The tiny UK glamping site named best in the UK by AA with…

NESTLED in the heart of Skelmersdale near Wigan lies a holiday park that’s clinched the title of the best glamping site in the UK.

That’s according to the prestigious AA Inspector, who recently described The Secret Garden Glamping as an “idyllic” place that’s “sure to amaze”.

5

5

Set in the Lancashire countryside, The Secret Garden Glamping is less than a 30-minute drive from Liverpool.

It’s themed pods and yurts have been decked out with everything you’d need in a countryside retreat.

And the best part? Each one comes with its very own private hot tub, as well as log burners, fire pits and barbecues.

Options include the neon-themed yurt The Glade, the mirror-covered The Oasis, while the first pod was The Hideout.

However, The Secret Garden Glamping is not your run-of-the-mill camping site.

Some guests have recalled being greeted on a morning by free-roaming deer.

Some of the new additions include The Wilderness Spa which has a six-person hot tub, wood-burning sauna, private bar, and retro games.

There is also the six-person Tree Tops – a canopy in the trees which even has a slide and pool table.

5

5

And new next year is the five-star Wonderland glamping site.

Guests don’t have to take anything either, with bed linen and towels all included.

When you’ve done enough relaxing for one day, the fancy campsite is conveniently located for nature walks.

And the surrounding area of Skelmersdale offers plenty to explore for those who want to, from quaint villages to historical sites.

Just seven miles away is the National Trust-owned Rufford Old Hall – a Tudor building known for its spectacular Great Hall and beautiful gardens.

Around 10 miles out is Astley Hall – a historic house museum set within a park that dates back to Elizabethan times and features stunning interiors as well as an extensive collection of art and furniture.

What’s really special about The Secret Garden is that it was built by dad and DIY fan Derry Green during lockdown in 2020 using secondhand items.

With decor inspired by the hit ITV show Love Island, the site cost just £6,000 to build.

After sharing his efforts on social media, the 40-year-old was bombarded with requests to rent the place.

The site was quickly booked out for the next two years in just three days – not only bringing in £200,000 but also prompting him to launch his own official glamping business. 

Derry now runs the place with not only his two children but also his girlfriend Chelsea Rogers.

Since opening, he’s hosted celebrity guests, from TV stars – including actors and actresses from soap operas Coronation Street and EastEnders – to Instagram influencers.

It’s even featured on Celeb’s Go Dating, Hot Tub Brits and Four in a Bed.

Rooms start from £195 a night.

Here are three other glamping sites you can book in the UK.

And a glamping site owner has revealed their top tips for booking the ultimate staycation.