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Tent in garden? Cabin?

33 replies

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 30/08/2022 06:28

Is there such a thing as being able to hire a glamping sort of tent or cabin to put temporarily in someone’s garden?

Coming to stay with family next summer for three weeks. There is not enough space in the house but huge garden. Two adults two DCs aged 6/9.

OP posts:
Bemyclementine · 30/08/2022 06:32

Yes, I'm sure you can hire Bell tents I know a local provider who hires them out for events.

LizziesTwin · 30/08/2022 06:35

Might be worth checking charity shops/gumtree/FB marketplace, a friend of mine picked up a 2 man tent for £5. Obviously you’ll need something a lot better but you’ve got time.

alrightfella · 30/08/2022 06:37

Yes we've hired bell tents for weekend before but it's essentially just a pretty tent. Would also be very pricey for 3 weeks.

Caspianberg · 30/08/2022 06:40

They would be pretty pricey for three weeks. Probably the same price as just staying locally in an airbandb. Plus you would still have 4 extra people using bathroom, washing machine, cooking every meal.
stay somewhere else. You can then all
shower, eat breakfast at rental, wash clothes and sleep, and visit family daily. 3 weeks is a long time in a cramped house otherwise

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 30/08/2022 07:30

Gah don’t really want to air bnb if can help it. Still wanted to “stay there” but just have the extra space

OP posts:
PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2022 07:33

Just buy a tent? They will all start to be on special offer soon, or look on Facebook marketplace / gumtree

LittleBearPad · 30/08/2022 07:34

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2022 07:33

Just buy a tent? They will all start to be on special offer soon, or look on Facebook marketplace / gumtree

Well quite. Considerably cheaper to buy a proper tent especially now and will likely take up much less storage space

peridito · 30/08/2022 07:41

Have you ever camped ? Some love it (me ) ,some hate it .And depends a lot on your children . Could be a blast .
But I agree ,not necessarily cheaper than renting somewhere .You will need something to sleep on .SIMS prob more comfy than air mattress .Something to sit on .Lights .
Depends a lot on what you want to achieve .

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 30/08/2022 07:43

For three weeks, it might well be worth buying a second hand tent and sell it afterwards.

statetrooperstacey · 30/08/2022 07:50

Have you asked around friends colleagues etc,? Some people will have a loft/ garage full of camping shite. Il bet you could borrow or buy most of it if you put the feelers out .

statetrooperstacey · 30/08/2022 07:51

Also have you checked with the family you’re staying with that they’re ok with it? As a tent up for 3 weeks will ruin the grass . Otherwise it’s a really good idea and I bet you could make it work .

gogohmm · 30/08/2022 07:54

I would just buy a tent, good time of year tk look now

TheBikiniExpert · 30/08/2022 07:54

We stayed with family this summer and my kids were in a tent - just an ordinary one though! Do you know anyone who could lend you one?

Lucyintheskywithrubies · 30/08/2022 07:58

Yep definitely could borrow or buy cheap. I guess was just thinking for three weeks wanted something a bit more spacious (dare I say luxurious?). Was thinking a good middle ground would be paying for something pretty decent but not the extent of what air bnb would cost for three weeks 😫

OP posts:
icelollycraving · 30/08/2022 08:04

Would your host be happy for you to camp in their garden? Their grass would suffer presumably. Do they have neighbours? Kids in the garden are not going to be quiet in the morning etc. The schlepping in for a wee would be a no for me. Saying that, all camping is a no from me.

Zonder · 30/08/2022 08:09

3 weeks sleeping in a tent is tough going. I'd definitely look for one with enough space to have decent camp beds and room to store all your stuff. The eBay link wouldn't tick those boxes. A big bell tent would be better. Or a yurt!

Caspianberg · 30/08/2022 08:15

But yes a ‘luxury’ bell tent hire or buy, plus air beds, plus every else, will honestly cost the same as air B and B, and you still have no facilities.

If you find a rental locally, most have a per night or week price. If your staying 3 weeks you can usually contact the host directly and get a Better price. Tip, find property on booking.com or airbandb, but then look up property privately and see if they have own website and booking options. They will usually be 10% cheaper alone, even without discount

alrightfella · 30/08/2022 08:21

@Lucyintheskywithrubies the bell tent we hire is £120 a night, that does come with all beds and decorations. We've done it a few times for special occasions. Even if they gave you a discount I think it's unlikely to work out that cheap.

Plus you'd still need to use their home for bathroom and cooking etc.

Also are they happy to host you for 3 weeks, I must be honest that is a very long time to have guests. 2 nights hosting or visiting is enough for me.

MakeWayMoana · 30/08/2022 08:26

You can buy/borrow a good sized tent - I’ve got a Berghaus air 6xl and we sleep on camp beds with really decent sims on top, it’s just like a bed. It’s got a big lounge, we’ve got an inflatable sofa in ours. As long as the house has enough bathrooms to take 4 extra people it’s a great idea

SuperCamp · 30/08/2022 08:30

For 3 weeks use, either look out for a second hand bell tent (or similar) to buy, or buy a new one and sell it straight after.

There is a good market for second hand canvas tents.

Augend23 · 30/08/2022 08:38

I'm not convinced its the physical tent itself which will make things "luxurious". I think it's the fact that glamping usually involves a real bed. I'd be totally happy to lend you my massive 8 man tent if you were my friend as I just don't get rid of it in case it comes in useful rather than being an active camper. But I couldn't solve the comfy bed problem. I don't think even air mattresses solve it for grown-ups really.

ouch44 · 30/08/2022 08:40

Pretty sure there are companies that put up tents on campsites . Not the bell tents for sleepovers/events kind of companies which charge a fortune for one night. Would be worth an ask on UKcampsite or some of the big Facebook camping groups.

My kids were always envious of the camping bunk beds other people had. They’ve come down a lot in price but I bet there are some on ebay

ouch44 · 30/08/2022 08:47

We often use take our mattress topper and use it over sims in tents and often take it to family members with uncomfortable beds.

ChateauMargaux · 30/08/2022 08:49

I think you can make it work and find a tent that would work. You will need to consider cooking space, lounging space and bathrooms in the main house. What you might do if the weather is not great. Whether you might also want to nip away for a couple of nights of luxury in the middle. What level of comfort you want or need in terms of beds. How much effort it is to buy and sell if required. What other options are available locally. I agree that an airbnb is not the same as staying with someone, from the answers on here - good and bad points to consider. We camp a fair bit but mostly a few nights at a time because it can be quite tiring. This summer in 14 nights across 4 weeks, we had one rain storm, one hideously windy night, road noise, people talking and bloody noisy birds early in the morning. We have camped in family gardens and it does work well but as I said, we do get a bit tired and after a while are aching for proper beds and some space.

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