The camping pods at Grinton Lodge

Youth-hostelling charity YHA is extending its ‘glamping’ scheme to a second site.

Camping pods are being installed at the Hawkshead hostel in the Lake District after the success of similar accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales.

The solid timber pods, which have power, heat and light, will be available from 1 July. grough readers are being offered three nights for the price of two if they book before the end of July.

YHA also has 17 conventional camping pitches at the Hawkshead site, in addition to its more traditional accommodation.

Pods at the Grinton Lodge hostel in Swaledale have been a huge hit with visitors, YHA (England and Wales) said.

The camping pods are insulated with sheep’s wool to improve warmth and there is also a covered seating and cooking area. YHA Hawkshead also has covered eating and entertaining facilities within the hostel.

The charity said if the camping pod trial at YHA Hawkshead proves as successful as Grinton Lodge, it will look to introduce the pods across the rural locations of its 170-strong youth hostel network in England and Wales.

YHA (England & Wales) chief executive Caroline White said: “Many of our youth hostels are in rural locations with beautiful grounds that are ideal for camping, whether it’s under canvas or in a deluxe camping pod.

“Having the camping pods will enable us to fully utilise the hostels surroundings as well as attract more people to our youth hostel network.

“The addition of camping pod accommodation at youth hostels is a very exciting prospect for YHA and quite different to what the charity is known for.

“YHA Hawkshead is a brilliant example of what we now offer to people who stay with us. And you don’t need to be a YHA member to use our facilities.”

Prices start from £30 per night to stay in a camping pod at YHA Hawkshead. A standard size pod can accommodate a maximum of two adults and one child, but they are not suitable for more than two adults. Family pods will take up to two adults and three children, or small groups of up to four adults.

grough readers can take advantage of three nights for the price of two when booking a stay in a YHA Hawkshead camping pod before the end of July 2012. Simply quote GLAMPING 001 when making the booking.

To make a camping pod or Youth Hostel booking call 01629 592 700 or visit the YHA website.