The ‘glamping’ trend has captured the imagination of holidaymakers across the UK, with bookings for shepherd’s huts and yurts up 46% compared to 2021 and 94% compared to 2019*. So it’s no wonder why many land owners, or those looking to start their holiday letting journey, are considering investing in a glamping business.
Things to consider when setting up a glamping business:
If you’re considering setting up a glamping business, there are a few important things you need to know. From the types of accommodation available to planning permission, these are some things you should consider before you start…
What is glamping?
‘Glamping’ means glamorous camping, and it is a trend that’s fast becoming more and more popular as guests looks for an the off-grid staycation. From yurts to shepherd’s huts and everything in between, glamping provides accommodation and facilities that are far more luxurious compared to traditional camping.
For people who love the outdoors but don’t want to compromise on luxury home comforts, glamping is the perfect getaway! And what better opportunity to capitalise on this increasingly popular trend than by looking to invest in a glamping business.
Types of glamping accommodation
Glamping is a diverse enterprise which includes many different types of structures, with an array of unique and architecturally creative properties being constructed as the industry expands. Among the many different types of glamping options out there in the market today, you’ll find the following:
Yurts and glamping tents
Yurts and glamping tents cover a huge range of sizes and structures, can be reasonable to buy and fairly hassle-free to construct compared to many other options.
Shepherd’s huts
Shepherds’ huts are typically a wooden structure that offer an all-weather solution to glamping – they provide guests the chance to experience a unique staycation all year-round.
Shepherd’s huts come in an array of shapes and sizes. While some are rustic and elementary with only the most basic of amenities, there are those which allow guest the unique opportunity to relax in comfort and style with log burners, private hot tubs and outdoor decking.
Glamping lodges and cabins
Over the last few years, glamping lodges and cabins have become increasingly popular. These structures tend to be a sturdy, all-weather option for outdoor enthusiasts or those looking for a unique getaway.
Often situated in rural settings, glamping lodges and cabins thrive when surrounded by the natural landscape, allowing holidaymakers to escape from the everyday and re-connect with nature. Investing in glamping lodges and cabins can be an excellent way of turning unused land into a profitable income source.
Reason for the rise in glamping holidays
It’s clear that the rise in glamping holidays is on a steady upward trajectory and is unlikely to slow down any time soon. So, what are the factors that have caused the growth of this trend in the holiday letting market?
Budgetary restraints
With the cost-of-living crisis becoming an inescapable reality in the UK, Brits are becoming more budget conscious than ever. Guests are now looking for more economical and affordable ways of holidaying, and glamping is proving to be an ideal solution.
A benefit to glamping business owners, the structures have a lower start-up cost compared to traditional holiday lets and can be relatively affordable to buy and build. In addition to which, their maintenance costs can be far lower and cheaper to run, thereby creating a more cost-effective way for holiday let owners to provide accommodation.
Rise of eco-conscious travel and sustainable holidays
The ever-increasing popularity of glamping staycations is partly factored by the rising awareness of sustainable travel and the environmental impact of a holiday.
26% of Brits said they’re more likely to consider a UK break due to environmental concerns*. There is also an overall rise in those looking for greener accommodation. Glamping pods and cabins on the market tend to offer many environmentally friendly and sustainable features.
Often, glamping accommodation types are made from natural and sustainable materials.
Is glamping a worthwhile investment?
A glamping business can be a worthwhile investment that provides you with a healthy income stream.
As with any business there will be initial set up costs, which largely depends on whether there is unused land or land that needs to be purchased initially. For those that have unused land, a glamping business can be run alongside an existing business and can provide an additional income source. It will also add value to your entire property should you decide to sell.
In comparison to the outright purchase of a property, the running costs and long-term outputs of a glamping business generally require less upfront investment. They can be a lot less expensive to make and maintain, and their unique style has helped them become increasingly popular with holidaymakers in recent years – It’s the perfect opportunity to capitalise on the booming travel industry.
As with any holiday letting venture, we recommend getting advice from the experts early on to help you make the most informed decisions along the way. At Helpful Holidays, our team of industry experts can provide you with expert guidance from the very start – from thinking of investing to understanding the costs involved that need to be budgeted for, decorating tips and more. No matter what stage you’re at, we can help you achieve a good return on investment.
Glamping market statistics
- 45% uplift in glamping bookings in 2021 compared to 2019.
- Feedback from glamping accommodation owners say that 92% are happy with the income their property generates.
- 23% of holiday home owners want to build glamping accommodation on existing land in the next five years.
Statistics from Sykes Holiday Letting Outlook Report 2022
How much can you earn from a glamping business?
It is important to assess the level of investment versus likely returns. Rates similar to holiday cottage prices can be achieved at a fraction of the investment. According to the Sykes Staycation Index, owners in the UK are earning an average of £17,000 annually – as much as a two-bed property.
However, for a more detailed view at what you could expect to achieve from a glamping holiday let business in the South West, our team at Helpful Holidays are on-hand to help you. Contact our team today and we can give you expert advice and expectations tailored to the needs and requirements of your business venture.
Planning permission for your glamping business
Planning permission requirements vary depending on the property type that you wish to let. Individual holiday properties have unique regulations and these must be met in order to let your holiday property.
More often than not, if you decide to build or convert log cabins, shepherd’s huts or glamping pods into holiday accommodation, they will require planning permission.
However, if a structure is only temporary, such as a yurt or tipi and you don’t intend to run your site for more than 28 days a year, planning permission isn’t always required. For a closer look at the information you may need for your individual situation, read our complete guide to planning permission for holiday lets.
Where to set up your glamping business
Location is important when it comes to running a successful glamping business. It would be a given that the possible site is in an area likely to attract holidaymakers. However, successful glamping sites needn’t always be in a location we’d normally expect.
Ideal locations are normally secluded areas which are beautiful and unique with attractive views. Sites in rural countryside or beside water are popular.
How to stand out from the competition
Your target audience will dictate everything – the accommodation you choose, the facilities you offer, the exact location of your business and more. But how can you differentiate your glamping site to stand out from competition?
Luxury Glamping | Glamping with a hot tub
Luxury accommodation that offers ‘winter-friendly’ features will attract bookings all year-round. If you aim to stand out, comforting touches such as underfloor heating, a hot tub or log burner can be installed to attract potential returning customers.
Glamping with dogs
With the change in the way Brits holiday, it appears more pets are getting to enjoy staycations too! Research shows that there is a 35% increase in bookings including dogs*, so allowing guests to holiday with their canine companion will give you a distinct edge over some other glamping sites. Think about adding a couple of inexpensive extras to help them feel special such as dog bowls, a list of local dog-friendly pubs and even a few treats.
Family glamping
With 31% of staycation bookings this year made up of families*, accommodation for groups with children is another factor to consider. Providing larger accommodation options with a safe space for kids to explore and be entertained, or even the chance to see nearby animals without leaving the holiday let, is often popular.
Romantic glamping holidays for couples
Couples won’t need as much space or the same facilities as families but tend to seek out luxurious additions like hot tubs or statement baths. Seclusion and privacy tend to be very popular for couples, offering the opportunity to reconnect. Added treats such as a hamper filled with locally-made goodies on arrival is also a winning formula.
Unique glamping experiences
Recently there has been a 41% spike in demand for travellers looking for new and authentic experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. Often, this is as much about the service you provide as the variety of options you give them. Whether it’s an outdoor cinema, providing information for nearby surf lessons, or offering yoga classes on-site, utilising what your location and surrounding area has to offer will be essential in attracting new and returning guests.
Glamping mortgage and insurance considerations
Glamping requires specialised insurance
As an owner of a glamping business, you will need to make sure that you have the appropriate insurance. Generally, as the owner of the structure and the land, you will be liable for any damage or accident that occurs. So, it’s vital to ensure you have the appropriate insurance to cover personal liabilities as well as damage to your structure and loss of income due to business interruption.
Mortgages for glamping businesses
The lending criteria for holiday let mortgages are different from traditional or buy-to-let mortgages, with fewer lenders in the holiday let market. This is unfortunately more so when it comes to fixtures that aren’t designed to last forever, such as lodges and shepherd’s huts, which can make it can be difficult to find a mortgage lender.
Get glamping business advice from the South West holiday letting experts
Whatever stage you’re at, whether you’re thinking of investing in a glamping business or you’re experienced in holiday letting, the team at Helpful Holidays can offer expert advice.
From promoting your glamping accommodation to offering unrivalled service through every stage of letting, Helpful Holidays are on-hand to help.
We’re happy to help answer any questions you may have on a particular subject. Find out more about letting with us, request your FREE guide or call our team on 01647 433593 today.
For other top tips and advice on read our owner blogs:
Top tips on buying in the West Country
Converting a barn into a holiday cottage
Reasons to start a holiday let business in Somerset
* Statistics from Sykes Holidays Cottages Staycation Index 2022.
