Glamping in Kent: Where to stay for a unique outdoor getaway

We’ve been lucky enough to try out all sorts of glamping spots across Kent — from simple setups to more luxurious stays. There’s a great mix to choose from, including safari tents, bell tents, cabins, tipis, and even a church. Whether you're after a peaceful escape, a romantic weekend, or a fun family adventure, Kent has something to offer everyone. With its beautiful countryside, wide-open views, and peaceful surroundings, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a break in nature. In this post, we’re sharing some of our favourite glamping finds — the ones we’d happily go back to again and again.

These are our favourite places to go glamping in Kent:

Blean Bees, nr Canterbury

Blean Bees, just outside Canterbury, offers a peaceful countryside escape with two glamping options: traditional bell tents and cosy eco huts. On our first visit, we stayed in one of the Eco Huts — a warm and inviting space that comfortably sleeps four, with two double beds and a simple, rustic charm.

For our second visit, we opted for one of the bell tents. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the site, the tents are simply but thoughtfully furnished and include a proper bed, making for a surprisingly comfortable and restful night under canvas.

Each accommodation comes with its own outdoor seating area and firepit, perfect for relaxed evenings spent stargazing or toasting marshmallows. Cooking is done outdoors, and you can hire a BBQ to make mealtimes easy and enjoyable in the fresh country air.

On our recent visit, we stayed for two nights, giving us time to fully relax and enjoy the surroundings. During the day, we explored the nearby Blean Woods — one of the largest ancient woodlands in southern England, full of winding trails and wildlife. We also took short trips to the charming seaside town of Whitstable, famous for its oysters and independent shops, and historic Canterbury, with its beautiful cathedral and quaint cobbled streets

Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey

Elmley Nature Reserve offers a truly unique escape — a chance to stay right in the heart of a privately owned nature reserve on the Isle of Sheppey. Surrounded by wide-open skies, peaceful wetlands, and abundant wildlife, it’s a place where you can truly disconnect and soak up the natural beauty.

There’s a wonderful range of overnight accommodation to choose from, including shepherd’s huts, cabins, and bell tents. We opted for one of the bell tents, perfectly pitched to offer uninterrupted views of the gorgeous landscape. It felt wonderfully secluded yet close to nature. One of our favourite moments was waking up to birdsong, stepping outside with a morning coffee, and simply sitting back to take it all in.

In the evening, we enjoyed delicious wood-fired pizza served in the cosy barn — a perfect way to wind down after a day outdoors. The next morning, we treated ourselves to a hearty breakfast delivered straight to our tent, but if you prefer to cook your own meals, there's also a well-equipped communal glamping kitchen available for guests to use.

During the day, we set off on a long walk to explore the reserve, taking in the peaceful surroundings, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the wide open space that makes this place feel so special.

Bear Lodge, Port Lympne Wildlife Park

The first of two glamping locations at Port Lympne featured in this post, Bear Lodge offers spacious safari tents that can accommodate up to eight guests.Perched above the spectacled bear enclosure, the lodge boasts breathtaking views of the Kent countryside and coastline, combining wildlife adventure with natural beauty.

From the outside, the tents might look modest, but step inside and you’ll find a beautifully decorated space that felt like a true home away from home for our family of four. With a cosy sofa, proper beds, a log-burning fire, and even our own toilet and shower, it had everything we needed for a comfortable and relaxing stay. It was the perfect base for exploring Port Lympne

The site also features a little play park that our children loved, and we enjoyed a relaxed meal at the onsite restaurant. There were other great dining options within the wildlife park too, so we were never short of choices when it came to food. All in all, it was the ideal blend of adventure and comfort—perfect for making special memories together.

Romney Marsh Shepherd Huts, Ashford

We’ve stayed at the Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts twice now — once with the kids and once without — and loved both visits. There are three huts set on the Romney Marsh, each offering stunning views, big open skies, and plenty of sheep as your neighbours. There’s something incredibly calming about falling asleep to, and waking up with, the gentle sounds of sheep in the distance. If you visit in spring, there may even be lambs, and you might get the chance to help feed them — something my two little ones absolutely adored.

The huts are cosy but cleverly designed to include everything you need: a double bed, log burner, private bathroom, a fold-out dining table, and a compact kitchen. We first visited in October and, thanks to the log burner, the hut stayed warm and snug throughout our stay.

There are some lovely extras available to make your visit even more special — from BBQ and picnic boxes to alpaca trekking or even a jeep safari. We kept things simple, bringing our own food, enjoying a BBQ under the stars, and spending our days exploring the marsh on foot. Although we did treat ourselves to a delicious breakfast box filled with fresh local produce — the perfect way to start a slow morning.

One of the hidden gems nearby is the picturesque St Thomas Becket Church, sitting quietly among the marshes. You can pick up the key from a local farmhouse and step inside this beautiful little building — a peaceful and memorable stop during your stay.

Church Camping, Fordwich

For something truly different, why not try 'champing' — that's church camping — where you spend the night in one of England’s historic churches while helping to support its preservation. There are two champing locations in Kent, and we chose to stay at St Mary the Virgin Church in Fordwich, a charming town known as the smallest in Britain, nestled right on the banks of the River Stour.

When we arrived, the church was all set up and ready for us. A cosy area with camping chairs and fairy lights had been arranged for relaxing, and beds were laid out among the pews. All we needed to bring was our bedding. The kids absolutely loved it — it felt like a real adventure, and there was something magical about sleeping in such a unique and atmospheric setting.

The church is right next to the Michelin-starred Fordwich Arms, making it ideal for a special dinner out, especially since there are no cooking facilities inside the church apart from a kettle.

A few things to note: The church is open to visitors during the day (we only saw two people while we were there), but in the evening and overnight, you’ll have the whole place to yourselves. There’s a compost toilet on-site, but no showers, and you might hear the occasional flutter of bats in the tower — just part of the charm of this one-of-a-kind experience!

Currently St Mary's is closed for rennovation but there are champing locations all over the country including St James in Cooling, Kent.

Mt Ephraim Glamping Pods, Faversham

Mt Ephraim Glamping is a peaceful, countryside escape made up of just three well-spaced pods, each offering beautiful views across the rolling Kent landscape. The site is tucked away beside the elegant Mt Ephraim Country House and Gardens, which guests have access to during their stay — perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll among landscaped grounds, rose gardens, and topiary.

The pods themselves are thoughtfully designed and surprisingly spacious. We stayed during a frosty winter weekend and were warm and cosy throughout. Inside, each pod includes a comfortable double bed, a sofa bed for extra guests, a compact but well-equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom. There was even enough space for us all to sit together and play board games in the evening, making it feel like a proper home-from-home.

The location is ideal for exploring some of Kent’s best-loved towns, including Faversham, Whitstable, and Herne Bay — all just a short drive away. There are also a couple of traditional country pubs nearby for a hearty meal or drink by the fire, and the on-site tea room at Mt Ephraim is perfect for a relaxed lunch or afternoon treat.

It’s a great spot for couples, families or small groups looking to combine the comfort of glamping with the charm of countryside living.

Rebel Farmer Glamping, Brook

We absolutely loved our stay at Rebel Farm Glamping an exclusive, off-grid campsite — one of the best parts was having the entire place to ourselves. We stayed in the spacious tipi and also booked the additional bell tent so our friends could join us, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed group getaway. The site is set in the heart of the Kent countryside on farmland owned by Rebel Farmer Ed, who grows seasonal produce using ethical, small-scale methods. He kindly gave us a tour of the farm, sharing his passion for sustainable food and showing us how everything is grown.

Both tents had proper beds, which made for a really comfortable night’s sleep — a real luxury when glamping. The campsite had everything we needed, including a lovely outdoor space for eating and relaxing, plus a covered kitchen and dining area set inside a polytunnel, perfect if the weather turned.

During the day, we went for a long countryside walk and explored the Devil’s Kneading Trough — a stunning natural landmark well worth the hike. Back at camp, there was loads of space for the kids to run around freely, and they had the best time having a massive water fight while we relaxed nearby.

In the evening, we gathered around the campfire, toasted marshmallows, and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings — the perfect way to round off a fun-filled day outdoors.

Alpaca Lodge, Sittingbourne

Alpaca Lodge is one of the most unique and memorable places to stay in Kent, offering a variety of glamping options. What really sets it apart is the company — guests share the space with friendly, free-roaming alpacas, as well as goats, chickens, and peacocks. You're given food to feed the animals, making it an interactive and truly hands-on experience. One of the highlights of our stay was waking up to the sight of alpacas grazing just outside our pod.

Alpaca Lodge offers a range of accommodation options, including bell tents, cosy pods, and even a spacious lodge for larger groups or families. We chose to stay in one of the pods, which was just the right size for our family of four (though bigger options are available). The pod was heated — ideal for stays in any season — and included a comfortable double bed and bunk beds for the kids. Although we didn’t spend much time indoors, it was a cosy and convenient base.

Most of our time was spent outside, eating alfresco alongside the animals and making the most of the BBQ facilities. The outdoor space is really well designed, with plenty to keep children busy — from play areas to the joy of feeding the animals. Another highlight was the communal swimming pool — covered and heated, making it great in any weather. Our kids absolutely loved it, almost as much as they loved the alpacas!

Hooga Retreats, Canterbury

We have stayed at two of Hooga Retreat’s amazing locations now and highly recommend them if you are looking for a truly unique glamping getaway in Kent.

Our first stay was in the Little Yurt, which, surprisingly, is tucked away in someone’s back garden — though you’d never know it. Hidden behind trees and greenery, it feels completely private and peaceful, like your own secret escape, despite being just a short walk from the centre of Canterbury. The yurt itself is a beautiful, authentic Mongolian design, with a double bed and two smaller beds for the children. It’s eccentrically and charmingly decorated, creating a cosy, colourful space that’s full of character.

The toilet was separate from the yurt and cleverly hidden inside a life-sized Dr Who TARDIS, which added a fun and quirky touch to the stay. There was also an outdoor bath, which the children absolutely loved — it turned bath time into an adventure. For evening entertainment, there was a cosy cinema snug where we could all curl up together and enjoy a film — the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.

Our second stay was in The Midnight Express — a Harry Potter-inspired converted bus that the kids still talk about to this day. Fully heated and well insulated, it was perfect for all seasons, and we stayed warm and cosy throughout our January visit. The bus retains many of its original features, adding to the charm, and one of the children's favourite parts was getting to play computer games from the driver’s seat — a real novelty!

Outside, there was a hot tub overlooking stunning views of the Kent countryside. It was a bit too chilly to take a dip during our winter stay, but it looked incredibly inviting and would be perfect in the warmer months.

You can read Kirsty's full reveiw of The Midnight express here

Leopard Creek, Port Lympne Wildlife Park

I’m not sure this one really counts as glamping—it was far too luxurious for that! But since we stayed in a ‘wigwam’, we’ll go with it. Leopard Creek is the second accommodation we’ve experienced at Port Lympne, and it absolutely exceeded our expectations - we loved our stay.

As the name suggests, it’s located right next to the leopard enclosure, and while you can’t see the leopards from the wigwam itself, we were just steps away. The kids loved being able to pop over whenever they fancied to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures—it really added to the magic of the experience. On the other side, the wigwam overlooks the stunning Kent countryside, with park animals grazing in the distance and wide-open views that were a joy to wake up to.

Inside, the space was stylish and incredibly comfortable for our family of four. There was a luxurious double bed perfectly positioned to take in the view from the panoramic windows, plus two cosy single beds for the kids. We had our own bathroom, along with tea and coffee-making facilities, and were greeted with a thoughtful hamper filled with treats—including local wine and snacks.

One of the best parts? The golf buggy included with the stay! It made getting around the wildlife park quick, easy, and a lot of fun—especially for the children. The whole experience was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. We wouldn’t hesitate to come back again.

Caracol Camping, Groombridge

Nestled in the beautiful countryside of the High Weald, Caracol Camping is tucked away in a tranquil spot on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells. Boasting 8 luxurious bell tents, and incredible views, this is a really special place to escape to and get back to nature.

Each of the carpeted bell tents are named after wild flowers and come fully furnished, with a comfy bed and cosy linen. They're also equipped with a private gas stove and BBQ - perfect for those Summer evenings eating and drinking under the stars.

The shared facilities are also top-end, with indulgent rainfall showers and premium flushable toilets on site. There's also a lovely kitchen and snug area complete with kettle, fridges, microwaves and sofas to sink into. It makes for an ideal setting for families, groups of friends or even a solo trip.

Locally, there is tons to explore. Treat yourself to some wine tastings at the recently opened Birchden Vineyard which is just a 5-minute drive away, enjoy a scenic walk or cycle around the local countryside, or spend the afternoon in the beer garden of one of the many country pubs in the area.