Glamping Geodesic Domes

What a geodesic dome is

A geodesic dome is a round frame made of triangles, covered in PVC or clear panels. The triangles share the load across the whole frame, which makes a dome strong and steady for its size, and with no centre pole the whole floor is open. Glamping sites use them as guest rooms, and at home they make a garden room or a room for stargazing. The domes here are mostly 4m to 8m across, and several makers build them from 9m up to 35m to order.

PVC domes, clear domes and event domes

• PVC glamping domes in 4m to 8m, many in a Standard and a Luxury version, with colour themes named after settings such as Forest, Desert and Heavy Snow. See geodesic dome tents.
• Clear and panoramic domes have see-through sections or panels for stargazing. See glamping bubble tents.
• Event domes for parties, restaurants and exhibitions, 6m to 10m across. See party and event tents.
• Mini domes, such as the detachable starry sky room with its own bathroom area.

A dome is more building than tent

Most of the domes here are made to stand for a season or for years, not for a weekend. One maker rates its PVC cover for a life of 5 to 10 years, for wind of 100 to 120km/h and for a snow load of 75kg per square metre. That changes what to check before you buy.

The ground comes first: a dome needs a firm, level base as wide as its diameter, with room to walk round it and peg it out. Then the size, measured across the floor, which decides how many beds and how much furniture fit inside. Then the rules: a dome left up for guests, or for most of the year, is likely to need planning permission, so talk to your local council before you order. And for a glamping business, think about how guests will reach it, light it and keep it warm.

Questions people ask about geodesic domes

Can a geodesic dome be used in winter?

Several are sold as four-season. Check the wind and snow ratings on each one where the maker gives them, and brush heavy snow off a PVC dome rather than let it build up.

Is a "Heavy Snow" dome made for winter?

No. Heavy Snow, Forest, Desert and Seaside Lakeside are names for the colour and style, not ratings for the weather. Read the product's own description for the seasons it is made for.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that tent usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Geodesic dome tents
• Glamping bubble tents
• Glamping safari tents
• Glamping bell tents
• Party and event tents
• Dome tents
• Guide: Bell tents and glamping