Our Story

Family photo in Toby's orchard, Barny, Em, Jonny and George having some fun and smiling together.

A Family Run Glamping Business

The Glastonbury Retreat is a family owned business based in Wedmore, Somerset. Founded by Barny Lee in 2016, 2025 will be the sixth year of The Glastonbury Retreat after their hugely popular sell-out debut in 2017.

Barny runs the glamping business with his wife Emily and their close knit, hard working team from their farm in the heart of the Somerset levels.

Barny and Em having some fun on the glamp site golf buggy

From Marquees to Glamping

Barny Lee Marquees is the sister company to The Glastonbury Retreat. They have been supplying event coordination, marquees and furniture for hundreds of weddings, events and festivals since 2003.

With his extensive background in the marquees and events industry, Barny saw an opportunity to expand the business by providing luxury camping facilities in addition to their core marquee offerings.

A stunning clear span marquee at night as the sun sets, next to a lake in a private house. It is busy with people and coloured lights from the marquee are reflected in the water of the lake.

Being Part of Glastonbury Festival is a Family Passion

Barny and his family have lived their lives within earshot of Glastonbury Festival. Growing up in the area, Barny, Emily and their friends have been lucky to attend, work and be part of the festival for many years.

For a long time, Barny searched for the ideal site on the edge of the festival gates and dreamt of creating a boutique Glastonbury glamping experience for all to enjoy.

Illuminated Glastonbury sign in a 'Hollywood' style and a twilight view over the Glastonbury Festival site.

The Perfect Glamping Site for Glastonbury

In 2016, through a local friend Barny found the perfect site with 7 acres of land, only 5 minutes walk from Gate B at the festival. Barny wanted a glamping site not only that people rave about but also where friends and family can come together year on year in a relaxed environment. The perfect retreat to refresh and revive before embarking on the great experiences at Glastonbury festival.

Guests enjoying the relaxed vibe in the bar

Glastonbury Glamping 2025

The Glastonbury Retreat returns for its sixth successful year in 2025, bigger and better than ever. We offer all the comforts of a family run, luxury glamping site where guests are looked after 24 hours a day by a warm, friendly team.

We are always looking to improve on the year before so for 2025 we have lots of little extras lined up to make your experience even more memorable. Live music on the Wednesday night, a hair stylist, improved comfort of our bell tents with riased beds and real matresses. We can also arrange helicopter shuttle rides from Bristol airport with private buggy collection from the helipad to our door for an additional cost.

We look forward to welcoming back old friends and meeting new ones too. Let us take care of all the little extras so you can go off and revel in the delights of the largest and surely most exciting festival in the world!

The Retreat bar and lounge area for relaxing during the festival

The Badminton Retreat

Thanks to the ongoing success of The Glastonbury Retreat, the glamping business has grown! Barny and Emily launched the first ever exclusive glamping site at Badminton Horse Trials in 2019 – The Badminton Retreat. It was a resounding success, The Retreat team will be returning as the official glamping site at Badminton Horse Trials 2025 and accommodation has already begun to sell fast.

Located in the heart of the action at Huntsmans Close on the cross country course, guests can expect luxurious on site accommodation and VIP evenings in the restaurant with guest speakers and experts from the world of 5* Three Day Eventing.

Safari tents at Badminton Retreat official Badminton glamping site