Eight safari-style tents will be pitched in London Zoo in 2012.
With posh camping spreading like wildfire through the British countryside, it was only a matter of time before some clever clogs came up with a way to glamp in the city. But where to pitch luxury tents in an urban environment?
London Zoo has stepped in with the answer: in earshot of some wild animals. The zoo already runs sleepovers for children, where kids bed down on the floor of its bug house (sold out this year; 2012 tickets go on sale mid-October).
Now it is introducing a more sophisticated version for adults.
For just five days in May 2012 eight safari-style tents will be pitched in the middle of the zoo. These being posh tents - with a hefty price tag to match (£225 per person; call 0207 449 6269 to book) - they come with proper beds with linen and bedside lights. After a three-course dinner you'll be taken on a torch-lit guided tour, then it's lights out at midnight, accompanied by the roar of lions to lull you to sleep. In the morning, breakfast is followed by another tour before the zoo opens to the public.