Camping’s best-kept secret in the UK – even for…

IF YOU like glamping but hate the price, there is a cheaper alternative that is still more glam than camping.

Instead of a bell tent or a yurt, budget-savvy travellers are opting for simple wooden camping pods that save them hundreds.

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Camping pods are becoming so popular that Pitchup.com has noted of all its bookings for ‘fixed accommodation’ this year, 41 per cent were specifically for pods.

Compared to last year, bookings are up 15 per cent overall for pods as well.

Wooden pods are a great budget alternative to more fancy glamping options, with a pod for four people costing as little as £25 per night.

You don’t need to carry and pitch a heavy tent or park your caravan in the dark, instead you can simply turn up.

Pods also tend to be more spacious than a tent, with room to stand up.

And often they will have power points, for added convenience.

They are warmer, drier and more secure than tents too.

Here are some of the best pod options across the UK.

Scoutscroft Leisure Park, Scotland

At Scoutscroft Leisure Park in Scotland, two adults and two children can stay in a pod for just £25 a night.

Inside, visitors will find a double bed base and two singles.

The site is located close to Eyemouth on the east coast and is only about an hour from Edinburgh.

For families wanting to enjoy the beach, they can head to Coldingham Sands, where there are lots of watersports like surfing, kayaking and bodyboarding.

Back on dry land, visitors can try the indoor mini golf on the site, the play area or even the spa.

Drymen Camping, Stirlingshire

Near the west coast, Drymen Camping in Stirlingshire features quirky pods that are part-canvas, part solid structure.

The sides open as vents and there is a thermally-insulated roof.

Guests even get lighting, so there will be no fumbling around in the dark with a lamp.

In the surrounding area, visitors can head to the village of Drymen which sits on the 77-mile Rob Roy Way.

Loch Lomond is then also only 15minutes down the road.

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Inside a Landpod, guests will find double bunk beds, sleeping up to four people and a separate seating area.

Also on the site, guests can use hot showers, phone charging points and even an undercover, outdoor kitchen with a seating area.

Bowland Escapes, Lancashire

Near Preston in Lancashire, head to Bowland Escapes for family pods (up to four people) for the ultimate outdoor retreat.

Each pod comes with a firepit to cook evening s’mores and costs from £65 per night.

The site can be found in a wildlife centre in the Ribble Valley and there is also a petting zoo, play area, cafe and pond.

For those who can’t get enough of the fresh air, there are plenty of themed walking trails in the area as well, where kids can learn about conservation and animal welfare.

And if it is the right time of year, kids can see newborn lambs and chicks too.

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Tyddyn Goronwy Camping Park, North Wales

Tyddyn Goronwy Camping Park in Gwynedd, North Wales, has pods starting at just £50 per night, for up to four people.

Onsite, guests also have access to showers, toilets and washing up areas.

Each pitch price also includes access to another nearby site, where there is also a swimming pool and a cafe.

In the surrounding area, visitors can head to Barmouth just two miles away, which has a sprawling beach with an excellent water quality rating.

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And for kids, there is a selection of traditional seaside amusement arcades for rainy day fun as well.

Bracelands Campsite, Gloucestershire

Based in the Midlands, close to the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, travellers will find Bracelands Campsite.

Unfurnished pods at the site start from £40.50 per night, for two adults and two children.

This spot is also great for those with accessibility needs as there are ramps, handrails, accessible bathrooms and adapted changing facilities.

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Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping, Worcestershire

Over near Evesham in Worcestershire is Bredon-Vale Caravan and Camping.

The site is set in the countryside with views of Malvern Hills.

Each log camping pod comes with a double bed, kettle and fridge starting from £65 per night.

In the surrounding area, visitors can enjoy walks through the countryside and if they fancy staying out until dark, great stargazing opportunities.

There is also an amenities block at the site with hot showers and a family bathroom.

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And if you need some fresh bread or milk, you can grab it from reception.

Applewood Countryside Park, south Norfolk

Heading over to East Anglia, travellers will find Applewood Countryside Park with both pods and cabins.

The site is super spacious meaning it is great for families and little kids can enjoy a brand new adventure play zone in a former orchard.

Basic pods sleeping up to four guests cost from £60 per night.

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California Chalet and Touring Park, Berkshire

Despite its name suggesting differently, California Chalet and Touring Park can be found near Wokingham in Berkshire.

Here guests can stay in a four-person camping pod from £68 per night.

The site is surrounded by parkland to explore, which was once part of a Tudor hunting spot.

And next to the site, is the 100-acre California Country Park with numerous wildlife trails, a playground, picnic area, paddling pool and cafe for light bites.

Onsite, there are also a number of handy facilities including a laundry room, washing-up area and a toilet block with hot showers.

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Marlie Holiday Park, New Romney

In Kent is then a family-favourite spot – Marlie Holiday Park at New Romney.

Pods here start from just £34 a night and sleep up to four people – and even have room for four-legged friends.

In each pod, guests will find a double bed and bunk beds.

Before heading to the site, visitors can also book optional extras such as a travel cot.

On the site, there is plenty to do as well, including having a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool, checking out the amusement centre or even enjoying a kids’ club or evening entertainment.

There is also a tiny campsite with safari lodges and nearby beach which has recently been named one of the fanciest in the UK.

Plus, these are the UK’s best campsites with flawless 10/10 reviews, honesty shops and even resident deer.

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