Larkhill Tipis and Yurts

Many of our favourite camping and glamping sites offer an escape from the daily grind and a taste of a simpler, more-sustainable lifestyle. Many of them offer the chance to get closer to nature and to stay in beautiful parts of the UK. And many of them are run by inspiring people with eco-friendly principles. But not many of them are as well established as Larkhill Tipis and Yurts: This site was one of the early pioneers of glamping, established by Fran and Tony way back in 2003.

When this hardy couple moved here they had no plans to start a campsite but after a decade of life off grid with their daughters, animals, stupendous views and beautiful sunsets, they decided it was time to share what they’d found. They bought the first tent, a tipi, then made the rest, with Tony building frames and Fran sewing canvas. The result is a unique collection of tents inspired by Nomadic structures from around the world. Each has its own charm. Fran says she finds majesty in the shape of the tipi and loves the Mongolian ger. Daughter Catherine, now grown up and helping manage the place, is fond of the Iranian-inspired alachigh with its far-reaching views.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll find it furnished, and set-up with cooking equipment, a log burner, blankets and colourful cushions. For a small extra charge, bedding can be provided, otherwise it’s one of the few essentials they advise bringing – together with food, towels and a torch. Everything else is provided for you – down to toiletries and washing-up liquid which are all eco-friendly. The glamping site remains off grid, with electricity from a combination of solar, hydro and wind power, but water is from the mains. There’s a communal wooden hut for rainy days, washing-up and under-cover cooking with a covered fireplace just outside. There’s a play area too and you’re welcome to explore the whole 20 acres; from the woodland Fran and Tony planted to the carbon-absorbing peat moorland they’ve left alone.

Further afield, Cardigan Bay beaches are a 20-minute drive away. Inland, you can canoe along the Teifi river, ride horses on Llanllwni Mountain or cycle the trails at Brechfa Forest. This is Wales, so it’s no surprise that there are castles galore; the closest at Cilgerran and Pembroke. The National Botanic Garden and National Wool Museum­ are also nearby. Larkhill makes a great base from which to explore these national treasures. Indeed, you might say that, with 20 years of its own local building, planting and artistry, it’s fast becoming a national treasure itself.