Originating in central Asia, yurts have been a form of home in Mongolia dating back thousands of years. These portable dwellings are most commonly made up of a lattice of flexible poles, that create a circular living space, which are then covered in felt or other fabric to keep the elements away. Yurts often have a domed roof and would traditionally have a wood-burning stove sitting in the middle to keep inhabitants warm and toasty.

The rolling green hills of the UK countryside might be a long way from the Gobi Desert or the vast grasslands of Mongolia, yet we still see thousands of yurts popping up across the country, offering nature lovers comfortable, eco-conscious glamping opportunities.

Here at Coolstays we have a vast array of yurts, tucked away on the edge of peaceful meadows or nestled in a woodland glade. Our yurts are nice and varied being ideal for romantic retreats or family getaways. We’ve got traditional style yurts and more modern yurts with huge windows framing beautiful views. We’ve got Yurts with hot tubs and yurts with outdoor baths, offering you and your loved one the perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the countryside.

If you’re interested in a yurt break, then why not take a look at some of our favourite yurt stays here…

And now from one traditional dwelling in Asia to another on the other side of the world in North America. The tipi is a beautiful, conical-shaped home that originates from the Great Plains of America from Texas to southern Canada. Traditionally homes of Native American people, tipis have become ever popular with glampers, popping up across the UK and commonly being found at glamp sites and festivals.

Tipis are cone-shaped homes that are made up of a number of long, thin poles placed vertically to form the framework. Traditionally, they would then be covered in animal skins, stretched around the poles to create the dwelling’s outer layer. More commonly these days, you’ll find a glamping tipi with a canvas outer layer to protect inhabitants from the weather.

The canvas layer allows you to stay nice and cool in hot weather, and you can wake in the morning to open up the front of your tipi and let the fresh country air in. We offer a wide range of tipis here at Coolstays, some of which are sitting atop cliffs with wonderful sea views, whilst others are located in a hidden slice of countryside away from the crowds.

Take a look at some of our favourite tipis here…

If you’re after something a bit more luxurious than a tipi or yurt, then you may want to consider a stay in a safari tent. These marvellous canvas structures may have less historic charm than the previous two stays on this list, but they tend to suit different needs. Safari tents often have multiple rooms, making them ideal for larger groups of family or friends. They also tend to have the same furnishings you might find in a cottage or cabin, with proper sturdy beds, comfy sofas and nicely equipped kitchenettes.

Another reason we love safari tents, is they often come with their own private deck, meaning you can open the front of the tent and create an inside-outside living space, where you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face as you take in your sumptuous surroundings.

If you’re considering a safari tent for your next staycation, then take a look at some of our favourite tents below…

And now for something completely different. Glamping pods are modern, self-contained accommodation options that tend to offer a no-frills comfy place to relax and unwind. Quaint and cosy, glamping pods will often feature a small kitchenette and living space, with a separate small sleeping area.

Whilst glamping pods don’t provide sprawling social spaces, they will often sit in a delightful spot of countryside, and regularly come with private hot tubs, firepits and alfresco dining spaces.

If you fancy a stay in a glamping pod, take a look at some of our favourites here…

Now we move onto a truly classic type of glamping stay. The trusty shepherd’s hut is a supremely popular choice amongst couples who want to enjoy a rustic, characterful rural retreat. Pretty on the outside, cosy and warm on the inside, shepherd’s huts are a fabulous place to relax and unwind.

Often tucked away in their own slice of peaceful countryside, shepherd’s huts tend to feature warming wood-burning stoves inside, and firepits outside where you can sit and gaze at the starry night sky. Many of our shepherd’s huts also come with private hot tubs for an added slice of luxury on your glamping retreat and some even have their own saunas!

Take a look at a selection of our favourite shepherd’s huts today…

Whether it’s a converted railway wagon, an old gypsy caravan or a renovated showman's wagon, there are a number of different types of wagon stays on offer here at Coolstays. Many of these quaint retreats are ideal for couples who wish to enjoy a peaceful stay that harks back to a time long ago.

The wagons on Coolstays were almost all once on the move, rolling across various landscapes, serving a function with a true purpose. They’ve now been put out to pasture, reimagined as cosy living spaces, offering you and your loved one a truly idyllic stay in the tranquil UK countryside.

Take a look at some of our favourite wagons below…

And last but not least it’s time to talk about glamping domes. These modern structures are a bit like contemporary yurts. They feature a domed structure that tends to house a bed (or beds), a wood-burner and some comfy seating.

These beautiful domes are often designed to make the most of their surroundings, with huge windows that take up a fair portion of the structure, allowing you and your loved one panoramic views of whatever countryside you’re immersed in.

We’ve got a whole host of domes on offer, from collections of domes on glampsites that are ideal for group getaways, to secluded domes for two offering couples a private space for a romantic break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Take a look at some of our favourite domes below…