Best Family Tent Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Picks Compared

Last Updated On November 14th, 2022

Does a vacation in nature sound like the perfect thing for you and your family? A glamorous holiday on a golden beach can be enjoyable. Some people even love city breaks where you spend each day rushing from one activity to the next. However, for an affordable and simple getaway, there’s nothing like a camping trip. Of course, the success of any camp-site experience will always rely on having the best family tent.

These days, it’s difficult to know exactly what kind of tent you need that combines convenience and comfort. Some families will buy something lightweight and easy to carry if they plan on setting up a portable bedroom after a long hike. Other groups might go for a versatile multi-room tent with plenty of storage space and room where you can spread out and relax.

Whatever your preferences might be, we’ve got you covered. We’ve browsed through some of the top family tents reviews, checked out the models with the highest ratings and compiled a list of the top choices in the market. Wherever your adventures in nature take you, you’re sure to find the ultimate camping accessory in the list below.

Our Favourite Family Tents Compared

Editor's Choice
Coleman Unisex 8 Man Tent, Orange, 6 to 8 person
Luxury Choice
Coleman Tent Oak Canyon 4, 4 Person Family Tent with BlackOut Bedroom Technology, 4 Man Camping Tent with 2 Extra Dark Sleeping Cabins, 100 Percent Waterproof, Easy to Pitch
Best with UV Protection
Coleman Tent Darwin | 3 Person Compact Dome Tent | Lightweight Camping, Festival and Hiking Igloo Tent | 100% Waterproof with HH 3000mm | Sewn-in Groundsheet
Best Value
Amazon Basics 8 Person Family Tent, Orange/Grey
Coleman Octagon 6-Man
Coleman Tent Oak
Coleman Tent Darwin
AmazonBasics 4-Man Dome
Packed Size
85 x 30 x 30 cm
71 x 35 x 31 cm
50 x 19 x 19 cm
not mentioned
Packed Weight
20.7 kg
18.5 kg
4.9 kg
3.81 kg
Capacity
6-8 man
4 man
3 man
4 man
Area/s
1 room
2 rooms with living area
1 room with small vestibule
1 room
With Divider
Waterproof
Mosquito Net
Editor's Choice
Coleman Unisex 8 Man Tent, Orange, 6 to 8 person
Coleman Octagon 6-Man
Packed Size
85 x 30 x 30 cm
Packed Weight
20.7 kg
Capacity
6-8 man
Area/s
1 room
With Divider
Waterproof
Mosquito Net
Luxury Choice
Coleman Tent Oak Canyon 4, 4 Person Family Tent with BlackOut Bedroom Technology, 4 Man Camping Tent with 2 Extra Dark Sleeping Cabins, 100 Percent Waterproof, Easy to Pitch
Coleman Tent Oak
Packed Size
71 x 35 x 31 cm
Packed Weight
18.5 kg
Capacity
4 man
Area/s
2 rooms with living area
With Divider
Waterproof
Mosquito Net
Best with UV Protection
Coleman Tent Darwin | 3 Person Compact Dome Tent | Lightweight Camping, Festival and Hiking Igloo Tent | 100% Waterproof with HH 3000mm | Sewn-in Groundsheet
Coleman Tent Darwin
Packed Size
50 x 19 x 19 cm
Packed Weight
4.9 kg
Capacity
3 man
Area/s
1 room with small vestibule
With Divider
Waterproof
Mosquito Net
Best Value
Amazon Basics 8 Person Family Tent, Orange/Grey
AmazonBasics 4-Man Dome
Packed Size
not mentioned
Packed Weight
3.81 kg
Capacity
4 man
Area/s
1 room
With Divider
Waterproof
Mosquito Net

Best Family Tent Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Coleman Octagon 6-Man (Editor’s Choice)

Coleman Octagon 6-ManSpace and comfort are two of the most crucial features you’ll need in any family tent if you want to relax and unwind on a camping trip or at a festival. The Octagon provides everything you need the ultimate experience in getting back to nature.

Features

Fortunately, the Octagon tent has enough room for up to 8 people at a time. It has a 360-degree view, but don’t worry, people can’t see in – so you’ll still have your privacy. There are also two hinged doors, a large mesh roof for better air circulation, and a 100% waterproof construction. The tent is sturdy, reliable and easy to pitch – even in windy conditions. What’s more, there’s a removable partition so you can segregate the inside into two separate bedrooms.

It’s an amazing piece of camping kit that comes with a flysheet you can double-up as a bug-proof screen room. However, we’d recommend this tent for warmer parts of the year, as the extra ventilation does make it chilly when the temperature drops.

Pros:
  • Excellent all-around air ventilation
  • Removable partition for two separate rooms
  • 360-degree view
  • Easy to pitch
  • Sturdy and reliable
Cons:
  • Segregation curtain doesn’t reach the floor
  • There’s a lot of mesh, which makes the tent cooler in the winter
  • No porch included – leave your muddy shoes outside

2. Coleman Tent Oak (Luxury Choice)

Coleman Tent OakLooking for the best 4 man tent the UK has to offer? You’re in luck. This Colman Oak Canyon product offers quick and simple comfort for smaller families.

Features

With a full head-height sleeping area that features enough room for a table and some chairs, you’ll find everything you need in this product. The Coleman Rigid D hinge door is also a particularly attractive feature, as it eliminates the hassle of having to zip and unzip your tent door when you’re using it. Whether you’re setting off for a weekend trip as a couple, or you’re taking the kids somewhere special, this 4-man tent is a great choice.

Because it is extra lightweight, it is easy to pitch and carry with you on the go. What’s more, its two XXL bedrooms are surrounded by black-out material. It aims to eliminate as much daylight as possible so you can sleep for as long as you like. The main issue with this tent is that it takes a while to put up for the first time. You’d be better off if you practice in your garden before taking it with you on a trip.

Pros:
  • Two blackout bedrooms
  • Plenty of living space for 4 people
  • Excellent lightweight construction
  • Waterproof and wind-proof
  • Clever D hinge door
Cons:
  • Takes a while to put up for the first time
  • Difficult to get the tent into the carry bag
  • Lamp hook is too small to use

3. Coleman Darwin 3 Plus (Best with UV Protection)

Coleman Tent DarwinThe Darwin 3 Plus is another excellent family tent brought to you by the reputable Coleman camping brand. It has a compact space saving design and is easy to assemble and disassemble in a short amount of time.

Features

The Coleman Darwin 3 Plus has a classic dome style design with an extended front addition for added space to store your packs and other miscellaneous camping supplies. While it is not the most spacious tent, it weighs just 4.9kg in total making it lightweight and easy to pack and carry for more remote camping adventures.

This tent is olive green with grey accent panels. The design includes a sewn-in groundsheet and is completely waterproof. It has an interior mosquito net and multiple ventilation flaps for temperature regulation throughout the night.

Internally, this tent contains pockets to keep important items like cell phones, keys, or even small speakers organised.

Coleman claims this Darwin tent can fit 3 people, however, we think it would be overly tight and would be better for just 2 people to sleep comfortably. Additionally, the tent stakes are not the best quality and may bend easily.

Pros:
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Sewn-in groundsheet
  • Interior mosquito net
  • Well ventilated
  • Easy to assemble
Cons:
  • Could be a bit tight with three people
  • Tent stakes may bend easily

4. AmazonBasics 4-Man Dome (Best Value)

AmazonBasics 4-Man DomeIf you’re looking for the best budget family tent, then this one is worth considering. The Amazon Basics tent is an excellent option for anyone who wants a highly reliable shelter for a low price. According to the product description, this family-size tent can accommodate up to 4 people and can be used in all seasons.

Features

The high-performance welding technology ensures that the poles remain strong, even when exposed to excessive wind. Also, the material throughout the tent is completely waterproof, with a rainfly added for extra protection. It comes with a cool-air-port and venting system, too. Hence, you don’t have to worry about overheating when you’re trying to sleep during the summer. The shock-corded poles and snag-free continuous sleeves offer a smoother set-up experience.

This attractive tent includes easy-to-follow assembly instructions. Plus, there are separate storage bags for the tent and the poles, so you don’t accidentally rip the material when putting your tent down. Unfortunately, it’s worth noting that the size may only be suitable for small families Additionally, the orange colouring may be a bit garish for some.

Pros:
  • High-performance poles for durability
  • Waterproof material throughout
  • Rainfly included
  • Snag-free set-up
  • Convenient storage bags
Cons:
  • Might not be big enough for larger families
  • Orange materials might be garish

5. Vango Odyssey 800 (Best 8-Man)

Vango Odyssey 800The Odyssey from Vango is our pick for the best 8 man tent. It was designed to support large groups on weekend getaways and trips to local festivals.

Features

When you really can’t afford to compromise on living space, the best family camping tents will always be the ones that give you plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy your time away from home. This easy-to-pitch tunnel tent comes with fire-retardant and waterproof material throughout.

There’s a fully sewn-in groundsheet to ensure that you don’t have to worry about things like droughts and insects during camping holidays. What’s more, the brand’s patented TBS II Tension system is included within this product to help protect you against the unexpected gusts of wind common during summer in the UK.

For privacy control, there are large clear PVC windows included in this tent that you can use with curtains. The material is also made with black-out technology to ensure that you’re not woken up early in the morning by the sunrise. Unfortunately, you might need some extra help getting the tent set up.

Pros:
  • Very spacious for 8 people
  • Waterproof and fireproof material
  • Groundsheet is fully sewn-in
  • Has 2 bedrooms with dividers
  • Blackout inner tent and privacy curtains
  • Patented tension system to protect against wind
Cons:
  • Difficult to assemble
  • Hard to find accessories for it
  • No storage pockets in the main tent area.

6. Coleman Waterfall 5 (All Weather Choice)

Coleman Waterfall 5This deluxe family tent from Coleman offers fantastic sleeping and living areas for your next outdoor adventure. Spacious and surprisingly large, this five-person dome tent has a tunnel extension that separates the sleeping cabin from the living room. The Coleman is designed to be easy to pitch, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors.

Features

Considered as the best 5 man tent in this rundown, the high-performance fibreglass poles of the Coleman Waterfall are excellent for withstanding pressure from strong winds. There’s also a completely waterproof material used throughout the tent for extra protection.

The sewn-in groundsheet will give you more protection from bugs and unwanted moisture on the ground below. What’s more, there are large built-in PVC windows so the air can circulate or you can check out the view. One downside is that the zip is a little sticky on the inside, according to some reviews. Additionally, there are no roof loops for attaching lamps. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best value tents we’ve seen.

Pros:
  • Excellent waterproof design
  • Durable fibreglass poles
  • Easy to pitch and put down
  • Separate living and sleeping area
  • Sewn-in groundsheet
Cons:
  • No interior loops for lamps
  • Zip can stick frequently

7. Coleman Blackout 4-Person (Best Lightweight)

Coleman Blackout 4-PersonThe Coleman Blackout tent is an excellent choice for families who prefer sleeping in late while camping. It is also ideal for use in exposed areas without much shade, like a festival.

Features

This black and red four-person tent is good for year-round use. It is capable of blocking up to 99% of sunlight which helps to keep the inside of the tent about 5% cooler. It can also help you sleep in a bit later as you’ll be undisturbed by the early morning rays of sunlight.

The Blackout tent features a good-sized space in front of the sleeping area that can be used to store your gear and muddy shoes or boots. The entire tent is 100% waterproof with a reinforced groundsheet and sealed seams to keep you dry in wet weather. It also comes with a carry bag and tent stakes included.

While we really like this tent for family use, it might be too dark inside for you if you prefer waking up with the sun. Some people also find that it is too small for 4 people and the black guy ropes could blend in with your surroundings possibly making them easier to trip over.

Pros:
  • Blackout design blocks 99% of sunlight
  • Tent stays cooler inside
  • 100% waterproof
  • Large entry/storage area
  • Great for people who like to sleep in
Cons:
  • Could be too dark for some
  • Some people may feel it is too small for 4 people
  • Black guy ropes might blend into surroundings

8. Coleman Ridgeline 4 Plus (Best Octagonal)

Coleman Tent Ridgeline 4 PlusThe Coleman Ridgeline 4 Plus tent is a domed tunnel style tent, also known as a vis-a-vis style tent. We love that it has two separate sleeping compartments, one on either side, plus a living room joining them in the centre.

Features

The Ridgeline 4 Plus is sage green in colour and designed to sleep 4 people comfortably. It features an extra large front door opening that provides superior ventilation to the interior compartments. The door also features added fold-down supports that allow it to be used as a sunshade canopy when open.

The two separate sleeping compartments established by the Ridgeline design provide added privacy without the need for two separate tents. The centre area provides you with enough space to place a table and chairs inside the tent.

This tent comes with durable poles that are lightweight and provide great wind resistance overall. It is completely waterproof and weighs 10.4kg in total. Coleman also makes the Ridgeline in a larger 6 person size for larger groups or families.

Cons for the Ridgeline 4 Plus tent include it not being ideal in colder weather due to the larger front opening, the groundsheet not being sewn-in, and reports of the tent pole joints snagging easily during assembly and disassembly.

Pros:
  • Fold up sun canopy
  • Two separate sleeping chambers
  • Large front entrance
  • Sleeps four comfortably
  • Large living area in the middle
Cons:
  • Tent pole joints may snag easily
  • May not be ideal in colder weather
  • Groundsheet not sewn in which may result in leakage

9. Vango Odyssey 500 (Best Fast Pitch)

Vango Odyssey 500Many of the best family camping tents are the ones that you can set up fast when you’re ready to settle down for an evening of rest under the stars. The Vango AirBeam Odyssey tent combines easy pitching with spacious areas for both sleeping and living so that you can have a home away from home on your trips.

Features

This family tent includes a linked-in groundsheet and full mesh doors. It also has lights-out inner tents intended to protect you from the annoying early-morning sunshine when you need an extra hour or two of sleep. Additionally, like many leading tents on the market today, the fabric throughout the tent is completely fire retardant and waterproof.

It is incredible when it comes to speed as the tent uses a unique “AirBeam” technology that allows for pole-free pitching in no time. There’s even a double-action pump included. Unfortunately, the side door has no insect net, and the air flow isn’t as great as it should be – particularly for summer vacations.

Pros:
  • Simple and quick to pitch
  • Excellent waterproof and fireproof material
  • Lights-out inner tent
  • Has a reliable tension band system
  • Front and side entry
Cons:
  • No mesh on the side door
  • Airflow is limited despite ventilation
  • Gets hot and stuffy in summer

10. Bessport Paraiso 3-Person (Best Ventilation)

Bessport Paraiso 3-PersonIf you are looking for a tent that remains stable and dry in windy and wet weather, the Bessport Paraiso 3-Person tent should be at the top of your list. It also has an easy access interior and is well-ventilated.

Features

The Bessport 3-person tent features two convenient doors to make using your tent as easy as possible. The design has a pole and clip structure that makes set-up easy, even for one person. In addition to the doors, vents are also located in the ceiling to promote airflow throughout the tent.

The Paraiso has a lightweight and compact design that makes it a great choice if you plan on packing and hiking with it for more remote camping trips. It is also fully waterproof with sealed seams and is highly wind-resistant. If you prefer a slightly smaller tent, Bessport makes this model in a 2-person option as well.

This tent has the potential to be less durable than some of the other top options on our list as the material is reported to be a bit thin. In addition, it may not be suitable for use in the colder months of the year and water could pool on the top ridges in rainy weather.

Pros:
  • 2-door design
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Wind and weather resistant
  • Well-ventilated
  • Easy to use and set up
Cons:
  • It may not be ideal for year-round use
  • Could be somewhat less durable
  • Water might pool on the top edges

Choosing the Ultimate Tent for Your Family

mum dad and child camping outdoorsSpending time in your garden is delightful. You can bring out your trusted BBQ smoker or gas BBQ to grill for the entire family. But what if you want to go further than your garden shed? Family camping is a wonderful way to make amazing memories with your family outdoors. What’s more, studies suggest that exploring the great outdoors can make you healthier. It aids in relaxation by getting you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

However, if you want to have an amazing camping holiday, then you have to need to buy a tent that you can rely on to keep your family comfortable and protected all throughout your vacation. Aside from checking out the family tents reviews above, make sure that you keep the following things in mind when you’re choosing your ideal tent.

1. How Big Does Your Tent Need to Be?

If you’re not planning on going on a grand festival or vacation with the whole family, then there’s no real need to invest in an 8-person tent. Of course, you might decide that you want to buy something that is a few sizes bigger than you need so you have more surface to spread out.

Tent capacity is a little bit difficult to get the hang of at times. Although most 2-person family tents will fit two people, they won’t give you a lot of room for extra comfort. Many camping experts agree that it’s a good idea to increase the capacity by two when looking to buy the ideal tent size that you want. This will ensure that there’s enough room to store your things especially if you are bringing a lot of gear with you. However, there’s no need to go too over-the-top, unless you’re planning on living in your tent all year round.

2. What Kind of Features Do You Need?

woman in a campsiteAs standard, most family tents need to be comfortable, waterproof, and capable of standing up to heavy gusts of wind. However, there are plenty of products out there that have extra capabilities included. For instance, you can buy a tent that comes with a built-in front porch, so that you have a place to sit and relax under cover when you’re not ready to sleep.

Other standard features to search for in a tent include:

  • Sealed seams and double-stitching to protect you against the rain
  • A groundsheet that is sewn-in to eliminate problems with bugs and draughts
  • A sunscreen area where you can relax when you don’t want to be inside the tent
  • Heavy-duty zippers and mesh doors to protect from pests
  • Black-out interiors so that you’re not disrupted by sunshine in the morning
  • Partition areas so you can create separate bedrooms for different groups of people sleeping in your tent
  • A roof vent for extra air circulation especially during summer when it can get extra hot

Before you buy, you might also want to look for tents with convenient extras. Examples of these are hooks where you can hang lanterns, side storage pockets to put your personal things in or storage space where you can place your luggage.

3. How Easy Is It to Use?

If you’re going to invest in a high-quality tent, then you need to make sure that you feel comfortable using it. There are many different kinds of tents out there including an inflatable tent so that you don’t need to use poles or pitching techniques at all.

If you’re a beginner that hasn’t gone on a camping holiday before, it’s worth noting that you might have a little trouble with your tent at first. No matter how simple it is to put together, it takes some time to get used to things like tent poles and pitching loops. Make sure you practice in your garden before you go and explore the great outdoors.

Regardless of how much experience you have, when you’re considering tent options, it’s always a good idea to look at the reviews left by other customers. This will give you an insight into how easy it is to erect your tent and keep it sturdy during turbulent weather. Make sure that anything you choose is proven to stand up against the unpredictable weather we usually have in the UK!

Happy Camping!

With so many different makes and models to choose from, there’s sure to be something on the market that you consider to be the best family tent. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all model. You’ll need to think carefully about the amount of surface that you need, the features that you’re looking for, and even the kind of tent that’s right for you. Some people will prefer tunnel tents, while others will want to recreate their favourite glamping experience with a considerable teepee style product.

When it comes to choosing a great all-around camping tent, we’re huge fans of the Coleman Octagon 6-Man. It’s simple to set up, comes with a removable partition for separate rooms, and it’s reliable – even in the worst UK weather.

What’s more, the Coleman Octagon tent gives you a great 360-degree view of your surroundings when you want it. On the other hand, it provides you with plenty of privacy, too. We’re sure that families will get a great camping experience from this home away from home.

What kind of tent can you rely on to make your loved ones a team of happy campers? Let us know in the comments and enjoy your next vacation being one with nature!

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