Whether you’re planning weekends in the Lake District, family holidays in Cornwall or summer camping trips across the UK, choosing the right family tent can make or break your outdoor experience. The best family tents offer plenty of living space, reliable weather protection and easy pitching, giving you a comfortable home away from home.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed some of the best family tents available from UK retailers, covering everything from affordable options for occasional campers to premium tents designed for extended family adventures.
In this guide
How to choose a family tent
Before buying a family tent, consider:
- Number of people camping
- Standing height
- Sleeping and living space
- Waterproof rating
- Pitching time
- Weight and packed size
- Ventilation
- Seasonal use
Many families find that buying a tent with one or two extra berths provides additional comfort and storage space.
Best budget family tents
Quechua Arpenaz 4.1 Fresh & Black
Best for: Budget-conscious families
Decathlon’s Arpenaz range has become hugely popular thanks to its excellent value and innovative Fresh & Black technology that helps keep the tent cooler and darker.
Key features
- 4-person capacity
- Fresh & Black fabric technology
- Separate bedroom and living area
- Waterproof flysheet
- Easy pitching design
Pros
- Outstanding value for money
- Cooler interior in hot weather
- Darkened bedrooms improve sleep
- Easy for beginners to pitch
Cons
- Limited standing room
- Best suited to shorter trips
Why we like it
It’s one of the best-value family tents available in the UK and ideal for first-time campers.
Eurohike Genus 400 Air Tent
Best for: Affordable inflatable camping
An excellent entry point into the increasingly popular world of air tents.
Key features
- Inflatable beam design
- Four-person capacity
- Sewn-in groundsheet
- Spacious living area
Pros
- Quick setup
- Affordable air tent
- Good weather protection
- Family-friendly layout
Cons
- Limited storage space
- Smaller than premium family tents
Why we like it
It delivers air tent convenience at a surprisingly affordable price.
Best all-round family tents
Vango Savannah 600XL Air
Best for: Family camping holidays
The Savannah 600XL Air offers an excellent balance of space, quality and value.
Key features
- Six-person capacity
- Inflatable AirBeam structure
- Large living area
- Multiple bedrooms
- Sewn-in groundsheet
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Easy pitching
- Excellent ventilation
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Large packed size
- Requires plenty of pitch space
Why we like it
It provides everything most families need for comfortable UK camping holidays.
Vango Capri 500XL Air
Best for: Weekend family breaks
A versatile family tent offering a practical layout and reliable weather protection.
Key features
- AirBeam technology
- Five-person capacity
- Large front porch
- Waterproof flysheet
Pros
- Quick setup
- Practical family layout
- Excellent value
- Spacious living area
Cons
- Not ideal for larger families
- Heavy to transport
Why we like it
The combination of comfort, convenience and affordability makes it a great all-round choice.
Outwell Nevada 5P
Best for: Family comfort
Outwell is renowned for producing premium family camping equipment, and the Nevada 5P is no exception.
Key features
- Darkened bedrooms
- Large living area
- Front canopy
- Excellent ventilation
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Comfortable sleeping areas
- Great headroom
- Durable materials
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Heavier than some alternatives
Why we like it
Everything feels thoughtfully designed for family camping.
Best large family tents
Berghaus Air 6 XL Nightfall
Best for: Larger families
One of the UK’s most popular inflatable family tents.
Key features
- Six-person capacity
- Nightfall darkened bedrooms
- Air beam structure
- Huge living area
Pros
- Massive internal space
- Quick inflation setup
- Excellent weather protection
- Comfortable sleeping areas
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires a large campsite pitch
Why we like it
The huge living space makes camping far more enjoyable during poor weather.
Berghaus Air 8 XL Nightfall
Best for: Large families and groups
For families wanting maximum space, the Air 8 XL delivers.
Key features
- Eight-person capacity
- Multiple sleeping compartments
- Inflatable construction
- Darkened bedrooms
Pros
- Exceptional space
- Easy pitching for its size
- Premium materials
- Great for extended stays
Cons
- High purchase price
- Very large packed size
Why we like it
It feels more like a temporary holiday home than a tent.
Coleman Weathermaster Air 6XL
Best for: Seasonal family camping
Coleman combines practicality with proven weather protection.
Key features
- Air tent design
- Blackout bedrooms
- Spacious living area
- WeatherTec waterproofing
Pros
- Reliable in poor weather
- Excellent family layout
- Comfortable bedrooms
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Heavy
- Premium price tag
Why we like it
It’s built specifically for UK weather conditions.
Best premium family tents
Outwell Vermont 7 Air
Best for: Luxury family camping
The Vermont 7 Air offers exceptional comfort for extended camping holidays.
Key features
- Seven-person capacity
- Premium air frame
- Large panoramic windows
- Multiple living zones
Pros
- Outstanding build quality
- Luxurious interior space
- Excellent weather protection
- Premium features throughout
Cons
- Expensive
- Large storage requirements
Why we like it
Few family tents feel as spacious and comfortable.
Zempire Evo TXL V2
Best for: Premium glamping-style camping
A favourite among families seeking luxury and convenience.
Key features
- Inflatable structure
- Large bedrooms
- Premium fabrics
- Huge living area
Pros
- Superb comfort
- Innovative design
- Excellent weather resistance
- Easy setup
Cons
- Very expensive
- Premium investment
Why we like it
It’s one of the most impressive family tents currently available in the UK.
Dometic Ascension FTX 601
Best for: Long camping holidays
Dometic’s premium family tent is designed for families who camp regularly.
Key features
- Air frame construction
- Polycotton-style fabric feel
- Six-person capacity
- Large porch area
Pros
- Excellent temperature regulation
- Premium materials
- Spacious design
- Durable construction
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy when packed
Why we like it
The premium materials create a noticeably more comfortable camping environment.
Which family tent is best?
Best overall family tent
Vango Savannah 600XL Air
Best budget family tent
Quechua Arpenaz 4.1 Fresh & Black
Best inflatable family tent
Berghaus Air 6 XL Nightfall
Best large family tent
Berghaus Air 8 XL Nightfall
Best premium family tent
Outwell Vermont 7 Air
Best luxury camping tent
Zempire Evo TXL V2
Frequently asked questions
What size family tent do I need?
For comfort, choose a tent with at least one or two more berths than the number of people camping.
Are air tents worth buying?
Yes. Air tents are quicker to pitch, easier to manage and often more stable in windy conditions than traditional pole tents.
What waterproof rating is suitable for UK camping?
Look for a hydrostatic head rating of at least 3,000mm for reliable protection in typical UK weather.
Which brand makes the best family tents?
Vango, Berghaus, Outwell, Coleman and Dometic consistently produce some of the best family tents available in the UK.
