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Across the UK and Ireland, a growing number of fisheries are discovering that they can reel in more than just anglers. With the rise of glamping, these traditionally niche sites are evolving into multi-purpose destinations that offer more than just great fishing. They now combine the calm of the lakeside with the comfort and charm of high-end outdoor accommodation.

Glamping, short for “glamorous camping”, is giving fisheries a smart, low-impact way to diversify their business. By installing glamping pods alongside lakes and rivers, fishery owners are increasing guest stays, boosting revenue during off-peak seasons, and creating new experiences that appeal to both avid anglers and non-fishing companions. (Fisheries 4 Sale)

In this blog, we’ll explore how three fisheries, Springwood Fisheries, Stanley Villa Farm, and Rossharbour Lakeside Resort, have successfully embraced glamping to grow their businesses, attract broader audiences, and build long-term sustainability in an evolving outdoor leisure market.

 

Case Study 1: Springwood Fisheries (Derbyshire, England)

Springwood Fisheries in Melbourne, Derbyshire, is a strong example of how glamping can successfully diversify a traditional coarse fishery. Originally serving dedicated anglers, the team at Springwood identified a gap where casual visitors, especially in colder months, were less inclined to camp. In 2014, they addressed this by installing six insulated, weatherproof glamping pods overlooking their top lake. (Peak District)

Owner Jeff recognised that “fishermen will pretty much come out in any weather,” but attracting families and non-anglers meant offering more comfort and appeal. The objective was to extend the season, increase occupancy during off-peak periods, and enhance the overall guest experience. Glamping proved to be a scalable, cost-effective solution that met all those goals.

 

Implementation

Springwood began with two pods as a pilot project, expanding to six after early success. Each pod was positioned along the lake for optimal views and direct access to fishing pegs. Partnering with a specialist supplier, they ensured each pod was equipped with high-comfort features like integrated heating, plush beds, and en-suite bathrooms, amenities that come standard or fully customisable in every Home Living Luxury Glamping Pod.

Planning permission was secured early in the process, allowing the pods to be used year-round. Compared to building lodges, the pods required a relatively modest investment and were self-financed, with no public funding needed. This made glamping an accessible, low-risk route to diversification. Try our Glamping Pod ROI Calculator to see how much revenue our glamping pods can generate for your business.

Home Living Luxury specialises in low-impact glamping pods designed to meet planning criteria in sensitive rural areas. Our team can guide you through the process and help improve your chances of approval. Book a free consultation to discuss planning support and pod options. Link below the FAQs!

 

Business Impact

The impact of glamping at Springwood was immediate and measurable. Off-season occupancy surged, as previously reluctant winter visitors were now drawn to the comfort of heated pods. The guest mix diversified to include not only anglers but also couples, families, and non-fishing holidaymakers.

Financially, glamping increased revenue dramatically. While a day ticket might bring in just a few pounds, pod bookings averaged around £70 per night. The boost in per-visitor income was significant, and multi-night stays became more common. (Springwood Fisheries) By 2017, the site, now operating as a hybrid holiday park with glamping, a café, and touring pitches, was listed at £475,000 and attracted strong buyer interest, proving the added value of glamping infrastructure. (Fisheries 4 Sale)

Springwood Fisheries has been under new ownership since at least 2017. The current owner, Ian, is actively involved in the day-to-day operations and welcomes guests for fishing, caravanning, and camping. The site offers a range of amenities, including log pods, caravan pitches, and a café, maintaining its appeal as a hybrid holiday park. (Springwood Fisheries)

Springwood’s transition from a seasonal fishery to a year-round lakeside retreat enhanced both its profitability and long-term resilience. With smart planning and quality accommodation, the business was not only strengthened but also future-proofed.

 

Log Pods at Springwood Fisheries. Image credits to Springwood Fisheries.

 

Case Study 2: Stanley Villa Farm Fishing & Camping (Lancashire, England)

Stanley Villa Farm in Lancashire offers a compelling example of how a traditional fishery can evolve into a thriving glamping destination. Originally a trout fishery near Blackpool with basic camping facilities, the site introduced wooden pods in 2012 to accommodate overnight anglers. What began as a modest addition to support day-ticket fishing quickly turned into a high-demand attraction in its own right. (Stanley Villa Farm)

Owner, Alex Young, initially leased a few pods, locally dubbed “Campingbugs”, but their popularity far exceeded expectations. Within months, they were fully booked, drawing glowing guest reviews. This early success prompted a major expansion, with 21 more pods purchased to meet demand. Today, Stanley Villa features 24 glamping pods, bell tents, two lakes, and an ever-growing reputation as one of Lancashire’s most welcoming rural getaways for both anglers and leisure seekers.

 

Implementation

From the outset, Stanley Villa adopted a customer-first approach. The pods were arranged around a 4-acre lake, offering tranquil views and a practical base for fishing. Each unit was fitted with simple furnishings, beds, lighting, and heating, and guests brought their own bedding, aligning with the site’s “camping made easy” ethos. Supporting infrastructure such as showers, toilets, and a communal lodge was also developed to enhance the guest experience.

However, there were hurdles. The original planning permission allowed the pods to be used by anglers only. As demand from families, couples, and group bookings grew, this restriction became a barrier. The council issued a planning enforcement notice, threatening to shut down the site unless new permissions were obtained.

Stanley Villa’s glamping pivot paid off quickly. Pod occupancy rose to 95% during peak periods, and midweek and off-season stays increased due to offers and seasonal upgrades. (Tripadvisor) What was once a simple day-ticket fishery now welcomes thousands of guests annually, with families becoming a core segment.

Pods rented from £50–£90 per night, and premium packages with hot tubs fetched up to £149, significantly increasing per-night revenue. Home Living Luxury pods are expertly insulated for year-round comfort and can be paired with our beautifully crafted wood-burning hot tubs like The Luxury Ofuro 5-8 Person Finnish Hot Tub, offering the perfect cold-weather glamping experience.

The resort also benefited from strong brand growth, earning over 450 five-star reviews and winning “Best Glamping Site in Lancashire”. Ancillary sales, from firewood and bait to shop items, further boosted overall income and customer satisfaction.

 

Business Impact

Glamping has transformed Stanley Villa from a niche angling venue into a full-fledged holiday park. By integrating comfortable accommodation, events, and family-friendly activities, the business created a year-round destination with multiple revenue streams. The fusion of fishing and glamping expanded the customer base, increased profitability, and added resilience to market changes.

Stanley Villa’s journey shows how even a modest fishery can scale into a successful rural tourism business, provided there’s a vision, a plan, and a commitment to guest experience. (Stanley Villa Farm)

 

A Glamping Pod at Stanley Villa Farm. Image Credits to Stanley Villa Farm.

 

Case Study 3: Rossharbour Lakeside Resort (County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland)

Rossharbour Lakeside Resort, set along the scenic shores of Lower Lough Erne, is a leading example of how a fishery can evolve into a luxury, multi-purpose holiday destination. Originally a modest, family-run site with self-catering cottages, caravan pitches, and fishing access, the owners identified glamping as a strategic way to expand beyond traditional anglers. In 2017, capitalising on the rise of the staycation trend, they introduced a range of bespoke glamping accommodations to attract couples, families, and larger groups. (Fermanagh Enterprise)

The aim was to combine high-end outdoor living with the resort’s existing strengths: fishing, nature, and relaxation. With its idyllic waterfront location and convenient proximity to local attractions, Rossharbour was perfectly placed to develop into a premium retreat for romantic getaways, group gatherings, and wellness-focused escapes, while still catering to fishing enthusiasts.

 

Implementation

The glamping expansion formed part of a £1 million development project, financed through First Trust Bank. This included the installation of four bespoke glamping pods, each featuring private hot tubs, and five spacious wooden wigwams, increasing total guest capacity to 84. The site was thoughtfully landscaped across six acres to integrate these new units seamlessly into the natural setting.

Each pod was custom-designed to suit different guest types, from couples to families, and offered premium features such as en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and lakeside views. Home Living Luxury pods are fully customisable to fit your business needs and brand image. Schedule an appointment with us today to see how we can help with your glamping business success. Link below the FAQs!

To enhance guest experiences and boost on-site revenue, the resort also added spa facilities, a games room, and additional self-catering lodges. Development was carefully scheduled around peak seasons to minimise disruption, and the project was met with strong local support due to its alignment with Northern Ireland’s rural tourism development goals. (Fermanagh Enterprise)

 

Business Impact

The results of Rossharbour’s glamping expansion have been transformative. Within the first year, glamping units consistently reached 95% occupancy, even in winter, thanks to the lure of heated cabins and private hot tubs. (Tripadvisor) With nightly rates exceeding £150, and bundled offerings like spa access and fishing permits, per-guest spend rose significantly.

Home Living Luxury offers sauna pods and wood-burning hot tubs like to help increase your business revenue. The new accommodations also diversified the resort’s customer base. Alongside anglers, Rossharbour now welcomes couples, friend groups, and wedding parties, many of whom extend their stays to enjoy the full range of amenities.

The expansion also brought positive recognition. Hospitality Ulster and local development agencies praised Rossharbour for elevating rural tourism in the region. Today, the resort stands as one of Fermanagh’s most in-demand glamping and events venues, demonstrating how glamping, when done right, can redefine a fishery’s future and establish long-term business resilience. (Fermanagh Enterprise)

 

Lakeside Lodges at Rossharbour Lakeside Resort. Image credits to Rossharbour Lakeside Resort.

 

Future of Fisheries and Glamping

The integration of glamping into fisheries isn’t just a passing trend. It’s becoming a cornerstone of how rural leisure businesses grow and stay competitive. As demand for unique, nature-based holidays continues to rise, fisheries that embrace innovative glamping models are well-positioned to lead the way in a new era of sustainable tourism.

 

Several key trends are shaping the future of this space:

• Growing Demand for Eco-Tourism: Travellers are increasingly seeking environmentally responsible getaways. This includes accommodations built with sustainable materials, powered by renewable energy, and designed to have a minimal impact on the landscape, such as solar-powered glamping pods and off-grid cabins. At Home Living Luxury, all of our pods can be customised to include these features. From solar integration and off-grid systems to eco-friendly insulation and low-impact materials, we help glamping businesses meet growing demand for sustainability without compromising on comfort or style.

• Smart Technology Enhancing Guest Experience: Features like smart heating systems, keyless check-ins, and automated booking platforms are making glamping stays more seamless and appealing. Some fisheries are even exploring virtual fishing tutorials or interactive wildlife maps to engage younger visitors.

• Expanding Services Beyond Accommodation: Forward-thinking fisheries are diversifying with added-value offerings such as guided angling experiences, wellness activities (like lakeside yoga or sauna use), and farm-to-table meals. These additions enhance guest satisfaction and increase average spend per stay. Explore our wellness pods here.

• Support for Sustainable Growth: Many fisheries exploring glamping are now benefiting from rural tourism grants, diversification schemes, and environmental funding. Government initiatives increasingly back businesses that combine tourism with sustainable land and water management.

By staying ahead of these trends, fisheries can create resilient, future-proof business models that not only increase profitability but also support local economies and promote environmental stewardship.

 

 

Conclusion

Fisheries across the UK and Ireland are proving that adaptability is essential in today’s evolving tourism landscape. By integrating glamping into their offering, they’re not only boosting their revenue streams but also enhancing visitor experiences and contributing to the growth of sustainable tourism.

The opportunity for growth in this space is only increasing. With a rising demand for unique, eco-conscious getaways, fisheries that invest in glamping today are positioning themselves as leaders in tomorrow’s rural hospitality market. From family-run lakeside retreats to large-scale fishing resorts, the combination of nature, comfort, and adventure has the potential to transform any fishery into a high-performing, year-round destination.

At Home Living Luxury, we specialise in helping fisheries take this next step. From bespoke pod designs that reflect your site’s identity to expert guidance on planning permission, layout, and return on investment, we’re here to support your glamping journey every step of the way.

Book a free consultation with our team today to explore how glamping could work for your fishery. Link below the FAQs!

 

Summary

• Fisheries across the UK and Ireland are using glamping pods to attract non-anglers and increase off-peak income

• Glamping adds comfort, extends the season, and creates new revenue streams through overnight stays and upsells

• Springwood Fisheries in Derbyshire installed 6 pods to appeal to families and couples, boosting off-season occupancy and per-night revenue

• Stanley Villa Farm in Lancashire grew from a trout fishery into a 24-pod glamping site with 95% peak occupancy and a diversified guest base

• Rossharbour Lakeside Resort in Northern Ireland added luxury pods, wigwams, and spa amenities, achieving 95% occupancy and higher per-guest spend

• Glamping pods generated more revenue than day fishing, turning single-use fisheries into multi-experience destinations

• Features like hot tubs, spa access, and lakeside views helped drive bookings and guest satisfaction

• Sites gained visibility, strong reviews, and awards by integrating glamping with fishing and rural hospitality

• Future trends include eco-tourism, smart tech, added-value experiences, and access to rural tourism grants

• Fisheries that add glamping are becoming year-round, resilient businesses aligned with sustainable tourism goals

 

FAQs

1. Why are fisheries choosing to diversify with glamping?

Fisheries are adding glamping to increase income, attract non-angling guests, and make better use of their natural assets. While fishing typically appeals to a niche audience, glamping opens the site up to couples, families, and wellness travellers. As shown by Springwood Fisheries and Stanley Villa Farm, this diversification turns seasonal or weather-dependent fisheries into year-round rural getaways with multiple revenue streams.

 

2. Is glamping a viable year-round revenue source for fisheries?

Yes. When properly insulated and equipped, glamping pods can deliver consistent income throughout the year. Heated, weatherproof units, as installed at Springwood and Rossharbour, allow fisheries to host guests during colder months when traditional camping declines. This extended operating season dramatically increases revenue and helps offset seasonal dips in angler visits.

Home Living Luxury pods are well-insulated and ideal for year-round use to ensure full booking in any season.

 

3. Do I need planning permission to install glamping pods at my fishery?

In most cases, yes. Planning permission is required to install permanent glamping pods. It’s essential to present a well-prepared proposal showing minimal environmental impact, proper waste management, and potential local economic benefits. Springwood Fisheries successfully secured permission early on, which enabled full-time, year-round operation. Home Living Luxury can help you prepare for this process with pod designs tailored to planning criteria and local regulations.

Read our blog on “Mastering Planning Permission: How to Get Approval for Your UK Glamping Site” to learn more.

 

4. What types of glamping pods are best for fisheries?

Pods designed for comfort, privacy, and proximity to fishing pegs are ideal. Key features include en-suite bathrooms, heating, and scenic views of the water. Stanley Villa’s success with simple but cosy pods, and Rossharbour’s use of hot tub-equipped luxury units, show that both entry-level and high-end pods can thrive, depending on your target market. Home Living Luxury offers a range of pod models that can be customised for anglers and leisure guests alike.

 

5. How much income can glamping generate for a fishery?

Glamping dramatically increases per-night guest income compared to standard fishing day tickets. At Springwood, pods generated around £70 per night versus a typical £10 day ticket. Stanley Villa’s pods earned up to £149 per night with premium features. With steady occupancy and added services like bait sales, firewood, and hot tubs, glamping can contribute significantly to total turnover, and in many cases, surpass angling revenue.

Want to see what that could look like for your site? Use our Glamping Pod ROI Calculator to estimate which nightly rate you should charge to maximise returns on your pod investment with Home Living Luxury. It’s a practical tool to help you plan, price, and profit confidently.