Glamping has become a popular choice for many landowners looking to diversify and maximise their income revenue streams. Setting up luxury glamping is a good fit for those wanting to expand into the hospitality industry, look beyond the traditional bed and breakfast offering, and invest in the concept of self-contained luxury accommodation.
This is ideal for those eager to experience rural getaways without having to submit to the adversities of traditional camping. With a rise in domestic tourism in a post-Brexit and post- Covid world, more and more people are turning to the beauty of the British countryside.
There are several considerations that will need to be taken into account before setting up your glamping site. This article will assess how you can make the most of the rising glamping trend in the form of habitats and luxury self-catering accommodation.
Where is the Best Place to Set Up A Glamping Site?
A country estate or large area of farmland is the ideal location for a glamping site. Identifying an area of land that is accessible with attractive views of the surrounding countryside is essential for creating the right atmosphere for your guests.
Think about how your guests are likely to interact with your glamping site. Will there be additional amenities or service offerings, such as a gift shop, sauna, a cafe or restaurant, or a play park? This is so that you can consider the best offering to your guests to make their stay memorable.
Before the initial planning stage, you will want to start thinking about your luxury glamping market – high-end customers will be looking for those quality personal touches that will make your site stand out and will leave them wanting to return, time and time again.
What Planning Permission Do You Need?
Most types of glamping structures require planning consent either for the structures themselves, the use of land, or the ancillary facilities that may be required to support the activity. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s economic, environmental and social planning policies for England therefore, any development you propose must conform to the relevant policies.
The ease of gaining planning permission will depend on a variety of factors such as the landscape, the impact of the build on the local economy, and the sustainability credentials of the development. If your glamping activity occurs for more than 28 days a year you will need to consent for change of use of the land. You will require full planning permission for temporary and permanent structures from your local authorities to encourage the development of tourism in the local area.
At this stage you can refer to the UK Glamping Application Process with the help of a Planning Consultant who will assess your site location – is it in a high-value landscape area? Are there any flood risk issues? Is it close to conservation areas such as an Ancient Woodland or AONB? All these factors will be taken into consideration during the application process.
What Your Land Feasibility Considerations Will Be
Land feasibility considerations involve identifying the exact location of the landscape, access to the site, amenities available, any health and safety considerations and a survey of any existing tourism already in the area.
The key is to think about how you will set your site up. Will you have additional space for communal areas, cafes, restaurants and a reception area? Thinking ahead and allowing space to expand will give you the flexibility to add to your business in the future.
When costing everything out, you will need to think about what you will need to maintain your glamping business and keep it flourishing. Think about any health and safety measures and regulations you will need to put in place, and whether you will be employing staff to help with the running of the site.
What Types of Glamping Structures Are There?
Shepherd’s Hut
Robust mobile structures providing warmth and comfort in remote locations. They come with double-glazed Georgian-style windows and doors and structural insulated panels for added comfort.
Canvas Tents
A study, wooden frame structure that can be fitted with a kitchen, separate bedrooms, and an ensuite bathroom and can hold up to six people at any one time.
Earth Pods
Earth Pods are practical and attractive spaces and mix contemporary style with functionality. They can be used all-year-round, are eco-friendly and have low maintenance structures.
The Bothy
The Bothy offers a versatile outdoor space that is well-insulated throughout with double-glazed windows and interior walls kitted with thermal insulation boards.
Owl Hut
A unique outdoor structure with multiple uses, including as a place to host friends and family with a fully heated stove, to enjoy a BBQ indoors and as luxury accommodation which can sleep up to six people at any one time.
Glamtainers
A beautiful, fully-insulated glamping suite offering panoramic views of the landscape. Can be transported easily by road or rail to your site.
Why You Should Diversify With Us Today
Setting up a successful luxury glamping business offers an exciting opportunity for you as a farmer, or landowner to diversify and broaden your income portfolio.
If you are considering setting up a new glamping site for your land, or country estate then we can help with everything from the initial planning process through to marketing your glamping site and making the process hassle-free. Diversify with Outdoor Living and speak to one of our outdoor diversification experts here.
Main Office: Manor Farm, Ixworth Thorpe, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 1QH
Regional Office: 47 Queen Charlotte St. Edinburgh, EH6 7EY