The word ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping) first appeared in the UK lexicon in 2005. But while the word may be relatively new, the concept is not. Think Henry VIII meeting Francis I of France at the Field of the Cloth of Gold (several thousand very glam tents) or well-heeled travellers on safari with their crates of champagne and campaign furniture.

Today glamping is all about switching off and reconnecting with nature combined with the comforts of home or hotel. Forget groundsheets, wet socks and tiny camping stoves. Say hello to double beds, wood burning stoves and well-equipped kitchens. And hylô to glamping in Pembrokeshire.

We may be biased but, for quality and sheer variety, Pembrokeshire is one of the best places in Wales for glamping. We’ve picked just a few of Pembrokeshire’s many glamping sites, from off-grid, car-free options to stays in quirky converted vehicles. 

Celtic Escapes, Noble Court, Narberth
The very epitome of glamorous camping, Celtic Escapes at Noble Court offers a variety of luxury glamping accommodation – from snug pods to lodges to Safari tents (including double storey tents). Whichever you choose you’ll be glamping in style. Think hot tubs, log burners, superb views of the surrounding meadows…close to the boutique shops and restaurants of Narberth.

Take the two double storey Safari Tents, for instance – they boast four poster beds and chandeliers (not to mention internal shower rooms and private hot tubs). Or the sumptuous Hampton Lodges with extras like dishwashers and wine coolers – you don’t get that from every glamping site!

No wonder Celtic Holiday Parks have been awarded Best Caravan and Glamping in Wales.

Top of the Woods, Boncath
A multi award-winning site with an environmental ethos, set in a lovely wildflower meadow. Stay in a Nature Dome – fully insulated and fully furnished, with panoramic views out into the countryside. Opt for a Safari lodge with bespoke furnishings and your own loo and shower or large lodge tents  with separate sleeping compartments.

On-site facilities include regular pop-up food services, including a World Food café, visiting fishmonger and Johnny’s Weekend Breakfasts. 

The Little Retreat, Lawrenny
Set on the site of what was once an old castle, the Little Retreat in Lawrenny has been featured in the Times, Guardian and National Geographic. It’s also home to the exciting, recently-opened wild food restaurant, Annwn.

Stay in a Stargazer tent, so named because you can lay back and gaze through the roof at Pembrokeshire’s dark and starry night skies. Stargazers can also enjoy private secluded gardens, private bathrooms and kitchens and free wi-fi. The site’s luxuriously appointed geodesic domes come complete with smart tv, wood burning stove, hot tub and a private garden with outdoor bath.

Florence Springs Glamping Village, Heatherton

Who wouldn’t like to holiday among the treetops! You can at Florence Springs. There’s a choice of two treehouses, hand-built by local carpenters.  Each one comes with full amenities (including a loo) with a balcony and private garden, wood-burning eco hot tub, BBQ, fire pit… and for kids and big kids alike, a fun slide down to the ground (optional!)

If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground there are a number of stylish safari tents, plus exotic Mongolian yurts with rugs and sheepskins, all with private hot tubs. And if you simply can’t miss your favourite soap, the safari tents have television.

Nights Under Canvas
As an alternative, hire a Bell Tent from this family run, Pembrokeshire company.  Choose their Go Glamping option and you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and pleasant stay, from bedding and cooking facilities to cosy rugs and fairy lights.

With their connections to many top campsites in West Wales, Nights Under Canvas can pitch a Bell tent at your chosen site, ready for your arrival (and take it down afterwards). Which leaves you to relax and enjoy the nights under canvas inbetween.

Fishguard Bay Resort, Dinas Cross
Nestled in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this luxury resort offers a relaxing retreat from everyday life, with its stunning views over Fishguard Bay.

There is a variety of accommodation on offer, including snug glamping pods that look out onto the bay, comfortably sleeping 2 adults and 2 children and including Freeview tv, dvd player, a mini fridge and BBQ.  Their larger, boutique surfer-style Studio Lodges – also with sea views – also sleep four and include a shower room, mini kitchen and your own private hot tub.

Trellyn Woodland Camping, Abercastle

If you’re into getting away from it all, Trellyn is the perfect spot. Set in a wooded valley close to the beach, there are just 7 camping pitches and 3 yurts. The owners started making glamping yurts for Trellyn and other glamping sites in Wales back in 2004, way before the glamping craze set in. So they know what customers want.

Each yurt has its own unique style. Choose from the Beachcomber, with its beach theme and handcrafted ash double bed; the Starlight, styled around a story, Starlight Sailor, illustrated by local artist Jackie Morris; and the Woodend Halfling Yurt – 3 conjoined yurts, inspired by The Hobbit (complete with round Hobbit doors).

Quality Unearthed
Quality Unearthed is a portal for holidaymakers looking for somewhere just a little different to stay. Their Pembrokeshire glamping choices offer everything from cabins to yurts, a shepherds hut and even a converted lorry named Lottie! Rated 5 stars on Trust Pilot.

Apple Camping, Redberth
You’ll find geo domes, tents and yurts at Apple Camping. But if you can, book a break in one of their quirkier offerings. There’s the Sonar Submarine, a sonar hull from a naval destroyer, set partly underground. It’s got a spiral staircase, a sofa bed that converts into a dining table and a very unique outdoor shower. 

The Apple Express is a replica Pullman carriage with its own wooden deck for breakfasts or evening drinks. Or fly high in a converted jet airliner (play pilot in the cockpit with the Xbox 360 and flight simulator games) ; the roomy fuselage of a decommissioned Airbus or a flying saucer- shaped pod set in its own crater.

Kitewood Camping, Fishguard

For a spot of wild woodland camping, head for Kitewood, a member of the Greener Camping Club.
It offers 12 secluded pitches for the dedicated green camper, each with a composting toilet and hot shower. Kitewood is off-grid, so there’s no wi-fi or charging points and the site is car-free.

However for a little more luxury, you can stay in one of Kitewood’s two Dragon Tipis. Fitted out comfortably with a double bed and two single futon sofa beds, there’s an outside kitchen and covered dining area, with free firewood for a campfire.