Cool Camping. Laura James

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essentials bolt-holes

       staying power

      If you don’t fancy life under canvas, there are plenty of other options, each with its own unique blend of charm. There are so many funky bolt-holes available that one of the only problems is deciding which one to go for.

      Taking to the road in a Romany caravan pulled along by a horse offers you a holiday that’s the antithesis of modern life. The inevitable slow pace is hypnotic and you’ll notice things you never have before. They’re cosy at night, but airy during the day as the doors open wide.

      Shepherds’ huts are so sweet and can be surprisingly well equipped. Often they have wood-burning stoves, proper beds and carpets. A shepherd’s hut in the middle of nowhere is brilliant for couples who are desperately in love and want isolation and privacy.

      This is true of beach huts, too, and you have the added luxury of waking up to the sound of the waves rolling in.

      If you want something super-cool, then look no further than an Airstream trailer. Lots of movie stars request them on set; Sean Penn lived in one, and you can even buy an Airstream with a Ralph Lauren-designed interior.

      A campervan or caravan is brilliant for those who are easily bored in one place. They’re also good if you fancy getting creative with your space, as you can stamp your own style on the interior. I think they look particularly sweet if you go for high kitsch when kitting them out.

      A word of warning, though: it may well be a peculiarly British thing, but I’m always bemused by people who take to the road for an adventure and end up sitting in a lay-by on the side of the motorway, having their lunch or a cup of tea.

      Instead, if you need a break, meander through country lanes and stop in beautiful country parks, woods, at a designated beauty spot, or on the outskirts of a pretty village.

      metal gurus and bohemian bolt-holes

Picture credit: Vanessa Buchan	Caravan of loveThis Romany caravan was built at the turn of the century for a Cornish circus dwarf, so is actually incredibly small. The colours and detail on these caravans are always stunning.
Picture credit: Odd Limited	Camper crazyThe retro chic of a campervan is undeniable and second-hand ones are widely available. The original colours are gorgeous, but you can have them re-sprayed in any shade you like.
Picture credit: Swiftsilver Caravans	T@b lightThe T@b caravan is ridiculously sweet and, for something so small, unbelievably well equipped. Plus, they’ve done the seemingly impossible in making caravaning cool again.
Picture credit: Vintage Vacations	Air apparentVintage Airstreams are almost too cool. Spacious inside and stunning on the outside, they provide the ultimate environment in which to play house.
Picture credit: Garden Trading	Beach hut breaksThese are great spaces to camp in and can be bought or hired at many beaches and now at festivals too. Tardis-like, they are far more spacious than you might think.
Picture credit: Fired Earth	Shepherd’s delightShepherds’ huts are rather like Wendy houses for grown-ups. They’re spacious and cosy and are brilliant to have in the garden as an extra room or somewhere to escape too.
Picture credit: PodPad	Pod castsA great way to hang out at festivals. The PodPad is sweet, functional, warm and will keep you dry in even the wettest of festival weather.
Picture credit: Punchstock	Hangin’ aroundIt’s great to sleep on a hammock swinging between two trees. If you prefer something a little sturdier, you can get hammocks with frames. There are versions to suit every budget.