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10 best family tents for camping in 2025: Spacious, multi-room and weather-proof models
But the tent you choose can have a huge impact on the experience. Flimsy materials, leaky roofs or collapsing structures do not make for happy campers, nor does feeling boxed in or struggling to find somewhere to put your stuff.
Family tents come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles, from spaceship-like futuristic designs to blast-from-the-past canvas classics. Regardless of whether you opt for an inflatable or poled family tent, you'll want a solid roof over your head – one that can withstand everything a British summer (or spring or autumn) can throw at it.
You also need to think about how many bedrooms you want and how easy the tent is to put up. For example, inflatable tents tend to be quicker and simpler to set up than poled options, but inflatable versions are also usually more expensive, heavier and bulkier, making them harder to transport and store (you'll also need to carry a pump with you).
That's why I've been busy putting lots of family tents to the test, from cosy and compact designs to multi-room affairs, across a range of budgets and camping needs, from ultralight backpacking tents to luxurious homes-away-from-homes. Though I think the Vango Savannah 400 is the best option for most families, there are lots of other excellent options to consider.
How I tested
I pitched, inspected and slept in several tents before whittling down the options to my favourites. My family and I tested the tents in the back garden before taking them on camping trips in North Wales and other locations around the UK. Testing took place during cool temperatures and rain as well as warmer weather.
Each model was scored on several key criteria:
Pitching: I looked at how quick and easy the tents were to pitch and take down, as no one wants to waste precious holiday time on assembly.
Weight: It was vital to consider how heavy and bulky the tents were, which is particularly important if you're planning on hiking with your tent.
Comfort/practicality: I considered whether the tents had blackout bedrooms (key for families with babies or young children), how much space there was inside, and special features or interesting design elements, such as windows, ventilation and storage.
Stability and durability: Finally, I looked for tents with quality materials and durable designs that have been made to last.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Graeme Green is a photographer and journalist who has spent decades exploring remote regions around the world. From surviving on desert islands in Belize to wild camping in Antarctica, Graeme knows a thing or two about tents. His reviews for IndyBest are based on real-world testing, and he will only recommend products he believes are worth your money.
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Find things to do by type: Best for families Best for being outdoors Best free things to do Best for culture Best for food and drink experiences Best for families Titanic Belfast Step back in time Set on the very spot where the famous ship was built, this museum is a flashy, high-tech ode to all things Titanic. You walk through the journey of the liner, from construction to the sinking; the stories told both through interactive exhibits and personal stories. And it's all suitable for kids. Insider tip: If you're up anyway, book the early riser ticket, which offers a discount for the first time slot of the day. This includes entry to the restored SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last remaining ship from the White Star Line. The MAC Let their imaginations run wild At The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), you'll find a rotating series of exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, but there is also a whole heap of theatre performances, workshops and a schedule of specialised family activities, like baby time, drawing and crafts. These activities are mainly in the school holidays, but outside of those periods there are creativity stations and activity sheets for kids. Insider tip: While some of the specialised workshops are free and available on a drop-in basis, others have a fee and should be booked in advance – check the schedule ahead of time. Giant's Causeway Uncover mythical landscapes and wild climbs Depending on whose story you believe, the hexagonal basalt columns on the County Antrim shore were created by volcanic activity or an angry giant. But either way, these rock formations – perfectly symmetrical shapes stacked up against the wild coastline – are almost beggar belief. 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Insider tip: If you want to pop from one side of the lake to the other, take the ferry between Portaferry and Strangford to save driving all the way around. Best free things to do The Causeway Coast Embark on a road trip of epic proportions The Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way may get more attention, but the Causeway Coast, stretching 120 miles from Belfast over to Derry-Londonderry, is every bit as impressive. There are wild, wind-battered cliffs, sweeping white sand beaches and pretty harbours, and you don't need to drive the whole thing to get the full effect – just pick a section and follow the coastal road. Insider tip: If you want to see the coastline from a different perspective, book in for a kayaking tour with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, which runs trips from Ballintoy and under the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Belfast's street art Walk between impressive murals There are incredible pieces of street art around Belfast, with some of the best-known works found in and around the Cathedral Quarter. These range from giant, lifelike portraits that look like large-scale sketches, to multi-colour three-dimensional pieces reminiscent of the old Magic Eye books. There's even an annual street art festival, Hit the North, held each May. Insider tip: If you want a little more insight, take a guided street art walking tour with Seedhead Arts, whose artist guides know the stories behind each piece. Mourne Mountains Hike the peaks that inspired CS Lewis Whether you want to take a scenic road trip or lace up your hiking boots, the Mournes are home to some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The roads around the foothills are winding and narrow, and the gentle curve of the peaks is romantic, whatever the weather. Insider tip: The hiking trails in Tollymore Forest Park are ideal on more inclement days, as the majority of the walking is sheltered by the ancient trees. When you emerge, you get a killer view of the mountain range and the old Mourne Wall. Slieve Gullion Scenic Forest Drive Tick off some epic scenery on a quick spin It may only take you 20 minutes, but this linear, narrow mountain drive is one of the most scenic in the country. In the summer months, the undulating plains are thick with purple heather, and you get a great view down to Carlingford Lough, too. Plus, there are plenty of lookout points along the way where you can pull over to take in the views. Insider tip: If you don't want to see all the sights cooped up in the car, you can also cycle or walk the forest drive – it's just over six miles one way and a steep climb in places. Best for culture Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Overlook the sea from a clifftop landmark It's one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, despite the fact you can't even go inside. Modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, this domed temple is right on the edge of the cliffs, built as a library for the Earl Bishop – or his niece, if you believe the scandalous rumours. It's occasionally open to the public for events, and is just as striking on the inside. Insider tip: There are plenty of walking trails on site and a great coffee shack in the car park, where you can pick up a flat white and a slice of Guinness cake. Game of Thrones Discover all the filming locations from the hit show You can't swing a dire wolf in Northern Ireland without hitting a Game of Thrones filming location. From tiny harbours and forests to coastal caves and the tree-lined Dark Hedges, numerous places doubled up as Westeros, particularly in the early seasons of the show. Take a self-guided drive using the free Game of Thrones Locations app, or go on a guided bus tour that departs from Belfast. Insider tip: Real fans will want to pay a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you can see the sets, costumes and props up close. Traditional Music Trail Drift between pubs on a musical pub crawl There's loads of live music around Northern Ireland, but if you want a guided experience, then the Traditional Music Trail is a great option. You'll be led between traditional pubs in the pretty village of Ballycastle, catching various musicians playing the fiddle, tin whistle and Uilleann pipe in each cosy, fire-warmed space. Insider tip: Wherever you are, remember that an Irish trad session is something of a sacred space, so resist the urge to join in, unless asked, and avoid loudly chatting near a musicians' circle. Dunluce Castle Visit a striking clifftop ruin Sitting precariously on the edge of the cliffs, Dunluce Castle is a skeletal ruin but impressive nonetheless. Walk around what remains of this medieval structure and you can see remnants of its former life, like giant fireplaces and tall arched windows, as the waves batter below. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the tiny wildflowers that grow in the grasses and around the old stone – there are several rare varieties, including the 'blue flower of Dunluce', which only grows between Dunluce and Ballintoy. Black Cab Tour Hear the stories of Belfast from the people who know it best The best way to get a handle on Belfast's history is to take a tour led by a chatty cabbie who knows the stories inside and out – because they lived through them. These casual tours take you around the city sights, the geographic tales peppered with snippets of gossip and historical tidbits, before ending up at the Peace Wall. Insider tip: You can fit up to six people in a cab, but most tours are based on a per person rate, so it's not that much more to go as a twosome. Return to index Best for food and drink experiences Old Bushmills Distillery Go behind the scenes at a historic distillery The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, this riverside spot is home to one of the best-known whiskeys on the planet. On a guided tour, you'll learn about how the whiskey is made, but the best part comes in the cosy old tasting room, where you'll get a taste of three of their single malts – book the premium tour for a taste of the good stuff. Insider tip: Head for a drink (or stay the night) at the nearby, but not affiliated, Bushmills Inn – the bar is lit by gas lamps and, unsurprisingly, there's a great selection of Bushmills on offer. St George's Market Wander around a historic marketplace This redbrick building is a cornerstone of Belfast life, and one of the last Victorian covered markets left in the country. There are stalls selling classic local fare like 'fifteens' (dense, sweet tray bakes made with 15 of each ingredient) and baps filled with all the components of an Ulster Fry. You can pick up fantastic regional produce, too. Insider tip: You can take a guided tour of the market every weekend to learn more about the history of the building, including its use as a morgue during the Second World War. Bear in mind the market is only open Friday to Sunday. Taste and Tour Delve into the Belfast food (and drink) scene Food tours can be hit or miss, but when you get good guides then you're onto a winner. The folks leading these Belfast and Holywood tours know every inch of the city and its food scene, with general tours leading you to all the best places to eat, with a few pubs thrown in the mix too. Insider tip: If you're more about drink than food, they also run specialised gin, craft beer and whiskey tours (not all at once), where you'll sample the best Irish artisanal tipples in different bars. Return to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
