For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, and enjoy all the peace and relaxation of camping without the stress, glamping has become a hugely popular holiday choice. It gives you the chance to get back to basics and connect with your loved ones, without the distraction of TV and computers. I always feel refreshed and grounded after a night around a campfire, toasting marshmallows under the stars. Plus, it's usually much more affordable than a traditional hotel! Luckily we don't have to travel far either, with a number of incredible Aberdeenshire glamping experiences available right on our doorstep.
*AD | This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from any booking you make, at no extra cost to you. We were invited to stay at some of these locations in exchange for review - this does not impact my opinions, which will always be honest.
1. Howe of Torbeg, Ballater - Located in the Cairngorms, overlooking the river Gairn, Howe of Torbeg is the perfect escape! We spent a night in a wooden pod, with a basic bed and electricity for less than £60. There are 4 glamping pods in total, and a shepherd's hut, each with their own private firepit and seating, plus access to "the tea shack" and "The Snug" log cabin which houses cooking facilities and a wood burning stove. Two spotless bathrooms are also shared between the accommodation.
Immerse yourself in nature with nothing but the sound of birdsong and the river below. We toasted marshmallows over the fire at night, watching the sunset until the bats came out, and spotted a red kite soaring above our heads while we ate breakfast the next day!
Less than 5 minutes away, Ballater has shops, cafes and restaurants, and you can take your pick of numerous scenic walks and outdoor activities in the area.
Prices from £57. No dogs unfortunately.
2. Down on the Farm, Fraserburgh - With little round pods known as the High Seas Hideaways and an award winning toilet in a converted whisky barrel, Down on the Farm is a popular glamping spot for couples and small families. Each pod comes with basic cooking utensils, kettle, microwave and fridge, and even a TV. There's a fire-pit for private use too, so don't forget to pack some marshmallows!
If you need a little more peace and tranquillity, you could opt for the off-grid coastal carriage or harvest hut, both with wood-burning stoves and private bathroom facilities, so you can really switch off. Farm tour options add an extra dimension to the experience here - you might even get to bottle-feed new-born lambs if you visit at the right time of year!
Nearby you could also visit Aberdour or Fraserburgh beach, and check out Rattray Head Lighthouse further along the coast.
Prices from £60. Only the cottage is dog friendly, with a £20 surcharge.
Find availability at Down on the Farm.
3. The Lily Pod, Cruden Bay - We were lucky to be invited to spend the night here this summer. With a comfy double bed housed in a Romany style caravan, a pristine bathroom in a separate pod, and a cosy seating area with wood stove in the "Puddock Hole" you are truly spoiled at The Lily Pod. Not to mention the various outdoor seating and cooking options (there's a BBQ, pizza oven and two firepits) and the star attraction - a wood fired hot tub surrounded by trees and twinkling fairy lights.
Owners Arthur and Katherine have thought of literally everything (there's an ice maker and dishwasher in the kitchen shed!), and the prosecco and treats on arrival are a nice touch. A real hidden gem in the Aberdeenshire countryside.
If you can tear yourself away from this perfect glamping experience, the Bullers of Buchan, Slains Castle, Cruden Bay beach and Peterhead Prison Museum are all must visit attractions just a short drive away.
Prices from £100 per night. Pet friendly!
Book The Lily Pod on Airbnb here.
4. Tap Retreat, Rhynie - This one is top of my list to visit next! An off grid traditional shepherds hut with wood fired bath tub and pizza oven, surrounded by woodland and hedgerow on a nature friendly working farm, Tap Retreat looks idyllic. A wood burning stove heats the hut, and cast iron cookware allows you to cook on open flames with the outdoor oven. There's no shower, but a private compost toilet and hand basin are available. Who needs a shower when you can soak in the hot tub, or jump in the pond for a chilly but refreshing dip!
Climb the Tap o' Noth hillfort which overlooks the site, or for something a little less energetic, head to Dufftown for a whisky distillery tour.
Prices from £85 per night. No pets due to farm animals.
5. Shepherd's Loch Glamping, Turriff - Just a short drive from the picturesque coastal villages of Pennan and Crovie, is this off-grid rural glampsite. Choose between wigwams, yurts and quirky huts with wood-fired stoves, each with it's own private bathroom facilities. Gas camping stoves and barbeques are provided for cooking, and some options feature lochside views or a private hot tub.
During your stay you can make use of paddleboards or rowing boats out on the loch, pick your own veg at Bob's Allotment, and you may even get the chance to meet the farm animals!
I'd recommended a walk along the nearby coast from Gardenstown to Crovie, or head inland to visit Delgaty Castle. In Turriff, The Rustic Grill serves delicious food all day.
Prices from £75 per night. Dogs welcome in some accommodation for a £15 supplement.
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