Hot tub glamping near Derby: pods vs bell tents
Looking for hot tub glamping near Derby but you’re not sure whether to book a pod or bell tent? Here's the quick answer: our pods are family friendly, but smaller than our bell tents, so perfect for couples, and our Deluxe and Deluxe Plus bell tents are set up for families, sleeping 4 or 6. Every one of them comes with its own private hot tub. 🛁
Let’s dive into the details to help you choose your perfect getaway.
Hill Farm sits on Moor Lane in Barrow upon Trent, about 5 miles south of Derby, right beside the Trent and Mersey Canal. So whichever you pick, you're a few steps from a towpath walk, a 5 to 10 minute stroll from the village pub, and a short soak away from complete bliss.
We get asked "pod or bell tent?" a lot, so here's our guide to help you choose. 👇
Hot tub stays at a glance
Pods | Deluxe and Deluxe plus bell tent | Standard and Plus bell tent | |
Best for | Couples | Families of 4 or 6 | Families of 4 or 6/ groups of up to 20 |
How many | 6 (some are Plus pods) | 4 | 10 |
Sleeps | 2 or 4 | 4 or 6 | 4 or 6 |
Private hot tub | Yes, on the porch | Yes | No |
Winter-ready | Yes | Honeycomb thermal lining + heater | Honeycomb thermal lining + heater in Plus tents. Standard bell tents are seasonal. |
Outside | Porch; Plus pods have more outdoor space and a BBQ | BBQ, picnic bench, parasol | BBQ, picnic bench, parasol |
Dogs | Multiple welcome | Multiple welcome | Multiple welcome |
For couples: the hot tub pods 💕
If it's just the two of you, go for a pod. They're cosy, perfect for winter, and the hot tub sits right on your own porch, so it's door, bubbles, stars, in about four steps. ✨
We have six pods. Some are "Plus" pods: the same size inside, but with a bigger outdoor space and a BBQ, so they're a good shout if you like to cook and eat outside. If a long evening on the porch with a glass of something is your idea of a holiday, book a Plus.
A perfect couples' day at Hill Farm looks something like this:
First thing: a morning soak with a coffee in hand ☕
Next: The flat 2-mile towpath walk to The Bubble Inn at Stenson, a converted barn with a fire on in colder months
Lastly: Back for a sunset soak and a BBQ on the porch
🐾 Hill Farm pup tip: The canal walks start from the site, so you can tire out your dog first and enjoy a peaceful soak after.
For families: Deluxe and Deluxe Plus bell tents 👨👩👧👦
Travelling with kids, or squeezing in with the cousins? Our hot tub bell tents are where the space is.
Deluxe bell tents sleep 4 and come with a private hot tub. Ideal for a family of four.
Deluxe Plus bell tents sleep 6 and come with a family-size hot tub. Plenty of room for everyone to fit in without someone's elbow in your ear. 😄
All our bell tents are by Lotus Belle, with double and single beds with mattresses, lighting, electricity, a fridge, freezer, kettle and heater. Outside there's a BBQ, picnic bench and parasol.
We love that every pitch sits around the edge of the field, leaving a big open space in the middle for your kids. Beyond that there's a wild meadow by the lake, with long grasses and mown paths to explore. 🌾 We even have a kids wildlife scavenger hunt to complete (download it here).
Not everyone wants a hot tub, our Standard and Plus bell tents also sleep 4-6 people, with an outdoor canopy, and at a lower price point.
If you give us a call we can accommodate a group of 20 in standard bell tents in our pond field (seasonal, but book for 2027, the season is looking busy already!).
A few “good to knows” before you book
Hot tubbing in winter ❄️
In our humble opinion a hot tub is even better when it's cold. Our Deluxe and Deluxe Plus bell tents have honeycomb thermal linings and heaters, so getting out of the tub and into bed stays cosy.
Bringing the dog 🐕
Hill Farm is dog-friendly. We just ask that dogs stay on leads on site. For off-lead time, the canal towpath is right on the doorstep for dogs with reliable recall, and the wild meadow has mown paths for a leafy loop.
Fires and BBQs 🔥
We don't allow campfires or fire pits. Raised BBQs on bricks are welcome, and we have fire bricks available, so just ask.
What to pack 🎒
Bed linen: it isn't provided, so bring duvets or sleeping bags and pillows
Towels (plus a spare set for the hot tub)
Flip-flops or sliders for the dash between tub and tent or pod
Dressing gowns, because you deserve them
FAQs for our Hot tub glamping (near Derby)
Where can I find hot tub glamping near Derby? Hill Farm Caravan and Glamping in Barrow upon Trent is about 5 miles south of Derby. It has 6 hot tub pods and 4 bell tents with private hot tubs.
Is there a bell tent with a hot tub in Derbyshire for a family of 6? Yes. Hill Farm's 2 Deluxe Plus bell tents sleep 6 and each has a family-size private hot tub.
Which is better for couples, a pod or a bell tent? For couples, a pod. Each has a private hot tub on its own porch, and Plus pods add more outdoor space and a BBQ.
Is Hill Farm dog-friendly? Yes. Dogs are welcome and must be kept on leads on site. Canal towpath walks start from the campsite. And we have some gorgeous winter walks here.
Can you go hot tub glamping in winter? Yes! Even in our bell tents. The Deluxe and Deluxe Plus bell tents have honeycomb thermal linings and heaters for colder nights.
Is bed linen provided? No, so bring your own bedding.
Ready for a soak?
Whether it's a couples' escape in a pod or a family weekend in a Deluxe Plus, there's a hot tub at Hill Farm with your name on it. 🛁 Check availability and book your stay.
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