Top 5 Reasons to Try Bell Tent Glamping This Summer

Why ‘camping for people who don’t really camp’ is having a moment
There’s something about a bell tent that instantly slows you down. Maybe it’s the canvas, the fire pit or the fact you’re forced to swap screens for stargazing. Whatever it is, bell tent glamping is making a real comeback this summer, particularly for travellers looking for a softer, more comfortable way to experience the outdoors.

At Catgill Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, owners Cat and Oli Barker have seen growing demand for bell tent stays from guests wanting the atmosphere of camping without the stress that can sometimes come with it.
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Here are their top five reasons to give bell tent glamping a try this summer.

1. You Get the Outdoors… Without the Hard Work
Bell tent glamping offers all the atmosphere of camping, but with a few more comforts built in. At Catgill, guests arrive to proper beds, electricity, WiFi and semi-private toilet and shower pods already set up and waiting. They even include private hot tubs, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

“It’s about keeping the lovely parts of camping,” says Cat Barker. “Fresh air, campfire evenings and being outside – but without the stress of packing half the house or sleeping on the floor.”

2. It Encourages Proper Quality Time
Bell tent stays naturally slow the pace down. Without rigid schedules or constant distractions, people tend to spend more time talking, walking, and simply being together.

Whether it’s cooking outdoors, playing cards by the fire pit or exploring nearby walks around Bolton Abbey, the experience feels much more connected than a standard hotel break.

3. It’s Perfect for First-Time Campers
Not everyone wants to fully ‘rough it,’ and that’s part of the appeal. Bell tents are ideal for people who like the idea of camping but want a softer introduction to it.

Having things like proper beds, electricity, nearby facilities (like proper Italian pizzas, coffees, and croissants from Cat’s Kitchen), and WiFi means guests can enjoy the outdoors while still feeling comfortable and relaxed at the end of the day.

4. You Sleep Better Than You’d Expect
Fresh air, darker skies and quieter surroundings can make a real difference. Many guests are surprised by how rested they feel after a couple of nights away.

At Catgill, evenings tend to revolve around simple things, hot tubs, fire pits, stargazing and slower evenings outdoors, all helping guests properly unwind.

5. It’s About Simpler, More Memorable Holidays
As travel trends shift towards slower, more meaningful experiences, bell tent glamping taps into a growing desire for simpler escapes.

“People remember the small moments,” says Oli Barker. “Watching the sunset, sitting outside with a coffee, toasting marshmallows, the dog running around, those are the things guests talk about afterwards.”

For many, that’s exactly the appeal.