7 of the Best Glamping Spots in Cornwall

With its rugged wilderness, sweeping golden sand beaches and old-world pubs, Cornwall lends itself well to twig snapping adventures. With hundreds of yurts, tipis, lodges, safari tents, bell tents and more to choose from, it’s now possible to immerse yourself in Cornwall’s untamed countryside, while ditching the inconveniences that traditionally come with camping. Off the grid, but not quite off the map. If you’re thinking about getting back to nature this summer, here are some of the best glamping spots in Cornwall.

7 of the Best Glamping Spots in Cornwall

1. Lost Meadow Treepod, Bodmin Moor

Those who like the high life (literally), need look no further. Deep in mossy ancient forest, in the heart of Bodmin Moor, is a quirky glamping spot designed for you —  a bedroom suspended alongside branches. The cedar-clad, low-impact bauble even has its own viewing window, for eye-level encounters with nesting birds and curious squirrels.  Downstairs, past grazing deer and kingfishers, you’ll find a private bathroom, with a hot shower.

It’s only five miles from the station too, with direct trains from Paddington.

2. The Cirl Bunting, Kingsand

Set just on a wild Cornish headland, just outside the pretty seafront town of Kingsand, the Cirl Bunting geodomes are about as close to the sea as you can get without sleeping on the beach. Each cosy dome features a comfy bed, with a special stargazing panel above. There’s also an outdoor fire pit to keep you toasty while you watch the sun set over the sea. Over at The Canteen at Maker Heights, ex-River Cottage chef Nick Platt does delightful things with foraged produce and there’s a lovely local pub within wandering distance too.

All profits from Cirl Bunting’s geodomes go towards supporting social enterprises, including the Rame Conservation Trust which helps maintain the idyllic spot.

3. Mabbs Safari Tent, St Just

You’ll find Mabbs Safari Tent deep in the Cot Valley, practically on the southernmost tip of Cornwall. It’s the ultimate destination for those looking to escape the smog, with wildflower meadows, resident donkeys and unadulterated night skies. Don’t underestimate it either, it may be a tent but there’s room for up to five of you. Inside, there’s a sofa area, en-suite bathroom and well-equipped kitchen, while outdoors there’s a barbecue and fire pit for alfresco dining. After days of exploring the World Heritage site, guests can sink back into a luxurious king-sized bed in the master bedroom. There are three equally delightful single beds in the single room too.

4. Cotna Eco-Retreat, St Austell

These eco-friendly boutique yurts are located in a hidden valley overlooking apple orchards and organic gardens, just down the road from the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Each yurt sleeps up to five and is decked out in Turkish kilims and Cornish linen.

No need to get your hands dirty either, with home-cooked dishes available from the organic gardens and farmhouse kitchen. Tuck into breakfast hampers with fresh sourdough and eggs from the farm, and finish the day with an Italian, Indian or Middle Eastern style dinner hamper. You can even pick your own veg if you’re hell-bent on barbecuing. If you like to learn, you can book a variety of courses, from wild food foraging to sourdough read making. To top it all off, you can even book a complimentary full body, reflexology or hot stones massage.

5. The Stumpy Hobbit, Wadebridge

Some people long for infinity pools in Dubai; we long for this incredible hobbit house in North Cornwall. The handcrafted hut is built around a living ash tree, which sits proudly in the middle of the rustic cabin. Dinners are best enjoyed blistered over the wood-burning stove or in the wood-fired pizza oven, but there’s an outdoor kitchenette too. There’s also private bathroom, with a wood-fired bath to soak in under the starry sky.

Despite being totally off-the-grid, you’re not too far from civilization either, with riverside trails to local pubs and the hidden coves of the north coast at your fingertips.

6. Wildflower Wood at Beersheba Farm, St Ives

It’s not easy to get off-the-grid in chic St.Ives, but Wildflower Wood has made it possible. Set in a peaceful patch of woodland on a hilltop overlooking the colourful harbour, this is restorative glamping at its best. There are three pods to choose from, each with two comfy double beds, bench seating, off-grid LED lighting and charging points. Best of all is the roll backroof, serving up spectacular sunsets and star-gazing opportunities.

It’s equipped with all the mod cons, including a kitchen, private table and shower. The best beaches in St Ives are just a short stroll away.

7. Kudhva-K4, Trebarwith Strand

Kudhva-K4 looks as intriguing as it sounds. Built to blend in with the quarry, each raised home stands on wooden legs with triangular windows, giving the effect of a friendly robot. Inside, there’s a suspended double bed and built in storage, filled with luxury fresh linen and fluffy towels. Fill up on bundles of sustainable willow wood from the land and cook up a storm on the campfire. Or, for something a little more refined, there’s a shared fully equipped kitchen near the reception. Brilliantly inventive and beautifully executed, it’s the sort of spot that doesn’t need sunshine to look beautiful either —  it does it all on its own.