Glamping near the beach in Wells

On the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, diminutive Wells – England's smallest city – is a delight and a must-visit destination for campers pitching up in the the South West.

99% (165 reviews)
99% (165 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Wells

Under £50

Available this weekend

12 top beach glamping sites near Wells

67%
(6)

Glamping at Swanage by PitchingIt

4 units · Glamping1 acre · Swanage, England
Camping is all about horses for courses: some people want to stay somewhere so remote that it’s accessible only by car, while others prefer the convenience of getting to the site by train and then being able to reach everything within a short walk. If you belong in the second camp (and if you are after a holiday at the seaside), Glamping at Swanage Bijou by PitchingIt, in Dorset, might well be the answer to your prayers. You’ll have little need for your car at this family- and dog-friendly Swanage site, since it’s only a short stroll from the High Street (about 10 minutes) and an even shorter stroll from the beach (five minutes). Despite being so close to town, though, the site feels remarkably peaceful – likely thanks to the high hedges that surround it and make it feel more secluded than it is. Bell tents decorated with bunting and floral accents sit on a level grassy field that’s part of Kirkwood Park, an outdoor complex that includes an 18-hole golf course, plus foot and frisbee golf. There is also direct access to a well-equipped playground and to a skateboard park with multiple ramps where the kids can practise their kickturns and flips. Toilets and hot-water showers complete the picture, alongside an area where you can wash up after your barbecue. The nearest supermarket is a five-minute drive away (10 minutes on foot), but if you prefer to let someone else take care of the cooking, there are lots of restaurants and cafés within walking distance.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
£92
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Wells

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Famed for its magnificent, Gothic cathedral and the moated Bishop's Palace, Wells packs plenty of history within its tight and tiny space. The countryside that surrounds it, from Cheddar Gorge to Glastonbury Tor and the Somerset Levels, is equally thrilling to explore and perfect camping country. Unsurprisingly for such a beautiful part of Somerset, there are lots of local campsites in the area making good on the beautiful surroundings. We've picked out the very best for our collection.

Glamping near the beach in Wells guide

Overview

Camping and glamping in Wells

There’s plenty of camping and glamping in Wells and the countryside that surrounds it – and it’s popular with good reason. On the edge of Somerset’s Mendip Hills, Wells is a city that’s the size of a village – only able to claim the status because of its 13th-century cathedral. It’s a lovely place to visit in a scenic spot that’s well within reach of Somerset’s other best-loved locations. And while Somerset’s historic cities, market towns and big attractions are a draw, it’s the great outdoors that’s the star of the show which is why camping and glamping are the best ways to stay here. The Hipcamp team look out for independent campsites and glamping sites that offer something special whether it’s a tent pitch with a view of Wells Cathedral or a safari tent, yurt or treehouse with luxurious furnishings and decor.

Things to do in Wells

If you’re camping or glamping near Wells, a visit to the city that’s the size of a village is almost obligatory. The ornate 13th-century cathedral, which gives the place its city status, is open to visitors - as is the 14th-century Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells. You can learn about the history of the area in the Wells and Mendips Museum in town too – before heading out to explore the Mendips themselves. The hills have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of several in the county, and it’s a great area to explore with steep slopes, spectacular gorges and ancient monuments.

Wells is just five miles from Glastonbury, the site of the legendary music festival at Worthy Farm, but also another place of spiritual significance with its abbey and iconic tower-topped tor. Wookey Hole and Wookey village are even closer and offer family friendly attractions along with the chance to go underground. Cheddar, with its famous gorge, caves and cheese, is also within the Mendips and well worth a visit. In fact, the Medips hides the largest underground network of caves in the whole of the UK so, for the more adventurous, Wells is a great place to camp or glamp. It’s within reach of some of the country’s best caving opportunities and for newbies there are plenty of outdoor pursuits companies willing to show you the ropes. Bath, Bristol and the coast can also be reached within an hour.

About

England's smallest city, Wells is a must-visit for campers pitching up in this part of the Somerset. Famed for it's magnificent, Gothic cathedral and the moated Bishop's Palace, the town packs plenty of history, while, surrounding it, the countryside, from Cheddar Gorge to the Somerset Levels, is equally thrilling to explore.

Top towns near Wells

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