Over 1,000 new glamping sites have launched in the UK in the past 2 years — find out what separates the successful from the ones that don't do well.
“I’ve got the land — now what?”
Overwater Decking of Glamping Pods
It’s one of the most common questions we hear at Glampitect. A landowner spots a quiet corner of unused land and wonders: Could I actually turn this into something special?
The short answer? Yes — but only if you approach it with your eyes open.
In 2025, launching a glamping business in the UK means navigating more red tape, more guest expectations, and more competition than ever. It’s not “buy a pod, make passive income.” But it is doable — and genuinely rewarding — if you start the right way.
You Don’t Just Buy Pods and Go
We get it — pods are exciting. But they’re not the first step. In fact, they’re one of the last steps.
What matters most early on is your land: where it is, what it’s zoned for, how accessible it is, and whether it has commercial viability. Without that foundation, your investment is likely to stall before it starts.
A glamping project needs more than enthusiasm — it needs evidence. That means getting serious about:
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Designations (Green Belt, AONB, etc.)
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Council attitudes toward rural tourism development
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Flood zones, access constraints, environmental protections
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ROI potential: will this site actually make money?
💡 Brian and Anne, who built Craigmaddie Glamping, didn’t just throw up pods on family land. They started with expert insights and made sure the site could work — long before breaking ground.
See more about Brian & Anne here
Start with a Feasibility Study
👤 Who Is This For?
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Landowners with 0.5+ acres
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Farmers considering diversification
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Families with inherited land
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Retirees looking for lifestyle income
If that’s you — you’re in the right place.
Many landowners jump straight to planning — and get blocked.
The Feasibility Study is designed to stop that happening. It’s your first safety net — a complete analysis of whether your land can support a glamping site, and if so, how to approach it.
At Glampitect, we’ve completed bespoke Feasibility Studies for over 2000 projects. It’s where we start every conversation. Done properly, it saves months of wasted time and tens of thousands in misfired investment.
Inside our feasibility process, we explore:
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Local demand and competition
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Designations and planning risk
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Site-specific challenges (access, visibility, drainage, etc.)
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Financial modelling (startup costs, seasonality, price per night)
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Recommendation: move forward, pivot, or pause
👉 See what’s included in the Feasibility Study here →
Inside a Pod
Planning in 2025: Harder, but Still Possible
Planning permission has always been the biggest hurdle — and in 2025, it’s only getting more nuanced.
Councils are asking tougher questions. In some areas, tourism is seen as an economic lifeline. In others, it’s met with resistance. Either way, your success depends on providing compelling, compliant answers.
Today’s planning stage involves:
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Ecology surveys — bats, otters, badgers, ancient trees
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Flood risk assessments — especially for land near rivers or slopes
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Access considerations — for fire, ambulance, and refuse
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Visitor impact planning — traffic, noise, parking, visibility
And yes, the forms are long and the timelines uncertain. But that’s where expert help makes the difference.
“We had to do three surveys just for otters and flood risk,” said Brian at Craigmaddie. “But Glampitect guided us through every step — and we got the green light.”
Inside of AvantGlamp Pods
The Build Phase Is More Than Construction
Once your plans are approved, excitement builds fast. But this isn’t just about pouring concrete or craning in pods.
The best glamping sites are designed — not just built. That means thinking about layout, access, orientation, branding, and the guest experience from day one.
You’ll need to:
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Choose the right pods (not just the cheapest)
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Design a layout that supports privacy, flow, and safety
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Ensure access for cars, service vehicles, and fire engines
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Think about signage, lighting, and paths
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Align everything with your planning permission terms
It’s also when your site’s brand and feel start to take shape. Think of it as the moment your land becomes a product.
Running a Glamping Business in the UK: Marketing and Operations Tips
Many people see glamping as “build it and they will come.” That’s false.
A great glamping site still needs marketing. It needs systems. It needs clear communication, great reviews, and efficient turnovers.
Whether you run it yourself or outsource, you’ll need:
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A mobile-friendly website with live booking capability
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Listings on major platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, etc.)
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Cleaning & turnover protocols
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Guest messaging: check-in instructions, Wi-Fi, directions
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A plan for reviews, testimonials, and repeat bookings
Take a look at Propelling Parrot - UK Glamping Marketing Experts.
“We didn’t expect to love meeting the guests,” Anne said. “Now we meet them on arrival and say goodbye in the morning. It’s become more than a business — it’s our lifestyle.”
The Outcome: Lifestyle, Legacy, and Income
Why go through all of this?
Because when it’s done right, glamping can:
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Bring in £30,000+ per month during peak season
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Give you flexible income without selling your land
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Let you stay rooted in your property while opening it up to others
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Create a family legacy or semi-retirement income stream
And because it’s not just about money — it’s about building something that reflects you and your land.
✅ Book a Discovery Call
📥 Download the Glamping Business Plan Checklist
📘 Read the Full Guide to Starting a Glamping Business
Top Questions We Hear Every Week
Here’s a few of the most common landowner questions we get at Glampitect:
Q: Can I do this on Green Belt land?
A: Possibly — but it depends on local policies and access. That’s why feasibility is key.
Q: What’s the minimum land size?
A: You can start with just 0.5 acres if the layout is efficient and you plan well.
Q: How long does it take?
A: Most sites take 6–12 months from first chat to first guest.
How to Start a Glamping Business the Right Way
The best first step? Do what the most successful glamping sites did.
Glamping isn’t easy — but it’s worth it. With the right plan, your quiet corner of land could become a source of pride, purpose, and profit.
👉 Start with a Glampitect Feasibility Study →
You’ll find out:
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If your land can work
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What it would cost
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How to make the idea real (or why it might not be the right fit)
Still browsing?
Then take a deeper look at our full guide:
👉 How to Start a Glamping Business in the UK →
This is what it actually takes.And if you’re ready to do it properly, we’re ready to help.
Book a Call to Discuss Your Glamping Plans
Download Your 'Start a Glamping Business' Guide Now
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