Best tipi holidays in the UK
In the mood for a holiday that’s a little out of the ordinary? Maybe it’s time to try staying in a tipi. Even if you’re not travelling far from home, you’ll get a real sense of adventure from staying in one of these traditional tents – making them fabulous picks for a memorable family holiday or a cosy weekend away with your other half.
View our list of some of the best UK tipi sites
Why stay in a tipi?
There will be no mistaking the fact that you’re really on holiday when you wake up inside one of these cosy traditional tents. These conical structures are instantly recognisable as something a bit out of the ordinary in the British countryside, making them excellent choices for a real change of scenery.
The conical structure of the tipi (also known as a tepee, teepee or wigwam) is one that lends itself well to a good night’s sleep too – they were designed for easy portability and construction by the nomadic tribes that first used them, but the windowless fabric means that it’s really lovely and dark inside, and the structure retains heat well to keep you warm by night.
Who are tipi stays suitable for?
Tipis come in various sizes, so they’re suitable for anything from a couple’s escape through to a family holiday. It’s worth bearing in mind that there’s not loads of internal space in a tipi though, so it’s best not to try to cram too many people in. You’ll usually need to access the tipi via a small opening at ground level so they’re not best suited to anyone with mobility problems; the reduced head height may also mean that a tipi isn’t the ideal choice for taller guests. In both cases, you may find something like a yurt to be more comfortable.
What’s provided in a tipi?
Tipis are all individual in their style and character – and that also goes for the exact list of things you’ll find included for your stay. Some tipis are sparsely furnished to keep the cost down and give you that real sense of wild camping, while others are fully kitted out with proper beds, fairy lights, rugs, cushions, firepits and all sorts. On Pitchup, once you’ve chosen a site, click on the individual accommodation type for a comprehensive list of what’s included, what you can buy or hire, and what you’ll need to bring along. It’s always best to give this section a thorough read to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Where can I find tipis?
Tipis are still fairly rare in the UK, but you can search for all sites that have them by looking at our glamping page and clicking on the filter box for ‘tipis, yurts and wigwams’. After that, you can narrow down your choices further by destination, or choose the facilities that matter to you, such as a fishing lake or a play area.
See all of Pitchup’s glamping options
3 of the best UK tipi stays
Keen on the idea of spending the night in a tipi? We’ve picked out a few favourites here, based on reviews and recommendations from previous Pitchup customers.
Cayo Retreat
Cayo Farm, Longtown
Herefordshire HR2 0NR
Why here? It might be difficult to picture a more peaceful spot than Cayo Retreat – this glorious spot in the Herefordshire countryside is part of a working farm that’s well away from any form of traffic (even walkers) and has a private stretch of river for serene strolls or dog walks. It’s the kind of place where you’ll peer out of the tipi door in the morning to be greeted with gorgeous views of the Black Mountains, before cooking up your breakfast and setting off for a hike in the Brecon Beacons.
The tipi itself is a simple setup with just airbeds provided and portaloos a short walk away, so you’ll be able to tap into that nature-rich wild-camping vibe here while also enjoying the convenience of having your accommodation ready when you arrive.
Key facilities: Portaloos, logs for sale, dogs allowed
One last thing… You’ll feel like you’re blissfully far removed from urban life while you’re here, but in fact it’s only a 15-minute walk to the village of Longtown for a shop and a pub.
Wassell Grove Camping and Caravanning
Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley
West Midlands DY9 9JH 
Why here? The cute little tipi for two at Wassell Grove Camping and Caravanning is a sweet retreat for couples or close friends – it’s been set up in a quiet corner of this 20-acre site, with a bench and firepit provided so you can make the most of your outdoor space. Inside, lots more handy bits are provided, including a kettle, cool box and lanterns. Cooking equipment is thrown in too should you be in the mood for a barbecue, but you can also get meals and drinks at the on-site café if you’d prefer.
Key facilities: Café, fishing lakes, firepit provided, wifi, toilets, showers
One last thing… This is a prime location for people who like to do a bit of fishing on their holidays – it’s got three lakes packed with carp, bream and roach, plus areas that are great for novice anglers to have a go.
Book Wassell Grove Camping and Caravanning
Cornish Tipi Holidays
Tregildrans Quarry, Trelill
Polzeath, Cornwall PL30 3HZ
Why here? This is a simply fabulous spot, with its own crystal-clear lake for gentle days of swimming, fishing and paddling about in boats and a beach a few minutes’ drive away. There are several types of tipi on offer here, sleeping up to five – whichever you pick, you’ll be provided with camping mats to sleep on, plus a kettle, cooking kit, firepit and outdoor seating. It all adds up to a wonderful base for a break spent exploring the likes of Port Isaac, Polzeath, Rock and Tintagel.
Key facilities: Café, fishing/swimming lake, rowing boats, showers, toilets
One last thing… Owner Elizabeth’s family have lived and worked in this area for 11 generations, so she’s a goldmine of great advice on places to go for days out, meals and unexplored gems.
More glamping ideas around the UK
Tipi stay tickling your fancy? Perhaps a cosy stay in a shepherd’s hut? How about a winter break in a log cabin or a summer night in a safari tent? There are lots of wonderful glamping options to choose from all around the UK and to suit all budgets. Click on the links below to find out where you could stay for a glamping holiday in the UK.
Book glamping sites in England
Book glamping sites in Scotland
Book glamping sites in Northern Ireland