A chance to get close to nature, camping is definitely one of the more fun travel experiences you can have. To help you plan your next countryside escape in slightly offbeat surroundings, here are our Top 10 of the most unusual campsites in Europe…
Pot-a-Doodle Do and Wigwam Village, England
Wigwam Bam….the Wigwam Village lies near Berwick Upon Tweed, and boasts sturdy wooden ‘wigwams’, a few real wigwams and a handful of yurts. Holy Island, the Farne Islands and Bamburgh castle line the picturesque Northumberland coast, which is only a few miles away. The wooden Wigwams sleep five, are heated, insulated and even have a fridge. Guests can eat in the kitchen, the Bistro, or visit the BBQ Hut. Cuddle up by the fire, share stories, and cook a tasty feast. Pot-a-Doodle Do provides craft activities, including pottery decoration and making mosaics.
Camping Raft, Holland and Belgium – a unique family- friendly campsite
Spend a few nights and get as close to nature and wildlife as you can possibly get. Board a camping raft made of chunky tree trunks, and floating barrels, and bobble along dipping your toes in the river, and trying a spot of fishing. Rafts are available on the De Hollandse Ijssel in the Netherlands or Limburg, Belgium which are a nature and wildlife reserves. Rafters can enjoy a peaceful afternoon reading, and roaming, and spend the evening dining in the on-site restaurant, overlooking the marina and reserve.
Belrepayre Airstream Trailer Park, France – a cool and unusual campsite
Join Melody Maker, Blue Moon and Studio 54, on the Airstream retro park in France. With a backdrop of the Pyrénées, there’s plenty to look at. It even has it’s own spa and hot tub, so it won’t take long before you’re looking like a blonde bombshell again. Try the organic Burger N’ Frites at Coline’s Diner, followed by sheep-milk ice cream, before hitting the Apollo Lounge dance floor, and getting down with the groove.
Tonke Campervans, Holland
Happy Happy Happy Tonke…Tonke campers are the Rolls Royce of tourers, and are hand-crafted wooden vehicles, combining a 4-wheel drive with a modern and sleek caravan. Inspired by classic sailing yachts and gypsy caravans, the Tonkes have a full-size bed, ample dining facilities, and a full-sized kitchen. With this luxury nautical feel you can let your imagination set sail without leaving dry land.
- www.tonkecampers.nl
Otro Mundo, Sierra del Segura, Spain
Beguiled by eco, the owners of Otro Mundo want to celebrate nature, but not lose the beauty in interiors. The minimalist and super-cute eco-domes are decorated with vintage and retro pieces, all recycled, contributing to the sustainability message. With en-suite bathrooms with composting toilets and solar-powered showers, this is where nature meets beauty. This really is a Dome from Dome.
Cabin in the Air, France
Rekindle your child-like spirit by spending a few days in a treehouse. Climb trees, talk for hours, and star-gaze through the gaps in the forest. Treehouses are available all over France, and many are on family-friendly campsites meaning you can use on-site facilitates like pools, shops and entertainment. Some treehouses are 22 foot above the ground and are accessed by stairs and rope walkways, so you’ll need to be brave.
Orchard Campsite, England
With its own observatory and off-license this campsite welcomes campers, with or without tents, and provides both escape and entertainment. Family-friendly, with events ranging from ‘Star Parties’ and ’Alien Encounter’ nights.
For those looking for a close encounter of a different kind, there is the site’s Gypsy Caravan which comes with a ‘barrow load of wood for your fire, kindling and marshmallows’, and for those lovers who want to rekindle their own fire, there’s the romantic package which comes with luxury bed linen, flowers, champagne and chocolate. Cozy!
Carré d’Etoiles, France
Stargazers can get close to the stars by camping in the Sparkling Loire Valley, in a Star Box. Boxes, have transparent roofs and come with a ‘sky observation kit’ including a telescope, stellar chart, and astronomy-themed games. The wooden boxes comfortably sleep four, with a double cabin-bed at the top of the box, with the best views of stars. Star crossed lovers can sleep beneath the stars, and watch worlds collide and shooting stars descend.
- www.carre-detoiles.com
Cloud House Farm, Spain
With a backdrop of the Sierra Bermeja Mountain range, these off-grid hand-crafted yurts provide true escape. Each yurt has a terrace on which to soak up the Mediterranean sun, and a private outdoor kitchen and toilet. At night, you can remove the central roof window and fall asleep whilst gazing at the stars. The white-washed village of Genalguacil provides an opportunity for a day trip for when you’re not cooling off in the river pools, or relaxing in a hammock with a cool glass of wine.
- www.cloudhouse.es
Zedano, Germany
Zedano is one of the more upmarket camping and caravan sites in Europe. A four-star glamping experience for those wanting the amenities of a hotel but outdoors. More, moveable mansion, then boutique bolt-hole, these tents feature fully-equipped kitchens, dining areas, and open lounges. Cook in an open fireplace, bathe in the full-size bath, and dream the night away in a four-poster bed.
4 Comments
Paris City Breaks
7 November, 2012 at 9:09 amI like Airstream retro park in France.Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Scott Balaam
1 November, 2012 at 4:56 pmI’ve always fancied going camping in an Airstream Trailer, looks like loads of fun!
Em
1 November, 2012 at 4:48 pmI love the eco-domes they do look super cute!
Adrian@Travel universally
31 October, 2012 at 12:49 pmI am so fond of Camping.. My mom n dad used to get me for camping with them. We used to do so many activities and Now i am just missing those moments. Thanks for those unusual types of camping sites.