Bell Tent FAQs: 25 Questions Answered by the UK's Leading Bell Tent Experts

Whether you're buying your first bell tent or setting up a glamping site for the first time, chances are you've got questions. At Bell Tent Sussex, we've been answering them daily since we started — from first-time campers in Sussex to festival organisers running 300-tent villages at Glastonbury and Silverstone.

We've pulled together the 25 most common questions our customers ask, and answered every single one honestly.

BUYING QUESTIONS

1. What exactly is a bell tent?

A bell tent is a circular canvas shelter supported by a single central pole, with guy ropes staked out around the perimeter for stability. The design dates back to the 1850s originally developed for military use and has since become the go-to structure for glamping, festivals, weddings, and family camping across the UK.

What makes a bell tent different from a standard camping tent is the space. You can stand upright, move furniture around, and genuinely live in one. A good quality canvas bell tent is breathable, naturally insulating, and with proper care will last over a decade.

2. What size bell tent do I need?

This is the single most common question we get. Here's a straight answer:

Our honest advice: Go one size bigger than you think you need. A 5m is our best-selling tent because it works for almost everyone, families sleep in it, couples love the extra space, and it sets up as a proper living space rather than just a bedroom.

3. How much does a bell tent cost in the UK?

Bell tent prices in the UK range from around £300 for basic entry-level polycotton models up to £1,200+ for premium 7m fireproof canvas tents. At Bell Tent Sussex, our range starts from £459 for a 4m polycotton tent and goes up to our larger fireproof and commercial-grade models.

The key thing to understand is that a quality bell tent is a long-term investment. A well-made canvas bell tent, properly looked after, will last 10–15 years. Cheap tents bought to save £100 often need replacing within 2–3 seasons.

4. What is the difference between polycotton and 100% cotton bell tents?

This is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a bell tent.

100% Cotton Canvas:

• Better breathability less condensation inside

• Naturally insulating warmer in winter, cooler in summer

• Heavier (a 5m cotton tent weighs around 35–40kg)

• Requires initial weathering (more on that below)

• Longer lifespan 10–20 years with proper care

• Best for: year-round use, glamping sites, serious campers

Polycotton (Poly-Cotton Blend):

• Lighter weight easier to transport

• More water-resistant straight out of the bag

• Less breathable than pure cotton

• Lower price point

• Best for: festivals, occasional camping, beginners

For UK weather and year-round use, we recommend 100% cotton. For festivals and occasional trips where weight matters, polycotton is a great option.

5. Is a bell tent waterproof?

Yes but there's an important nuance with cotton canvas tents that catches first-time buyers off guard.

When a brand new 100% cotton canvas tent gets wet for the first time, you may notice some water seeping through the fabric. This is completely normal and not a defect. The cotton fibres need to swell and tighten up a process called weathering. After one or two rain exposures, the canvas seals itself and becomes fully waterproof.

Polycotton tents are generally water-resistant from the start due to the polyester content.

All our tents are also factory-treated with a waterproofing agent. If you're using your tent heavily, we recommend reproofing every couple of seasons using a quality canvas waterproofer.

6. Are bell tents fireproof?

Standard canvas bell tents are not fireproof but they are fire-resistant to the BS5852 standard (the "cigarette test"), which means they won't instantly ignite from a spark or ember. Unlike polyester tents, canvas does not melt or drip burning plastic.

If you need a fully fireproof tent for commercial glamping sites, public events, or insurance requirements you need a fire-rated canvas tent that meets BS7837 standards. Bell Tent Sussex supply fire-rated tents for commercial use. Always check your insurance and licensing requirements before setting up a commercial glamping site.

7. How long does a bell tent last?

A quality canvas bell tent, looked after properly, will last 10–15 years some of our customers have had theirs for 20 years. The main enemies of canvas longevity are:

• Packing away damp — this causes mould and rot faster than anything else

• UV exposure — extended periods in direct sunlight degrade canvas over time

• Storing without ventilation — canvas needs to breathe in storage

Follow a simple maintenance routine (dry before packing, store in a cool dry place, reproofing every couple of seasons) and your tent will far outlast any synthetic camping tent on the market.

SETUP QUESTIONS

8. How long does it take to set up a bell tent?

Once you've done it a couple of times, a 4m or 5m bell tent takes 15–25 minutes to pitch solo, or 10–15 minutes with two people. First time? Allow 30–45 minutes.

The basic process is:

1. Lay out the groundsheet and peg down the perimeter

2. Feed the central pole through the apex

3. Attach the guy ropes and tension them outward

4. Adjust the tension until the walls are taut

We have a full step-by-step setup guide on our website with photos and a video walkthrough.

9. Can I set up a bell tent by myself?

Yes one person can set up a bell tent alone, though it's easier with two people for larger sizes (6m and 7m). The trick is to peg out the groundsheet first so it doesn't blow around while you raise the pole.

10. What ground do I need for a bell tent?

Bell tents work best on flat, well-drained grass. Avoid:

• Waterlogged or boggy ground your groundsheet will not cope and the base of the canvas will get saturated

• Rocky or stony ground pegs won't grip and you risk damaging the groundsheet

• Hard compacted ground (in summer heatwaves)  use longer steel pegs and a mallet

Most UK campsites and festival fields are perfectly suitable. If you're setting up on your own land, mow the grass short beforehand and check for any slope or drainage issues.

11. How many pegs does a bell tent need?

A 5m bell tent typically requires 16–20 pegs around 8 for the groundsheet perimeter and 8 –10 for the guy ropes. Always carry a few spare pegs. We strongly recommend steel tent pegs over plastic for UK ground conditions plastic pegs fail in hard summer ground and soft winter ground alike.

COMFORT & LIVING QUESTIONS

12. Can you sleep comfortably in a bell tent?

Absolutely this is where bell tents genuinely shine. A 5m bell tent has a floor diameter of 5 metres, giving you enough space for:

• A king-size double bed or two large single airbeds

• A small wardrobe or storage unit

• A side table and lamp

• Two camping chairs

With rugs, proper bedding, and a wood-burning stove, a bell tent in winter is genuinely cosy many of our customers use theirs year-round.

13. Can you use a wood-burning stove inside a bell tent?

Yes and it transforms the experience. A bell tent with a stove fitted is a completely different thing to a cold canvas tent. Warm, atmospheric, and genuinely comfortable even in the depths of a British winter.

Important safety points:

• Your tent must have a stove hole flap in the canvas never cut a hole yourself

• Use only a stove designed for tent use, with proper flue pipe to vent outside

• Never leave a stove burning unattended or go to sleep with it lit

• Keep a carbon monoxide alarm inside the tent at all times

• Use dry, seasoned hardwood wet wood creates dangerous levels of carbon monoxide

Bell Tent Sussex supply a full range of bell tent stoves purpose-built for canvas tent use.

14. How do you keep a bell tent cool in summer?

Bell tents can get warm in hot weather but there are simple ways to manage this:

• Open the door and any mesh windows to create cross-ventilation

• Roll up the lower canvas walls on warmer evenings to let air flow through

• Pitch in partial shade if possible avoid south-facing spots in full afternoon sun

• Use a reflective groundsheet or light-coloured rug to reduce heat absorption from the ground

• Open the apex vent at the top hot air rises and escapes through the peak

Cotton canvas naturally regulates temperature better than polyester, which is one of its biggest advantages for UK summer camping.

15. Can you use a bell tent in winter?

Yes, winter bell tent camping with a stove is one of the best outdoor experiences you can have in the UK. The key things you need:

• A stove with proper flue (see Q13)

• A thick rug or coir matting on the groundsheet for insulation from the ground

• Proper sleeping bags rated to at least -5°C

• A carbon monoxide alarm (non negotiable)

• An inner tent or divider if camping with children to create a warm sleeping zone

Many glamping sites run bell tent stays year-round specifically because the stove experience is so popular in autumn and winter.

CARE & MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS

16. How do I clean a bell tent?

Never put a canvas bell tent in a washing machine; it will destroy the waterproofing and potentially shrink the canvas.

For general cleaning:

• Brush off loose dirt with a soft brush

• Spot clean marks with cold water and a soft cloth

• For stubborn marks, use a specialist canvas cleaner

• Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before packing away

For mould spots (a common issue if the tent is packed damp):

• Brush off the mould in the open air first

• Treat with a diluted white vinegar solution or a specialist canvas mould remover

• Re-proof the affected area after treatment

17. How do I stop my bell tent going mouldy?

One rule above all others: never pack your bell tent away while it is damp or wet.

Mould in canvas forms when the tent is stored with moisture trapped inside. Even if it means leaving the tent up an extra day to dry out completely, do it. If you have to pack away wet (British weather doesn't always cooperate), unpack and dry the tent as soon as you get home.

Other prevention tips:

• Store in a breathable cotton bag, not an airtight plastic container

• Keep in a cool, dry location not a damp garage or shed

• Air the tent out regularly during long storage periods

18. How do I re-proof a canvas bell tent?

Canvas waterproofing degrades over time and with heavy use. Signs you need to re-proof: water is soaking into the fabric rather than beading off the surface.

To re-proof:

1. Clean the tent thoroughly and allow to dry completely

2. Apply a quality canvas waterproofer (we stock several options) evenly across the outer canvas

3. Allow to dry in the open air ideally on a sunny day

4. Apply a second coat if the canvas was very worn

19. How should I store my bell tent?

• Pack away bone dry — this is the single most important rule

• Roll or fold loosely rather than compressing tightly

• Store in the breathable storage bag it came with

• Keep in a cool, dry place with air circulation

• Avoid attics in summer (heat degrades canvas) and damp garages

• Check and air out at least once during winter storage

GLAMPING & COMMERCIAL QUESTIONS

20. Can I start a glamping business with bell tents?

Yes bell tents are the most popular and accessible entry point into the glamping business for good reason. They're relatively affordable, quick to set up and take down, and require less planning permission than permanent structures.

Key things you need to know:

• Temporary campsites (up to 60 days per year, up to 50 pitches) can operate without full planning permission under permitted development rules but you must notify your local authority

• Beyond 60 days or 50 pitches, you need planning permission

• Commercial glamping requires public liability insurance and fire-rated tents (BS7837)

• If you're on agricultural land, specific rules apply under the Caravan Sites Act

We have a dedicated trade section with everything you need to start a glamping business, including our glamping podcast and step by step site setup advice.

21. Do I need planning permission for a bell tent on my land?

For private personal use on your own land, a bell tent is treated as a temporary structure and generally does not require planning permission if it's not permanent.

For commercial use (charging guests to stay), the rules are more complex:

• Up to 60 days per year and 50 pitches = permitted development (notify local authority)

• Longer or larger = full planning permission required

• Always check with your local planning authority before launching commercially

22. How many bell tents can fit on an acre of land?

A rough guide: you can comfortably fit 8–12 standard 5m bell tents per acre with proper spacing between them (3–4 metres between each tent for privacy and safety). This allows for pathways, a communal area, and parking access.

For a proper commercial glamping layout, we always recommend working with a site designer or speaking to our trade team spacing, drainage, and access routes all matter significantly.

23. What is the best bell tent for a wedding?

For weddings, we recommend our 5m or 6m bell tents. They're large enough to dress beautifully with fairy lights, rugs, and proper furniture, and big enough to sleep 2 people with luggage in real comfort.

Key features to look for in a wedding bell tent:

• A stove hole flap (for romantic autumn/winter weddings)

• Zipped mesh windows for ventilation in summer

• A sewn-in groundsheet (easier to dress with rugs without trips)

• Fire-rated canvas if your venue requires it

Our weddings page has full details on our wedding packages and canvas options.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

24. What is the difference between a bell tent and a tipi?

Both are round canvas structures, but they're quite different:

For most campers, glamping site operators, and festival-goers, a bell tent offers more practical value. Tipis are spectacular but significantly more expensive and complex to erect.

25. Why choose Bell Tent Sussex?

We're a family-run business based in Newhaven, East Sussex  not a faceless online retailer. When you call or email us, you speak to someone who has personally set up bell tents at Glastonbury, Silverstone F1, and hundreds of private events across the UK.

Our tents have been trusted by professional glamping operators, festival organisers, schools, and families since we started. We carry over 344 five-star Trustpilot reviews not because we ask for them, but because we look after our customers before and after the sale.

If you have a question that isn't answered here, call us on 01323 401400 or email us. We're happy to help you find exactly the right tent for your needs.

Still Have Questions?

Browse our full range of bell tents, read our detailed product guide, or check out our canvas care advice.

You can also explore our step-by-step setup guide and our full range of stoves and glamping accessories.