To feel like I'm being fleeced - glamping

[SaffronYellow]

£1,000 plus, to stay in a TENT for 1 week in Devon?
Some are £1,200 for 1 week.
Just seen one for £1,500 for 1 week.
This is to stay in a bell tent in a field.
To me, these are insane prices!!
AIBU to think over £1,000 to stay in a tent for a week is absurd?
I can't afford to stay in a holiday cottage.
Air BnB prices are out of my price range.
So I thought camping might be an affordable alternative.
I just want to go away for a week in this country in the school summer hols with my 2 DC, I want to give them a week away. Devon is my favourite place, used to go there as a child.
I'm not well enough to take my own tent and put it all up by myself, I've got ME and fibromyalgia and long Covid, so I really need a tent that's already erected and one that has a few more comforts to it than sleeping on an air mattress on the floor.
I thought a tent in a field would be a financially viable way to go away with my DC, who really deserve a week away, but the prices are eye watering and completely unaffordable.
I'm not asking to go abroad anywhere....just a week in my own country! But I'm priced out of this! I can't believe it, feel so sad for DC.😥

Schools don’t go back until 2 Sep

Look at Axevale Caravn park. Not fancy but everything you need. Gorgeous playground next door. 5
min to a big Tesco, 10
mins to beach.
lits to do nearby

I think a lodge (static caravan) will be less expensive and more comfortable.

Agree that a caravan park is also a great option and they usually have lots for kids to do.

I love camping OP but that is a ridiculous amount of money. It's one thing if the weather is good but if it isn't you could be stuck in a tent in the pissing rain. No heating etc.

We usually do caravan parks or premier inn and have had some lovely UK coastal holidays for more than half that price. Also I find Monday to Friday can be cheaper in budget hotels, I know it's not quite a week but it feels like it when you look back on it.

I think glamping is a bit of a con, or at least is aimed at rich people wanting a novel experience rather than people on a budget wanting a holiday.

My friend sent me a screenshot yesterday of a caravan rental in August for £1,800 for a week.

I know people sneer at haven but if you're on a small budget and pick carefully you can get a bargain and pay it off over the year or so leading up to it. No good for this year now but maybe useful for someone for a future idea.

Nah you can get somewhere in the med with guaranteed good weather for that price.

Glamping is a bloody rip off imo

Holiday prices for accommodation in the UK have really shot up since lockdown and similarly holidays abroad are also much more expensive (especially during peak times i.e. school holidays where demand is high).

If OP has the health issues she describes she would still struggle with an inflatable tent, lugging everything about and self catering etc. Camping is great if a few of you and you are in good health or most of the adults are in good health and you get the weather but otherwise its hard work similarly all being cramped up in one hotel room is also hard work.

Maybe opt for somewhere less expensive op or could you go with family or friends with similar age children (to make it less onerous) or do you have any hospitable friends or family you could stay with or house sit for who live in a seaside location?

I’m going on a cruise to Alaska, it cost less than that YANBU

Devon isnt the cheapest place, have you looked into caravans? X

Yeah so going away for a week beginning on Saturday 31st august as your search page shows wouldn’t work

Where in Devon are you looking to go?

I dont think you have been doing your homework and searching correctly

Even a caravan holiday park in mid August, for 6 to 8 birth, with all the entertainment included comes in a lot less then a tent

Look on VRBO. This, for example, is half the price of glamping and has actual rooms:

Check out this place in Dartmouth I found on Vrbo: https://t.vrbo.io/cVNZNCKfKIb

I agree with you OP - whenever I've looked at glamping it seems a total rip off . You may get a proper bed but they rarely have a toilet / shower.

But I agree with others that there are holidays to be had for less than this. Monday-Friday breaks are definitely a good call, but often you can only book a full week in the summer holiday .

what's your budget? you could get a holiday cottage for much cheaper than that.

They have but the tide is turning with bookings down for this summer! More people going abroad again, weather is more we reliable and it can be en par price wise with the likes of Devon. We've done Devon for the last few summers, it's lovely but having been abroad over half term I forgot just how wonderful it is to properly get away (without even costing that much more) and I think that's what we are going to aim to do more of from now on. Holiday letting prices in Devon have gone crazy in recent years and I think they might quite rightly start coming back down again in the years to come.

maybe don’t do a full week?

do 4/5 days in a hotel that is more affordable - some good options in this thread

Torquay harbour Premier Inn - family room 10-17 August, right near the beach, including breakfast and evening meal works out at just over £800 for an adult and 2 kids.

How old are the children? If 10+ (scout age) then they should be able to put up a basic 4 person type tent.

We've booked a very nice 3 bedroom caravan in Bude for £1200 in August.

I would have to be paid to stay in a tent no matter how glamorous!

ypu can definitely get a holiday cottage for less than that. luxury style ones in Cornwall about £1200 for a week main school holidays or lots less in out of term time.

i do have a vested interest as i own a holiday cottage, but my prices are often less than a caravan!

What is your budget @SaffronYellow ?