From Insta-worthy weddings to kid-free zones at home, this is the chicest thing you can own this summer.
There are two kinds of people in the world: the ones who think camping means soggy socks, sad noodles and no WiFi… and the ones who’ve discovered the magic of the bell tent.
We’re talking crisp canvas, twinkly fairy lights, and more space than your average London flat — all zipped up in one giant, gorgeous slice of boho-glam heaven. Whether you’re glamping, hosting, or just vibing in the garden with a chilled glass of rosé, a bell tent is the ultimate outdoor flex this summer.
Yes, it’s giving Pinterest. Yes, it’s also giving practicality. Welcome to the tent glow-up you didn’t know you needed — until now.
First up: What is a bell tent?
Think: the lovechild of a luxury yurt and a festival tipi. A bell tent is a large, often cotton canvas tent with a high central pole and circular footprint. What sets it apart from your classic “pop-up and pray” camping tent? Um, basically everything.
They’re breathable. They’re spacious (you can stand up and stretch, thank you very much). And they look like you spent your summer in Tulum, even if you’re in your back garden in Tunbridge Wells.
One tent, a thousand aesthetic moments
Let’s get one thing straight: a bell tent isn’t just a tent. It’s a whole lifestyle statement. And like any good wardrobe staple — think: your perfect trench coat or those black boots that go with everything — it works hard in every season (well, mostly summer) and every occasion.
Here’s how you can use it to upgrade basically everything:
Garden Parties = Upgraded
Hosting a summer garden party? Say goodbye to folding chairs and flimsy gazebos. A bell tent instantly makes your setup feel bougie and intentional. Layer in some vintage rugs, floor cushions, low tables and string lights, and suddenly you’re not just throwing a BBQ — you’re curating an experience.
It’s part chill-out lounge, part cocktail corner, part Instagram backdrop. Even better? It provides actual shade for your guests, which your friend who forgot SPF will thank you for.
Kid-Free Zone? Or… Kid Zone?
You decide. Bell tents are the perfect versatile space for little ones to play in (aka stay out of your hair). Fill it with soft toys, books, a mini picnic, or go full “kids’ club” and throw in crafting kits and floor mattresses for the ultimate sleepover.
OR — hear us out — make it your own chill sanctuary. No toys. No noise. Just you, a yoga mat, a fan, and the calm.
Glamping, but make it main character energy
Look, some people are okay sleeping in a nylon tent that gets damp by 3am. You? You deserve better. A bell tent turns any camping trip into a full-blown glamping retreat.
Picture this: you wake up on an actual mattress, stretch out (like, full-body stretch), sip your oat latte, and open the canvas door to birdsong and fresh air. No claustrophobia. No crawling. Just serenity.
You can totally kit it out with luxe extras too: fairy lights, solar lanterns, a dressing area, even your skincare routine if you’re that girl (same).
Wedding? You need one (or ten)
If you’re planning a summer wedding and you haven’t considered bell tents… babe, what are you doing?
They’re a dream for festival-style or countryside weddings. Use them as bridal prep areas, pamper stations, or luxe guest accommodation. They photograph beautifully, and your guests will thank you for giving them a chic place to chill between speeches and Champagne.
Plus, a bell tent honeymoon suite? 100/10. Add fairy lights, floor pillows, chilled prosecco, and boom — the first night of married life just got an aesthetic upgrade.
Festival season = flex season
This is your sign to stop turning up to festivals in a sad £20 supermarket tent. Sharing a bell tent with your friends is basically the closest thing you’ll get to VIP without actually paying for it. You can stand up while changing outfits (festival ‘fits need room to shine), store snacks, hang up your feather boa — and still have space to dance around to your “getting ready” playlist.
And yes, they’re still super portable. Roll it up, pack it in the car, and thank yourself later when the heavens open on day two and you still have dry socks.
The cutest guest bedroom — with the best view
One unexpected flex of owning a bell tent? It becomes your bonus guest room. When your best mate stays over, just pop it up in the garden, dress it up, and boom — you’ve got a boutique bedroom under the stars. It’s camping without the roughing it. (Also great if your spare room has turned into a ‘floordrobe’ again.)
Final thoughts: Add to summer wishlist immediately
A bell tent is more than just a camping accessory — it’s the ultimate summer lifestyle buy. It’s a private retreat, a party hub, a style statement, and a soft place to land after a long day in the sun. Whether you’re planning a full glamping getaway or just want to lounge in your garden like the picnic princess you are, one thing’s for sure: you’re gonna want this in your life.
Now go find your perfect bell tent and accessories and let the living-outside dream begin:
https://www.campingboutique.co.uk/