TREGEARE, CORNWALL
There's a real back-to-nature feel at this 16-acre tipi site near the north Cornish coast, with campfires (cook freshly caught trout from the lake), no electricity (it's off the National Grid) and space galore for children.
There are 40 canvas tipis set in their own woodland clearings or grouped in two "village fields". The largest are 18ft high and all are surprisingly light and spacious and equipped with lanterns, groundsheets, rugs and cooking utensils.
Go swimming or take a boat out on the spring-fed lake in the old Tregildrans Quarry or venture farther afield and try sea kayaking beneath the soaring cliffs of Port Quin, a five-minute drive away.
Explore inland by biking or walking along the 16-mile Camel Trail near Wadebridge.
Cornish Tipi Holidays (01208 880781/www.cornishtipiholidays.co.uk) offers seven nights in a tipi from £515 (sleeps four), self-catering.

WINDERMERE, CUMBRIA
With futon sofa beds, raised wooden floors and a woodburning stove, these bell tents and yurts (circular canvas-covered lattice-wood structures) on the western shore of Windermere definitely are more on the glamorous side of glamping.
Sitting in their own field on the Low Wray National Trust campsite are two yurts decorated with Moorish-style rugs, lanterns and a small gas stove for cooking. After an evening playing Monopoly or Battleships from the games chest, lie back and watch the stars through the skylight before drifting off to sleep.
The three large, canvas bell tents are similarly decked out in a country style.
There are lots of activities to keep you entertained. Paddle Blelham Tarn to Windermere or go rock climbing, abseiling or hiking in the mountains.
If you fancy something a little more leisurely, hop on one of the cruise boats that chug across the lake.
Long Valley Yurts (01539 731089/www.long-valley-yurts.co.uk) offers three nights in a bell tent from £235 or seven nights from £355 (sleeps five), self-catering. Yurts from £285 for three nights and £385 for seven nights (sleeps five), self-catering.

CARDIGAN, DYFED
Spend the night in a cosy, brightly painted Romany caravan in a secluded meadow next to the tinkling waters of the River Ceri. This beautifully restored Twenties caravan, complete with bow-top roof, wooden bed and pot-belly stove, has its own rustic cabin next door with a sitting area (including CD player), shower, toilet, fridge and oven.
On hot days, cool off in the clear, shallow waters of the river, home to brown trout and otters, or head to the many unspoilt beaches along the Cardigan coast.
If you fancy a romantic meal, feast on local lobster, crab, lamb or Welsh black beef at the Harbourmaster Hotel in Aberaeron.
The National Trust's 18th-century LLanerchaeron country estate, designed by John Nash, is close by.
Under The Thatch (0844 500 5101/www.underthethatch.co.uk) offers two-night caravan breaks from £202 and seven nights from £336 (sleeps two), self-catering.

ISLE OF WIGHT
The curvaceous metallic contours of a Sixties American caravan are a sight to behold, especially when it's in a field on the Isle of Wight.
Situated a short drive from the ferry port of Ryde are a mix of classic Airstream and Spartan trailers, all with kitsch retro interiors and fully equipped kitchens. Toilets are in a separate block.
The Isle of Wight feels as deliciously old-fashioned as the caravans. Resorts such as Shanklin and Ventnor have a traditional seaside vibe with cute cafés selling homemade cakes and ice-cream sundaes.
Vintage Vacations (07802 758113/www.vintagevacations.co.uk) offers two-night weekend breaks in a trailer from £175, £425 for seven nights (sleeps six), self-catering.

LOCHHOUSES, EAST LOTHIAN
The only difference between these spacious safari-style boltholes and a self-catering cottage is the canvas walls.
Dotted around a large field next to a white sand beach are seven tents with raised wooden floors, proper beds, ovens, sinks and the best bit. . . hot showers.
Once you've settled in and fed the hens, clamber up the dunes to take in the views, including Bass Rock and the ruined castle of Dunbar.
A beached lobster boat has been transformed into a tuck shop while the old shower block is a children's play area.
There are animals galore including chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, ponies and lambs.
Explore the neighbouring John Muir Country Park by bike, foot or on horseback, see Concorde at the nearby National Museum Of Flight or head to Edinburgh, a 45-minute drive away.
Harvest Moon Holidays (07785 394026/www.harvestmoonholidays.com) offers two-night weekend breaks from £350, seven nights from £475 (sleeps eight), self-catering.

To order a copy of Cool Camping: Glamping Getaways by Jonathan Knight (Punk Publishing, £16.95) send a cheque or PO payable to Express Bookshop to:
Camping Offer, PO Box 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ, phone 0871 988 8367 (calls cost 10p per minute from UK landlines) or visit www.expressbookshop.com Delivery in the UK is free.