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What to pack for a glamping staycation: The ultimate checklist holiday cottages

What to pack for a glamping staycation: The ultimate checklist

Kate W 13 May 2025

(Cover image: Stargazy Cabin)

Glamping blends all the magic of camping with a generous dose of comfort and luxury. Whether you’re escaping to a countryside retreat in the Cotswolds, a woodland hideaway in Yorkshire, or a beachside bell tent on the Cornish coast, planning what to take glamping can make all the difference in ensuring a relaxing break.

This guide covers every essential and offers insider tips, so you step into adventure fully prepared and brimming with excitement.

Curious about which glamping essentials you simply can’t do without? Read on for a comprehensive glamping packing list that will help you make the most of your stay, plus a few expert warnings and comfort-boosting extras you won’t want to miss.


Start with the glamping essentials

The interior of a yurt called Bluebell. Inside Bluebell, a traditional yurt getaway on the Isle of Wight.

Packing the right essentials is the secret to a seamless and comfortable stay. At its core, glamping is about elevating traditional camping by focusing on both practicality and a touch of indulgence.

Begin your preparations with these must-haves. Each item plays a role in ensuring you stay comfortable, secure and ready for anything during your break in the wild.

Glamping essentials packing list

Safety essentials 

  • Photo ID and booking confirmation
  • First aid kit
  • Phone and charger
  • Torch or headlamp
  • Reusable water bottle

Clothing essentials 

  • Comfortable clothing (including layers)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Sleepwear

Toiletries/keeping clean essentials 

  • General (toothbrush, toothpaste, face cloth, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap)
  • Personal medications and prescriptions
  • Suncream
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Towels (some sites supply, always check your booking)

Stay nourished and hydrated

Toasting marshmallows on grass beside a beach.

Glamping is all about celebrating the outdoors, and that often means working up an appetite.

Enjoy local cuisine, share picnics, or indulge in a marshmallow-roasting session as the sun sets. Having the right supplies for food and drink will keep energy levels high and spirits even higher.

Food and drink packing list

  • Favourite coffee or tea
  • Insulated mugs or reusable cups
  • Snacks and treats – like marshmallows and skewers!
  • Tinned goods and non-perishables, e.g. halloumi, rice pouches, tinned fruit, crisps and breakfast bars
  • Cooler bag or ice packs
  • Bottle opener and corkscrew
  • Condiments and spices
  • Washing up bowl, liquid and cloth

Comfort and relaxation items

The bedroom in Slate Cabin with pillows and a view of countryside.The bedroom at Slate Cabin is already a cosy haven.

While the essentials ensure you don’t miss a beat, a glamping trip is also about relaxation and moments together.

We have plenty of retreats full of comfort items, but always bring what you need to make your holiday your own. Bringing along a few extra, thoughtful comfort items promise cosiness after an adventurous day and help foster memorable evenings with loved ones.

Comfort daytime packing list

  • Cosy blanket or throw
  • Camping chairs
  • Camera for capturing special moments
  • Travel games or a deck of playing cards
  • Sketchpad or journal
  • Speaker for music (keep volume considerate)

Comfort nighttime packing list

  • Eye mask and earplugs
  • Hot water bottle
  • Slippers or comfy socks
  • Books, magazines, or e-reader
  • Travel pillow
  • Face mask
  • Sleep spray or aromatherapy oil
  • Stargazing apps or guides

Clothing and footwear

Couple walking in the Lake District

The British weather keeps us on our toes, so smart glampers pack a variety of clothes to stay comfortable through sunshine, drizzle, and chilly sunsets. Your glamping site may serve as a base for outdoor activities, so come prepared.

Clothing and shoes packing list

  • Wellies
  • Flip-flops
  • Comfy trainers/walking boots
  • Spare socks
  • Warm coat, thick jumper and leggings/thermals
  • Swimwear

Outdoor activities and adventure kit

Kayaking on a lake in Snowdonia with mountains behind.

Glamping invites exploration. Whether hiking, paddle boarding, or enjoying the scenery, being prepared means more fun and fewer interruptions. Always double-check what’s included at your chosen Glampingstays location, and pack for varied weather and adventures.

Adventure checklist

  • Emergency contact information
  • Lightweight backpack
  • Waterproof dry bag
  • Hat/cap for sun protection
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting
  • Picnic blanket
  • Cycling gear (if bikes are available or hired)
  • Compact umbrella
  • Day pack snacks (energy bars, fruit, nuts)

Special celebrations and occasions

Hanging lights in a fir trees.

Celebrating something special? Personalise your stay with thoughtful additions that mark a birthday, anniversary, or ‘just because’ getaway. Delightful touches, big or small, can make your stay truly unforgettable.

Celebration checklist

  • Fairy lights or battery-operated lanterns
  • Celebration cake or sweet treats
  • Favourite tipple (prosecco, wine, craft beers)
  • Party hats or decorations

A few reminders and handy advice

A view through a circular opening of a bed and a window with a forest view beyond. The bedroom at Hafod y Bugail, a stylish lodge in West Wales

  • Check with your glamping provider: Each site is unique. Review what’s included before you pack, or ask if in doubt.
  • Leave no trace: Respect nature and fellow glampers by tidying up and following local guidelines on fires and recycling.
  • Be weather-wise: Britain’s climate loves a surprise. Pack layers and prepare for both sunshine and showers.

Book your next glamping holiday and escape into comfort

Feeling inspired? With this detailed glamping packing list, you’re set up for relaxation, connection, and a generous serving of adventure. Our unique glamping retreats combine beautiful settings with thoughtful amenities, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

Book your glamping holiday with us today and get ready to discover the perfect staycation.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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