What Is a Bell Tent?

If you’re looking for the perfect glamping tent you may have come across bell tents, but what is a bell tent and what makes them special? In this blog, we’ll cover the key features of bell tents, how they differ from other tents and what makes them the superior glamping option. 

Are you looking to purchase your first bell tent? Check out our amazing selection of bell tent models at Boutique Camping. 

What Is a Bell Tent?

A bell tent is a unique tent, typically made of canvas material and shaped like a cone with a point at the top. Unlike standard tents, a bell tent has a circular floor shape and structural support in the form of a pole centred in the middle of the tent. 

In modern times, the bell tent is a home away from home, but it wasn’t always the luxurious set-up we see today. We don’t want to bore you with history, but the story of how the bell tent came to be is an interesting one. 

You may have heard of the Sibley tent before and this is the original bell tent, designed by Henry Hopkins Sibley in 1856. It was originally used as a military tent, with its portability making it ideal for travel. Although no longer used for this purpose, modern audiences recognised the value of the bell tent and adapted it to become the perfect recreational tent for glamping, festivals and much more.

What Are the Benefits of a Bell Tent?

Now we know what a bell tent is, what makes it so amazing? Well for one, a bell tent has an amazing structure that can withstand various weather conditions:

Durable and Weather Resistant

The pole in the centre gives the tent strong central support against wind and rain. The material of modern bell tents is also breathable whilst being resistant to rain. Our classic bell tent comes in a range of materials from polycotton to special fire retardant cotton. 

Each one of these fabrics is treated with water, UV, mould & rot repellants, meaning you can stay safe and dry at soggy festivals and in the windy wilderness.

Space

The biggest selling point for a bell tent is the large interior space it offers. The unique design of a bell tent means that it can fit more people inside compared to a standard tent of the same size. For example, a 5m bell tent can fit 5-6 people comfortably with air beds, but thanks to its circular shape it can actually fit 10 people in sleeping bags!

Not only can you get a larger number of people inside a bell tent, but there is ample room for all the luxuries and additional items you want to bring to glamp in style from portable stoves to fancy furniture. 

Versatility

What makes a bell tent a truly unique product is the potential this space has. This tent has a wide range of uses and can be used for a number of events and outings. You can purchase a 4m bell tent and choose to house 2 people and all your precious furniture and luxuries, or you can opt to utilise the large space and fit in as many people as you can. 

• Weddings - A massive 8m bell tent can be used as an outdoor space to hold wedding receptions and parties.
• A family tent for camping
• A glamping tent for festivals
• Christmas parties, birthday parties and work events
• Yoga tents/retreats - this is a popular use for bell tents. 

Quick and Easy Pitching

Putting up a bell tent is designed to be simple even for beginners and solo travellers. The minimal components and centre pole make pitching a sturdy tent easy and this can be done in less than 15 minutes! 

This is ideal for saving time so you can get on with enjoying your camping trip rather than fussing around with guy ropes and pop-up tents that just don’t sit right.

We've got a handy pitching tutorial to show you just how simple the setup is.

Which Bell Tent Is Best for You?

With so many different styles of bell tent, knowing which one is the best fit for you can be a difficult task. We’ve listed just a few of the bell tents from our stellar selection down below and what makes them stand out from the rest:

Star Bell Tent 

The Star bell tent is exclusive to Boutique Camping and offers campers an extra area of private space thanks to the 1m deep canopy. This is great for those wanting to enjoy the outside breeze with that extra bit of shade and shelter. 

The walls are also lined with 360° mesh walls that keep out any bugs, making this the ideal tent for camping in grasslands or woody areas where creepy crawlies lurk. 

Luna Bell Tent 

This tent is a brilliant reinvention of the classic yurt and is perfect for those wanting extra headroom to dance the night away at festivals or weddings. The stoop-free high walls and super high ceilings of the Luna bell tent make this tent a popular option for groups wanting to stretch their legs and enjoy some entertainment before settling for the night. 

Luna Emperor Bell Tent

If you’re looking for a tent that’s fully adapted to all the family's needs then the luna emperor bell tent is a great option. This tent has space for a whopping 14 sleeping bags or a small family with ample room for all the luxuries and essentials for all the family including children and pets. 

With ample headroom, large mesh windows for light and airflow and a doorway canopy, everyone can have their own space without feeling cramped. This tent also has a special electrical access point so you can power all your electronics with ease.

To explore our full range of tents and find the right one for you, take a look at our bell tent guide that outlines our different models and their star features. 

The Best Bell Tents from Boutique Camping

Now you know the answer to “what is a bell tent?” you should know that the best place to buy a bell tent is Boutique Camping. We offer a range of bell tents featuring exclusive designs that help make your glamping trip an unforgettable experience. 

If you’re unsure which bell tent is the best for you, contact one of our camping experts and we’ll help you choose the perfect tent fit for your adventures.