Glamping at Music Festivals in the UK: A Unique Experience

Cabin Glamping at our mini Sussex festival is go!

The Vacationist cabin is taking a starring role in the boutique accommodation offering at the new series at mini-festivals at Crockstead Fields this summer. With the first of the family friendly camping weekends kicking off this May, we thought this the right time to wax lyrical about music festivals and glamping. And if you want to join us this year for your own festival glamping experience, take a look here for more details.

For now, let’s explore what glamping at festivals is all about in the UK, where the big crowds go to glamp it up, and where you should go for the big name bands.

A quick guide to festival glamping in the UK

Music festivals in the UK are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere, incredible performances, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in an unforgettable cultural experience. While camping has long been a popular choice for festival accommodation, the concept of glamping has emerged as a luxurious and comfortable alternative for festival-goers who seek a more refined experience amidst the excitement of live music and festivities.

In this quick guide, we will delve into the world of glamping at music festivals in the UK, exploring the benefits, practical tips, and the top destinations for this unique form of accommodation. Whether you’re a seasoned festival enthusiast or a first-time glamping adventurer, this blog post aims to provide you with valuable insights to make the most of your glamping experience at music festivals in the UK.

Understanding Glamping: A Fusion of Glamour and Camping

Glamping, a portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping,” represents an established but still growing trend in the travel and hospitality industry. It offers the perfect blend of luxury and adventure, allowing individuals to connect with nature without sacrificing modern comforts. From spacious bell tents to luxurious yurts and stylish tipis, glamping accommodations come in various forms, each designed to provide a unique and memorable experience.

...the concept of glamping has emerged as a luxurious and comfortable alternative for festival-goers who seek a more refined experience amidst the excitement of live music and festivities.

The Allure of Glamping at Music Festivals

Glamping at music festivals has gained immense popularity due to the numerous benefits it offers. It provides festival-goers with a comfortable retreat amidst the lively and often chaotic festival environment. Here are some compelling reasons why glamping has become a preferred choice for many:

Comfort and Convenience: Glamping accommodations typically include comfortable beds, stylish furnishings, and amenities such as electricity, lighting, and sometimes even en-suite bathrooms. This ensures that festival-goers can relax and rejuvenate in a comfortable setting after a day filled with music and festivities. The best offerings manage to combine these luxuries with an off-grid set up.
Exclusive Facilities: Many glamping sites at music festivals offer exclusive facilities such as dedicated reception areas, pampering zones, and communal spaces where guests can socialize and unwind.
Enhanced Security and Privacy: Glamping areas often come with enhanced security measures, providing peace of mind and a sense of privacy, especially when compared to traditional camping grounds.
Unique Experience: Glamping allows festival-goers to indulge in a unique and memorable experience, creating lasting memories while enjoying the best of both worlds – the thrill of a music festival and the comfort of upscale accommodation.

Top Glamping Destinations for Music Festivals in the UK

The UK is home to a myriad of music festivals, each offering its own distinctive vibe and lineup of artists. Among these, several festivals stand out as prime destinations for glamping enthusiasts. Here are some of the top music festivals in the UK that clearly offer exceptional glamping experiences:

Glastonbury Festival: Renowned for its diverse musical lineup and vibrant atmosphere, Glastonbury Festival offers a range of glamping options, including luxury bell tents and stylish tipis, providing a comfortable and luxurious retreat for festival-goers.
Bestival: This award-winning festival, known for its creative themes and eclectic music, provides an array of glamping accommodations, from boutique camping options to luxurious yurts, ensuring a memorable and comfortable stay for attendees.
Latitude Festival: Set in the stunning countryside of Suffolk, Latitude Festival offers a picturesque setting for glamping enthusiasts. With a variety of glamping choices, including spacious bell tents and cozy cabins, festival-goers can enjoy a relaxing and stylish retreat amidst the festival’s diverse cultural offerings.

Tips for Enjoying Glamping at Music Festivals

To make the most of your glamping experience at music festivals in the UK, consider the following tips:

Book Early: Glamping accommodations at popular festivals tend to sell out quickly. Booking early ensures that you have a wider selection of options and can secure the best location within the glamping area.

Pack Wisely: While glamping offers comfort and convenience, it’s essential to pack strategically. Consider bringing earplugs, a portable charger, and any additional items that can enhance your overall festival experience.

Embrace the Community: Glamping areas often foster a sense of community among attendees. Take the opportunity to mingle with fellow glampers, share experiences, and immerse yourself in the unique camaraderie of festival life.

Respect the Environment: Glamping is about enjoying nature responsibly. Be mindful of waste management, conserve energy, and adhere to the festival’s environmental guidelines to minimize your ecological footprint.

Explore the Festival: While the allure of glamping is undeniable, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the festival experience. Discover new artists, indulge in local cuisine, and partake in the various activities that the festival has to offer.

Should you go glamping at a music festival?

Only you can answer that! But there is no doubt that glamping at music festivals in the UK offers a delightful fusion of luxury and adventure, providing festival-goers with an exceptional way to experience the excitement of live music while indulging in comfortable and stylish accommodations. Whether you’re drawn to the eclectic energy of Glastonbury, the creative themes of Bestival, or the picturesque landscapes of Latitude, glamping at these renowned festivals promises an unforgettable and immersive experience. By embracing the tips and insights provided in this guide, you can elevate your glamping adventure and create lasting memories amidst the electrifying ambiance of music festivals in the UK.

Stay at the Vacationist log cabin for our Summer 2024 Festival Experiences

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Wine tasting and glamping breaks in East Sussex

Tours and tastings at internationally acclaimed vineyards not far from the cabin

Exploring the Sussex Wine Region, from the cabin.

You may well have heard of Ridgeview, Nyetimber or Bolney Wine Estate – they have put Sussex on the international wine map – but there are many other vineyards in the area who are taking advantage of the incredible terroir and climate to produce stunning wines.

The good news for our guests is that many of these wonderful vineyards are right on our doorstep, or just a short drive away. They are often open year-round for visitors interested in tours and tastings. A lot of them have restaurants too – fine wine, fine food and fine company sounds like the perfect way to spend a day!

The secret to Sussex’s success

The (not so) secret behind their success of Sussex’s wine is the terroir and climate. The vines thrive on the diverse mix of clay, sand and limestone and benefit from the relatively mild weather and low rainfall. The proximity to the sea means less extreme temperatures, so the grapes are kept warm and ripen slowly, absorbing all those minerals to develop the most exceptional flavours. The perfect climate has lead to a profusion of vineyards – just check out this interactive map!

With land that is very similar to Champagne, many vintners opt to produce grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, each of which make excellent sparkling wine but also allow for some rather lovely stills too.. We now have several vineyards of international acclaim with sparkling wine that rivals that of the French. Sussex Modern often writes in more detail about each vineyard and even lets you know who needs help with the picking! For those interested in just sampling the wines though, many of the local vineyards offer tours and tastings year round.

We now have several vineyards of international acclaim with sparkling wine that rivals that of the French

Exploring the Sussex Wine Region

The good news for our guests is that many of these wonderful vineyards are right on our doorstep and are open year-round for visitors interested in tours and tastings. A lot of them have restaurants too – fine wine, fine food and fine company sounds like the perfect way to spend a day!

Tickerage Wine – 6 minutes from the cabin!

Tickerage is our closest vineyard – you could even walk it. It’s a lovely, family-owned vineyard that offers immersive tours that include a tasting of three of their award winning wines.

Tickerage is open year-round but you can’t drop in. They do offer public tours though and you can get in touch about private tours. Get in touch with them online.

Kingscote Estate

Renowned for its scenic vineyards and historic setting, Kingscote have a cellar door bar, café & kitchen, wine shop and an impressive estate and vineyard which you can tour, adding on lunch or a cream tea if you so wish! Book online to secure your space.

Kingscote Estate is open 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm

Busi Jaconsohn

Busi Jacobsohn is a boutique winery in Sussex which focuses on producing limited quantities of high-quality wines. They offer few public tours but if you get in touch in advance, you may be able to visit their cellar door or have a private wine tasting.

Busi Jacobsohn Wine requests that you contact them before visiting. They may be able to open their cellar door and could possibly even book in a private tour.

Bluebell Vineyard – 20 mins from the cabin

Bluebell has gained recognition for its classic English sparkling wines. Their tours commonly include guided walks through the vineyards, insights into their winemaking techniques, and conclude with tastings of their diverse sparkling wines. Tours and tastings can be booked online or you can just pop along and take a wander through the vineyard and woodland trail and enjoy the spectacular views of the vineyard and waters from the terraced seating area.

Bluebell Vineyard is open 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm.

Ridgeview

One of the pioneering names in English sparkling wine, Ridgeview hosts lots of different tours and tastings, including pairings with cheese and themed tastings, all of which you can book online.

Ridgeview has a shop which is open all week but the restaurant is only Thursday – Sunday afternoons

Rathfinney

A significant player in the English wine scene, Rathfinney offers seasonal vineyard tours, which you can book online, providing insights into their vineyard management, winemaking processes, and sustainable viticulture practices. They also have a restaurant onsite.

Rathfinney is open all week but tours are on Tuesday – Saturday.

Hidden Spring – 16 minutes from the cabin!

A family-run establishment which focuses on producing premium still and sparkling wines. They give a tasting without prior booking but if you want a tour, you can book a group one online or contact them for a private one.

Hidden Spring is open Wed-Sun during winter 11-5.