Love the idea of sleeping under the stars and gulping lungfuls of clean Suffolk air on holiday, but not up for pitching your own tent or shlepping to the communal toilet in the middle of the night? The Four Bells Glamping in Hawstead near Bury St Edmunds is the perfect middle ground where you can enjoy the great outdoors, but with all the modern comforts you’d expect on a posh holiday.

This charming rural escape certainly puts the ‘glam’ in glamping, with three spacious bell tents all kitted out with a king-size bed, comfy futons and luxurious soft furnishings. The bell tents (all named after famous bells) are lovely and light and have high ceilings too so there’s no crawling on your knees or feeling claustrophobic, making them ideal for anyone who normally shudders at the thought of camping under canvas. Most importantly, in our opinion, there are large private bathrooms on site with hot showers, underfloor heating and proper flushing toilets (no holes in the ground here, thank you very much). Heaven!

In terms of choosing between the tents, Big Ben – made up of two connecting tents – is the largest with space for 6 people plus a cot, Santa Maria is dog-friendly and sleeps 4 plus a cot, and Emmanuel sleeps 4 plus a cot, but is ideal for couples looking for a romantic break. And, The Four Bells Glamping isn’t just a summer destination, in the cooler months you can cosy up in your tent around the wood burning stove and both Big Ben and Emmanuel have outdoor baths for a dreamy experience soaking under the stars.

While an escape to the countryside means less screen time and the chance to get away from your phone, if the idea of going without WiFi brings you out in a cold sweat then you’ll be delighted to hear that at The Four Bells Glamping there are smart TVs inside the tents with access to your Netflix and Prime accounts, plus there’s electricity and high speed internet. Although, with relaxing wood-fired hot tubs with each tent, large fire pits for BBQs and toasting marshmallows, gorgeous countryside views and the calming sound of nature all around, there’s plenty to keep you entertained beyond the screen.

Unlike classic camping, which let’s face it is quite hard work, your every need is catered for here. There’s a fridge for drinks and food inside each bell tent, a mains water tap next to each tent, a warm water washing facility, an on-site honesty shop with local treats, extra wood and dog treats, a communal indoor kitchen with oven, hob, microwave and two communal fridges as well as an outdoor communal kitchen with wood fired pizza oven and a huge firepit.

The Four Bells Glamping is a retreat for the whole family catering beautifully for both children and dogs as well as adults. Santa Maria is the dog-friendly tent with a secure enclosed garden and each pooch receives a little gift of local dog treats too. Plus there are miles and miles of dreamy countryside walks to enjoy straight from the glamping site. You’re also just 3.5 miles outside the wonderful market town of Bury St Edmunds, full of fabulous independent shops as well as national chains and plenty of historic attractions and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. And, if you’re looking for more things to do, the digital welcome guide book that you’re sent before your stay is full of brilliant ideas from the best local pubs and the owners’ favourite walks.

Don’t just take our word for it though, The Four Bells Glamping won Best Boutique Stay in the Muddy Awards 2024, voted for by readers and all the happy glampers who have already stayed in this little slice of Suffolk heaven.