With posh camping spreading like wildfire through the British countryside, it was only a matter of time before some clever clogs came up with a way to glamp in the city.
But where to pitch luxury tents in an urban environment?
London Zoo has stepped in with the answer: in earshot of some wild animals. The zoo already runs sleepovers for children, where kids bed down on the floor of its bug house (sold out this year; 2012 tickets go on sale mid-October). Now it is introducing a more sophisticated version for adults.
For just five days in May 2012 eight safari-style tents will be pitched in the middle of the zoo. These being posh tents - with a hefty price tag to match (£225 per person; call 0207 449 6269 to book) - they come with proper beds with linen and bedside lights. After a three-course dinner you'll be taken on a torch-lit guided tour, then it's lights out at midnight, accompanied by the roar of lions to lull you to sleep. In the morning, breakfast is followed by another tour before the zoo opens to the public.
The announcement of the zoo camp comes hot on the heels of the opening of bookings for a room with a view perched on top of Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank in London. The boat-shaped installation started life as a design project created by Alain de Botton's Living Architecture scheme, and features an upper and lower deck, "bridge" with library and a flag you raise to signal your presence.
The first six months sold out when bookings opened on 8 September, so if you like the idea of gazing out across the Thames at one of the best views in London, pencil 19 January 2012 in your diary - the opening date for the second tranche of bookings, from July-December.
Whatever the weather you can guarantee it will be a stonking view of the city from Big Ben to St Paul's - and you could be lucky enough to see a rainbow – sounds corny but check out this collection on listings website Londonist and you may well be hoping for rain and shine as you head to the rooftop for check in.
Meanwhile, let's hope the rain holds off this weekend for WalkLondon's bumper crop of free events across town, from a one-and-a-half-mile saunter along the hidden alleyways of the City to the 21-mile Green Chain Megawalk through east London.
The zoo campsite is one of a number of events being showcased by tourist board London & Partners in Trafalgar Square on 26 September.
