Best geodesic dome holidays in the UK
Torn between the idea of staying up to see the stars and the prospect of climbing into your warm cosy bed? Well, here’s a way in which you can have both at the same time: stay the night in a geodesic dome. These clever structures are created from interlocking panels that give them that recognisable half-sphere shape and also allow for large sections to be made from transparent materials that give you fabulous views from inside.
In fact, some designs are almost entirely made from see-through materials for the ultimate 360-degree view of your surroundings. But don’t worry – there’s always some sort of private area where you can do things like get changed without being on view…
View our list of 5 of the best UK geodesic domes
Why stay in a geodesic dome?
Staying in a dome tent is definitely something out of the ordinary so it’s likely to be a really memorable experience. Many glamping units have that great indoor/outdoor mix, but with one of these domes the barrier between the two is as minimal as it can be. That huge transparent window means that you’ll get truly fabulous views – no peeking through windows at the scenery here, it’s all laid out in front of you. And that goes for stargazing too: most geodesic domes have some form of overhead window that lets you look up at the glittering stars while still keeping cosy inside.
On top of this, geodesic domes tend to be comfortable places to stay, with a solid floor underfoot and plenty of head height. They’re often fitted out in luxury style too, with things like fairy lights, rugs and woodburning stoves, so you’ll feel nice and cosy even if the weather isn’t good – and that makes these units a great choice for off-season breaks.
Who are geodesic dome holidays suitable for?
Geodesic domes are spacious and easily accessible – no need to crawl on the floor to get inside one of these ‘tents’ – so they’re suitable for just about all guests. You’ll just need to check the details to make sure that you’re picking one that’s suitable for your needs. For example, some domes are spacious enough to sleep a family of five while others have an adults-only rule in place. It’s possible to find domes that welcome dogs, too: Pitchup makes that easy by allowing you to choose the ‘dogs allowed’ filter if you’re planning to travel with your dog.
What’s provided in a geodesic dome and what should I bring?
These fabulous places to stay all have their own individual character – and that means each one also has its own list of what’s included. You’ll usually find beds included, but beyond that every site has a different setup: some places provide everything from cooking equipment to wildlife-spotting books (perhaps even a hot tub for that true touch of luxury), while others are simpler places that keep costs down by asking you to bring everything including your bed linen. All this information is provided on Pitchup so you can check before you book – simply click on the dome you’re looking at to see a list of what’s provided.
Whatever style of dome you choose, it’s worth bringing along a couple of small items to help you get a good night’s sleep. The first of these is an eye mask – the huge windows are fabulous features if you want to watch the sun rise but they do also let in a lot of light, so if you’d rather grab an extra hour of sleep you’ll be thankful for one of these. Ear plugs are another good idea if you’re a light sleeper, as the domes can creak a little if it’s windy and the thin skin can be a bit noisy in the rain.
Where can I find geodesic domes?
Geodesic domes are pretty special places to stay, and you won’t find a whole lot of them around. The best way to find campsites with geodesic domes is to click on the link to Pitchup’s main glamping page below, then use the tick-box filters to search for domes – then you can narrow your choice down by location or let inspiration guide you!
See all of Pitchup’s glamping options
5 of the best UK geodesic dome stays
Intrigued by the idea of watching the wildlife, the sunrise or the stars from the comfort of your bed or sofa? We’ve picked out five of the best geodesic dome sites in the UK, all of which have been tried, tested and given great reviews by previous Pitchup customers.
Greenacres Glamping
Greenacres Bungalow, Lea
Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7JZ 
Why here? This is a fabulous rural location in the Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by gorgeous valley views and a short drive to the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley for all sorts of outdoor adventures (think hikes, canoeing and ziplines through the treetops). It’s also in an area that’s renowned for its dark skies – and that’s part of why staying in a dome makes so much sense here. The huge clear window means you can soak up those views by day and by night, keeping cosy even if it’s a bit chilly outside.
The domes here are very well equipped with a mini kitchen, a woodburning stove, a firepit and outdoor seating – and they’re surprisingly well connected too, given the rural atmosphere. A pub, shop and bus stops are all within walking distance to make life nice and easy.
Key facilities: Kitchen facilities, firepit provided, wifi, bed linen provided, dogs allowed
One last thing… If you fancy exploring the area on horseback, you need only trot next door to the riding stables to sort out lessons or hacks through the local countryside.
Elysian Fields
Ashton, Helston
Cornwall TR13 9SD 
Why here? The original Elysian Fields were said to be the ultimate paradise – and you’ll probably find yourself thinking that it’s an eminently suitable name when you arrive at this lovely Cornwall site. This splendid setting has views up to Tregonning Hill and over to the Lizard Peninsula beyond, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy them all, either taking walks nearby, settling on your private deck or hiding away in your dome to look through the strategically placed window panels (some of which look up to the skies for stargazing).
Pretty much everything you need for a comfortable stay is provided with the dome – it’s got a kingsize bed, a woodburning stove, a barbecue, a kettle and plenty more useful things so you can afford to travel light.
Key facilities: Bar, restaurant, launderette, shop, kitchen facilities, barbecue provided
One last thing… The dome has been set up as an adults-only retreat, so it makes a fabulous pick for a special treat for just the two of you – what could be more romantic than cuddling up under cover and gazing up at the night sky?
Field Farm
Ember Lane, Langham Road
Mumby, Lincolnshire LN139SL 
Why here? This is a lovely Lincolnshire location, surrounded by places to get out for a walk and close to some of the county’s finest beaches. It’s not all about the setting though, as Field Farm also wins frequent praise for its friendly owners and its splendid fishing lake, with free fishing for guests. The domes are equally loved too: they come in a range of sizes (sleeping two or four) and are kitted out with lots of handy things including a mini kitchen, a TV, a woodburning stove, a firepit and fairy lights for a cosy evening atmosphere – plus of course the main attraction of a huge window for watching the world go by.
Key facilities: Café, fishing lake, firepit provided, kitchen facilities, firepit provided
One last thing… The very best way to stretch your legs around here is to set off for a stroll to the nearest beach, which is about a mile away along a lovely green footpath.
Pant Y Rhedyn
Torfarth, Abergele
Conwy, Conwy LL22 8BE 
Why here? Mountains on one side, the sea on the other… and in the middle, a gorgeous 10-acre meadow with fabulously comfortable and well-equipped domes from which you can survey your surroundings at all hours of the day. Pant Y Rhedyn is in a prime spot for all sorts of north Wales adventures around Snowdonia, over on Anglesey or up at the north coast beaches. And when you’re done with those for the day, you’ll retreat to a cosy setup with beds, a private bathroom, a mini kitchen, a woodburning stove and even bunting thrown in.
Key facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen facilities, farm produce available
One last thing… Firepits and barbecues are provided here, and the best way to make the most of them is to buy some of the site’s own sausages and bacon for a delicious alfresco breakfast.
Loch Tay Highland Lodges
Milton Morenish, Aberfeldy
Perthshire FK21 8TY 
Why here? The views from here are simply stunning, looking out through the trees to Loch Tay and the hills rising behind it – and you’ll be able to sit and stare at them for as long as you like when you’re staying in one of the domes at Loch Tay Highland Lodges – they’ve all been strategically angled to make the most of that impressive outlook. Inside, the domes have the cosy feeling that comes from a proper bed and a woodburning stove, plus bean bags to flop down on and take in that view one more time. If you’re after a real treat, you can choose one of the domes that’s got a private hot tub outside – the perfect spot for an evening sipping something cool and watching the hills change colour as the sun sets.
Key facilities: Restaurant, bar, activity provider, play area, launderette, barbecue/firepit provided
One last thing… There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in the local area, and the best way to organise them is to book through the on-site activity provider, which organises things like archery, canoe hire and gorge walking.
More glamping ideas around the UK
Decided on a dome tent? Or perhaps you fancy cosying up in a log cabin, or finding a spacious yurt for family adventures? Pitchup’s glamping pages are packed with wonderful ideas for memorable places to stay around the UK and beyond. Click on the links below to see the options in all corners of the UK
Book glamping sites in England
Book glamping sites in Scotland
Book glamping sites in Northern Ireland