What Is A Bell Tent? A Brief History

Bell tents have surged in popularity in the UK, becoming the go-to choice for glamping, festivals, and even stylish garden retreats. But what exactly is a bell tent? And why do people choose them over a traditional tent? 

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bell tents and camping in them.

A Brief History of the Bell Tent

Bell tents have a rich heritage, dating back to as early as 600AD. Originally designed for military use, they were favoured for their sturdy construction, spacious interior, and quick setup. Over time, they evolved into a popular choice for campers and glampers who wanted a blend of comfort and practicality.

What Makes a Bell Tent Unique?

A bell tent is a circular tent supported by a single central pole, with its structure held in place by guy ropes. Its unique shape and design provides an airy and spacious interior, allowing plenty of room for sleeping, eating, and relaxing whilst looking great at the same time. 
Unlike many conventional camping tents, bell tents offer a high ceiling, making them ideal for standing and moving around comfortably. 
They often come in a beautiful cream canvas so they stand out at festivals and campsites.

The Benefits of Choosing a Bell Tent

• Spacious & Comfortable – Bell tents provide a bright and roomy interior, making them perfect for families, couples, and group camping.
  
  
• Durable & Weatherproof – Made from high-quality cotton canvas, they are designed to withstand the UK’s unpredictable weather, from heavy rain to strong winds.
  At The Bell Tent Shop, our tents are 100% cotton canvas in 300gsm making them durable and long-lasting.
  
  
• Easy to Set Up – Despite their size, bell tents are surprisingly easy to pitch, typically taking just 15 minutes. Our 4m Ultimate Bell Tent can even be set up by one person.
  
  
• Breathable & Well-Ventilated – The cotton canvas allows for excellent airflow, reducing condensation and keeping the tent cool in summer and warm in winter.
  
  
• Stylish & Aesthetic – With their vintage-inspired look, bell tents create a stunning camping experience that’s Instagram-worthy and ideal for glamping.

Uses for a Bell Tent

Bell tents are incredibly versatile and can be used for:

• Glamping Holidays – Experience camping with luxury, adding rugs, beds, and fairy lights for a cosy retreat.
  
  
• Festival Camping – Spacious and stylish, they stand out at any music or wellness festival.
  
  
• Garden Retreats – A bell tent makes the perfect garden escape for relaxation, home offices, a kids play area or guest accommodation.
  
  
• Events & Weddings – Many people hire or buy bell tents for outdoor weddings, parties, and special gatherings. Our sister company North Sky Yurts offers bell tent hire across Yorkshire and surrounding counties.

Types of Bell Tents

Bell tents come in many shapes and sizes which use the same centre pole, canvas and guy lines style and structure. 

• Standard Bell Tent - Available in sizes ranging from 3m to 8m and can sleep couples through to groups of 10+
• Touareg Tent - Similar to a standard bell tent but in a rectangle shape, this tent has a central pole and two large doors and can sleep up to 8 people
• Emperor Bell Tent - This large tent has two central poles so has lots of head room. With a large 6m x 4m footprint, this tent can host up to 10 people for a sleepover or makes a great space for family camping.

Not Sure How to Choose the Right Bell Tent? Take a look at our Guide On Choosing One.

Where to Buy the Best Bell Tents in the UK

At The Bell Tent Shop, we offer a stunning range of high-quality bell tents and luxury glamping equipment designed to transform your camping experience.

Ready to find your perfect bell tent? Browse Our Range today and Embrace Adventure With Us!