If you love the idea of the call of the wild but visions of sweaty polyester tents, burnt burgers and a lumpy blow-up mattress have put you off a night under canvas this summer, it’s time to check our edit. These nine indispensable items will help you turn your next camping trip into a glamping retreat, complete with natural materials, charming vintage touches and a focus on slow living in nature. We’re not saying you’ll travel light (you won’t). But you’ll definitely camp in style and comfort.

Bell Tent UK


Bell Tent, from £369
Bell Tent UK

The key feature of any glamping kit is a timeless bell tent. Choose from three-to-six metres, depending on your needs and add inner pods to create separate sleeping and living zones. With a waterproof stitched-in ground sheet to keep you dry, plus a large door and side windows to keep you cool and room to fit a stove flue to keep you cosy, it’s the perfect option whatever the British weather has in store. Buy it here.


Boutique Camping


Woodburning Stove, from £159
Stove

If you want to up the hygge factor in your glamping set up, ditch the gas camp stove and invest in a wood-burner that will keep your tent toasty on cold mornings, as well as boil your kettle for that first cuppa of the day. You can choose to add a water heater if you are going off-grid and even find models that will power a battery pack for charging electronics. Buy it here.


Etsy


Triangular Kapok Mat, £89
Triangular Kapok Mat, £89

Forget flimsy foldable chairs and inflatable mattresses. These traditional Thai triangular mats are made with natural materials and can be folded to form a relaxing chair and laid out to create a comfy floor mattress at night. Buy it here.


Dilli Grey


Block Print Quilts, from £129
Block Print Quilts, From £129 Copy

Claustrophobic, synthetic sleeping bags do not make for a cosy night’s slumber (nor do they fit the glamping aesthetic). Dilli Grey’s block-print quilts, made from and filled with organic cotton, are the perfect boho alternative. Soft and breathable, they’re perfect for warm summer nights and can double as a picnic blanket or playmat for young campers. Available from toddler to king size. Buy it here.


Lisa Valentine Home


Enamelware Tableware, from £5
Enamelware Tableware, From £5 Copy

The classic blue and white enamelware look has serious Enid Blyton vibes and will add a nostalgic feel to any camping trip. Far from a mere style choice, they’re super hardy, easy to clean, heat-proof and will last you season after season. Buy it here.


Lights for Fun


Storm Lanterns, £12.99
Storm Lanterns, £12.99 Copy

All the charm of an oil lantern but with the safety of battery-power, these storm lanterns are perfect for stylishly illuminating your tent after dark. Buy it here.


Jacques of London


Roll-Up Backgammon, £33
Roll-Up Backgammon, £33 Copy

If camping for you is a time to unplug and slow down, the classic game of backgammon could be a great option for your new pace of life. This leather roll-up version from Jacques of London is as beautiful as it is practical for travelling. Buy it here.


Vintage Crates UK


Wooden Crates, from £20
Wooden Crates, From £20

Leave the plastic tubs at home and use vintage wooden apple crates (easily sourced through eBay, Etsy or Reclamation Yards) to transport and store your kit. Once set up you can use them as side tables, clothes or toy storage for tidy (and chic) tent interiors. Buy it here.


Kadai


Travel Kadai Fire Pit, £99
Travel Kadai Fire Pit, £99

Made from recycled oil drums by family workshops in India, this travel kadai fire pit is the perfect marshmallow toaster. Not just reserved for s’mores, it can be used as a barbecue and pizza oven too. Plus, it’s sold with a neat cotton duffle bag for easy storage. Buy it here.

By Lydia Mansi
July 2022