repellent, reusable water bottles, and weather-appropriate clothing. The best thing about glamping is you can put it all in your car in case you need it.
Embrace Outdoor Dining
Solo dining at your glamping spot can be one of the best things about your stay when paired with beautiful surroundings. Pack simple meals, BBQ type food and cold picky food to enjoy by the fire. Most places offer cooking facilities, and many have a hob, fridge, sometimes even a microwave in the kitchen area.
My recommendations: cook yourself one night and go to a pub the other. There are great glamping cooking facilities at: Northumberland Nook, Westfield Shepherd Huts, Kip & Nook, Woodland Chase.
Glamping solo is all about creating an experience that’s tailored to you and your preferences. Luckily now there are a lot of options that cater to all types. By planning ahead, packing smart, and embracing the adventure, you’ll come away refreshed, inspired, and ready to conquer the world—or at least your next solo trip. Hope you’ve found these solo glamping tips useful!
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