Yurt holidays
If you’re looking for an alfresco glamping adventure with a difference, perhaps you’d like to consider a holiday in a yurt? Yurt holidays are all about being outdoors, getting involved in new activities like cooking on a campfire and waking up to fabulous rural views, just with a few more luxuries and comforts than conventional camping – and in a stylish and pre-erected yurt that has much more space than a conventional bell tent. If you’re new to the idea of yurt holidays, read on to find out more about them.
Book the top yurt glamping sites on Pitchup
What is a yurt?
Yurts are circular tent-like units traditionally used as portable accommodation by nomadic cultures on the Mongolian steppes – but today their use has spread across the globe, and they have become popular as spacious and glamorous alternatives to bell tents and glamping pods.
While yurts – or ‘gers’ as they were sometimes called – were originally made from animal hide, most yurts that are bookable on Pitchup are permanent structures constructed on wooden decking, supported by a wooden or metal lattice framework covered in canvas. A central crown was left open to the elements, but these are normally covered with perspex for protection from the weather, and the yurt will usually also be insulated and have heating to keep you warm. Most have windows and door frames too.
Why go on a yurt holiday?
Yurts provide unusual, very spacious and weatherproof accommodation, so they are particularly suited to families or small groups of friends looking for some together time. Most are heated, and yet, thanks to their canvas construction, you can still have the quintessential ‘sleeping under canvas’ experience. On top of that there's the convenience of staying in a well-equipped, pre-erected glamping unit, so you can start your holiday the minute you arrive on site.
Yurts are normally well equipped with life’s little luxuries – ranging from proper beds to power sockets and fridges – so you won’t need to take much luggage with you, making them handy and unusual stays for short glamping breaks. And as an added bonus, the perspex ‘crown’ in the roof of a yurt is also a handy extra for guests who'd like to stargaze from their beds on clear nights.
When is it best to go on a yurt holiday?
A yurt is a fantastic all-year-round glamping option: in winter they are welcoming and warm, with stoves to keep you cosy and space for up to five people to move around inside if the weather is bad. In summer, they feel light and spacious, and some have sides that you can roll up to let the sunshine and fresh air in.
What facilities can I expect if I go on a yurt holiday?
Yurts are regarded as eco-friendly glamping options, offering distinctive and luxurious accommodation yet not leaving a massive carbon footprint. The styling of yurts often reflects their Mongolian origins, with ethnic-styled bedding and wall decorations, rugs and curtains – but whatever the decor, basic facilities include wooden floors, woodburning stoves and electricity. Private outdoor spaces might offer decking with firepits and seating, a separate toilet and shower block, and a camping kitchen. Add to that bunting and fairy lights, and you’re all set for a glamping break with a truly individual vibe.
See all the glampsites with yurts on Pitchup
10 of the best UK glamping sites with yurts
Central England
Greenacres Glamping
Rock Lane, Lea
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
HR9 7JZ
Why here? The luxurious handmade yurts at Greenacres Glamping are on a small and friendly site. Each unit comes with a proper wooden bed (extra camp beds can be provided by prior arrangement), seating and plenty of storage. There’s a private undercover campers' kitchen with table and seating, as well as space on the wooden decking for alfresco dining. A separate shower block also has toilets and a washing-up area.
The owners provide bedding and the yurts come with their own fridge, cooker, utensils and thoughtful extras like corkscrews. You’ll need to bring towels and your own food – but there are restaurants within walking distance if you don't want to cook very day.
Key facilities: Showers, wifi access, bars and shops within walking distance
One other thing… Sporty types, it’s a 15-minute drive to walking trails in both the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or canoe trips on the River Wye.
Colemere Caravan Park
The Birches, Colemere
Shropshire
SY12 0QL
Why here? This is a beautifully designed and kitted out yurt, sheltered by trees and with lakeside views at an adults-only glamping site. The yurt at Colemere Caravan Park is insulated to maximise warmth and comfort for everybody, and extra-cold days can be combated with the woodburning stove.
Internal furniture includes a solid-oak double bed, traditional wooden rocking chairs, and handy extras like a clothes rail and mirrors to help you stay looking your best. There’s a TV for entertainment if the weather turns bad, as well as tea- and coffee-making facilities to brighten up the morning. Showers and toilets are separate, and you'll need to bring your own towels and cooking equipment.
Key facilities: Social area, hot tub to hire, well-equipped communal kitchen, dogs welcome
One other thing… Set on the south side of Colemere lake, the site is on five acres of wildlife-laden land with peaceful walks all around, making it an ideal choice for dog owners.
Cumbria
Lakes Yurts
Sneck Yeat Farm, Brandlingill
Blindbothel, Cockermouth
Cumbria CA13 0RE
Why here? Lakes Yurts is a really rural yurts-only site with spectacular landscapes looking towards Lorton Valley and the fells. Each yurt is handmade locally, and bedding, woodburners and fully-equipped kitchens with gas hobs and grill (Calor gas included) are provided in each one.
Luxuries include a comfortable double bed and two single day beds, which double as seating, plus duvets, pillows and bedding. A basket of logs is included in the price, and solar-powered lamps and fairy lights add a magical atmosphere after dark. Outside there’s bench seating, and the facilities are in the same field – each unit has its own designated shower and toilet.
Key facilities: Private showers, fully-equipped, dogs welcome
One other thing… Stay here and you'll be close to family fun and animal encounters at the Lake District Wildlife Park (15 minutes' drive), plus tours of Honister Slate Mine (35 minutes) and mountain-bike trails in Whinlatter Forest (15 minutes).
South West
Driftaway Camping Woodlands
Forton, Chard
Somerset
TA20 4HB
Why here? Intent on ‘keeping the camping in glamping’, Driftaway Camping Woodlands is more about camping in total comfort than glamping in cosseted luxury. So what to expect? A cosily kitted-out yurt with colourful and comfy seating, a table and chairs, plus cosy nights guaranteed thanks to the woodburner. Toilets are in designated wooden huts, and there’s a simple hot shower in a separate shed. A rudimentary camping kitchen allows you to cook undercover.
The glamping field is utterly beautiful, with a pond, meadows and woodland just waiting to be explored – and you can book out the whole place for completely private holidays with family and friends.
Key facilities: Breakfast baskets, food-order service, camping kitchen, showers, dogs welcome
One other thing… If you’re after luxuries like ovens and ensuite loos, this isn’t the place for you, but the owners do deliver breakfast and cooked suppers to your fireside, or picnics for daytime adventures.
Book Driftaway Camping Woodlands
Pilsdon View Camping
Broadoak, Bridport
Dorset
Why here? The yurts at Pilsdon View Camping are designed with traditional Mongolian patterns on the outside and entered through carved wooden doors. The interiors are styled in pretty colours and lots of bunting, with wrought-iron double beds, day beds for extra guests and tables and chairs for guaranteed comfort. DT6 5NR
Private decking and a firepit come as part of the deal, while toilets, a fresh water supply and a washing-up area are also in place close to the pitching field. Please note that as this is very much a family site, guests are expected to be quiet after dark (no amplified music or other noise is allowed).
Key facilities: Gas-powered showers, firepits provided, dogs welcome
One other thing… This is a wonderful choice for families with kids: they can roam fairly freely and safely, and there are garden toys and tyre swings around the site to keep them entertained.
Rocombe Valley Retreat
Rocombe Valley, Lower Rocombe
Stokeinteignhead, Newton Abbot
Devon TQ12 4QL
Why here: The luxury yurts at Rocombe Valley Retreat are tucked into a secluded, leafy valley close to a stream. Each one is kitted out with cooking equipment, cosy double beds with all bedding, and stoves burning wood coppiced from trees on the farm. Flushing loos and hot showers are within easy reach in the amenities block, and you can up the luxury stakes by renting a hot tub.
This glamping spot has glorious views and plenty of distance between each pitch, which come with parasols, firepits and bench seating for sunny days. If the weather turns, there’s a covered barn with cooking facilities so you can still prep meals. Bring a torch as some areas are not lit at night.
Key facilities: Hot tubs for hire, covered barn for communal dining and games, cooking facilities, fishing nearby
One other thing… There are three coarse-fishing lakes adjacent to the site for those with the right licence. Not an angler? Walk around the lakes spotting the birds, which include woodpeckers, sparrow hawks and buzzards.
Sunnyhill Park and Campsite
Wincanton
Somerset
BA9 8NG
Why here? Surrounded by views of green fields, hilltop Sunnyhill Park and Campsite is known for its dramatic sunset views. Yurts come with a wooden double bed, ample storage space and a woodburning stove to stave off any chillier evenings. Colourful rugs cosy up the units, and stable doors let in lots of light (as well as those views) on warmer days.
Outside you can expect a grassy garden area with a firepit – you’ll need to bring your own cooking implements from home, although there is a kettle and power sockets in the yurt. Shower and toilet facilities are communal and close by in the camping field.
Key facilities: Showers, separate toilet block, firepit provided, pubs and shops nearby, dogs welcome
One other thing… The A303 is only 10 minutes’ drive from the glampsite, making this a convenient and comfortable overnight stop if you’re heading west into Devon or Cornwall.
Book Sunnyhill Park and Campsite
Wales
Fron Rafel
Waungilwen, Drefach Felindre
Carmarthenshire
SA44 5YL
Why here? Set in neatly landscaped gardens, the yurts at Fron Rafel sit on private decking with plenty of space around them for privacy and bench seating for eating outside on warm days. A wooden camping kitchen stands by each yurt pitch, with gas and electricity provided. Inside the yurt is a woodburning stove, plus simple wooden furniture, with a double bed and camp beds. Pillows and duvets are supplied, and there’s a small charge for towels and bed linen.
A restored piggery contains smart separate female and male shower facilities, plus a family wetroom. There are washing-up facilities, two washing machines and a toaster in the block too.
Key facilities: Showers, launderette, outdoor kitchen, dogs welcome
One other thing… This peaceful seven-acre site is a great option if you’re travelling with pets, as it has a dog park and access to riverside walks, and it's 15 minutes’ drive to Cenarth Falls for more hiking adventures.
Quarry Park Camping
Wiston, Haverfordwest
Pembrokeshire
SA62 4PH
Why here: Quarry Park Camping may have a low-key, back to basics vibe, but it’s also home to handy facilities like wifi at reception, a laundry area and a covered area with a basic kitchenette for communal cooking and eating if the weather turns rainy. Alternatively, you can eat outdoors on warmer days, as each pitch has a private firepit with a barbecue grill and outdoor furniture, as well as a camping kitchen for your exclusive use.
There are well-kept shared shower and toilet facilities on the camping field, and the yurts themselves are delightfully designed with Mongolian-influenced fabrics, plus upcycled furniture for storage and mirrors.
Key facilities: Essentials shop, communal herb garden, laundry area, kitchen facilities, dogs welcome
One other thing: The small shop at reception offers holiday basics as well as free-range eggs and local honey. Wood, kindling and charcoal are handily all available to buy on site for the firepits.
Booking on Pitchup
If you haven't found the ideal yurt glamping break for you, Pitchup has hundreds of other suggestions for you right across the UK. Click on the links below to learn all about them.
See all yurts to rent in England
See all yurts to rent in Scotland