Family-run glamping sites are the heart of the UK’s thriving outdoor hospitality industry. In fact, the majority of dedicated glamping sites in the UK are privately owned by individuals, couples or families. (Tents Xpert) Unlike larger resorts, these sites offer something truly special: genuine hospitality, personal attention, and a welcoming atmosphere that guests remember long after they’ve returned home.
With staycations and sustainable travel on the rise, more UK travellers are seeking immersive nature-based experiences without sacrificing comfort. In 2024, 52% of UK holidaymakers preferred staycations over international travel, indicating a continued interest in domestic tourism. (Holiday Park Scene) This shift in demand has created a perfect opportunity for families looking to launch a business that blends lifestyle and income.
What makes this venture even more special? Once it’s up and running a successful glamping business can be passed down through generations, creating a lasting legacy and a shared family purpose that evolves over time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build a thriving family-run glamping site, from finding the perfect location and navigating planning permissions to creating unique guest experiences and building long-term customer loyalty.
Why Families Are Ideal for Running a Glamping Site
Family-run glamping sites have a distinct advantage: they offer authenticity, warmth, and hands-on hospitality that larger operations simply can’t replicate. For many guests, especially those travelling with children, this makes all the difference. It’s not just about a place to stay, but the experience of being welcomed by real people with a genuine passion for what they do.
Personal involvement from the owners plays a huge role in guest satisfaction. Simple, thoughtful actions like helping set up a campfire for marshmallows, offering insider tips about nearby nature trails, or personally welcoming each guest can leave a lasting impression. For many guests, returning to a family-run site feels like visiting old friends resulting in strong guest loyalty and repeat bookings. For example, one award-winning Warren Farm in Somerset reports that “50% of our guests are repeat bookings”. (Warren Farm Somerset)
Another key advantage is shared responsibility. Family members often take on different roles from managing bookings and social media to preparing accommodation and maintaining outdoor spaces. This division of labour not only keeps staffing costs down, but also builds a business culture based on trust, shared goals, and personal investment.
Running a glamping site as a family also creates a unique lifestyle opportunity. Children grow up learning practical skills, responsibility, and the value of hospitality. It’s a business model that can evolve with time and be passed down across generations turning a successful venture into a lasting family legacy.
When done well, a family-run glamping business becomes more than just a source of income. It becomes a destination that guests return to time and time again for comfort, community, and connection.
The Journey to Starting a Glamping Business
Not every glamping site owner begins with a background in hospitality. In fact, many successful family-run businesses started with nothing more than a piece of land and a desire to create something meaningful. For some, the journey began accidentally by buying rural land with no firm plans, and then discovering that glamping offered an enjoyable and profitable alternative to traditional farming or property rentals.
For others, the inspiration came after experiencing disappointing glamping stays themselves. These experiences sparked the idea to build something better with accommodation that felt more like a boutique hotel than a basic campsite. That’s where thoughtful design, private bathrooms, quality bedding, and family-friendly amenities came into play, helping bridge the gap between rustic charm and modern comfort.
If you’re at the beginning of your journey, the good news is that you don’t have to dive in all at once. Home Living Luxury glamping pods fall under the category of temporary accommodation, making them ideal for testing your business concept before committing to large-scale development. Built from premium materials and designed to last over 20 years with proper care, these pods provide a durable, low-risk entry point into the glamping industry.
Even better, our pods are fully portable. So if you decide to relocate or expand to a new site, your investment moves with you. It’s the flexibility you need to grow confidently, without being locked into a single location. Plus, with a lead time of just 8 weeks, you can get your glamping business up and running sooner than you might think.
Curious about how to get started without overspending? See our blog on “Starting a Glamping Business in the UK on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide”.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the right location is one of the most important decisions when launching a glamping site. Your site’s location directly impacts guest satisfaction, marketing potential, and planning permission success.
• Rural vs. Semi-Urban Settings: Scenic countryside areas near national parks, woodlands, or coastlines are highly attractive for glamping. These locations offer peace and natural beauty, which are top priorities for many guests. Semi-urban settings can also work well if they provide a sense of escape while remaining accessible by road or public transport.
• Proximity to Attractions: Sites close to walking trails, historic landmarks, beaches, or family-friendly attractions offer added value to guests. This eliminates the need for costly on-site entertainment and encourages longer stays.
• Local Demand & Competition: Before settling on a location, research existing glamping sites nearby. Analyse their occupancy levels, pricing, and customer reviews. Identifying gaps in the market, such as family-friendly facilities or eco-conscious stays, can help you position your site more effectively.
Many successful glamping sites attract repeat visitors from nearby cities seeking weekend getaways. Good transport links, nearby amenities, and peaceful surroundings can significantly broaden your customer base.
Want to choose a location that supports your business success and planning approval?
Read our blog on “The Easiest Locations in the UK to Get Glamping Site Planning Permission” for insight into areas with council support, tourism demand, and fewer restrictions.
Planning Permission & Legal Considerations
Understanding and securing planning permission is one of the most important and often misunderstood steps when launching a glamping site in the UK. Planning laws vary by council, and failing to comply can lead to costly delays or enforcement action.
Key Steps in the Planning Process:
• Apply for Change of Land Use: Most glamping sites will require a change from agricultural or undeveloped land to tourism or leisure use. This application is submitted to your local council.
• Health & Safety Compliance: You’ll need to demonstrate how your site meets health and safety regulations, including fire safety, accessibility, and emergency procedures.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): In some areas, particularly near protected land or sensitive habitats, an EIA may be required. This outlines how your site will minimise environmental disruption.
• Insurance Requirements: Comprehensive insurance for public liability, property damage, and business interruption is essential for protecting your business and guests.
Common Planning Challenges:
Some councils impose restrictions such as:
• Limiting developments to canvas-only structures like tents or yurts.
• Imposing seasonal operation periods (e.g. March to October).
• Height or footprint limitations for permanent-looking structures.
Despite these challenges, many glamping businesses receive full planning approval within 8 to 12 weeks, especially when applications are professionally prepared and supported by local consultants or architects. Collaborating with a planning consultant or architect familiar with local policy can significantly improve your chances of success.
At Home Living Luxury, we help streamline your planning application by providing full pod specifications, including height, layout, and clearance details. We also offer 2D and 3D drawings required for planning permission, along with guidance on electrical and plumbing setup. Our pods are designed to meet key planning criteria, such as height restrictions and temporary structure classifications, making the approval process smoother.
See our blog on “Mastering Planning Permission: How to Get Approval for Your UK Glamping Site”.
Choosing the Right Glamping Accommodation
The type of accommodation you choose plays a crucial role in shaping guest experience, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability. While there are several popular options in the UK market, not all are equally suited for a family-run business.
Common glamping accommodation options include:
• Pods: Practical, durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for year-round use. See our Dual Halfmoon Pod, a spacious, family-friendly model designed to comfortably accommodate group stays while maximising style and functionality.
• Glamping Barrels: Compact and quirky, barrels provide a unique aesthetic appeal but offer limited space, making them less suitable for families or longer stays. See The "Viking's Stronghold" Pod for a charming, space-efficient solution.
• Cabins: Solid structures that offer excellent insulation and comfort, but they often require higher upfront investment and longer installation times compared to pods. Explore our Tiny 2-Person Glamping Cabin for a beautifully compact option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
• Modular Off-Grid Homes: Sleek, spacious, and relocatable, modular off-grid homes offer year-round comfort with a minimal footprint. Ideal for private retreats or luxury glamping stays, they combine natural materials with full-glass panels for panoramic views and a light-filled interior. See our "Luxury 2 Person Modular Off-Grid Home", a stylish, self-contained unit built for modern, off-grid living.
The Dual Halfmoon Pod - Luxury 2 Person Glamping Pod at The Crown Pantygelli
Why Pods Are the Best Option for Family-Run Sites
Pods stand out as the most practical and reliable accommodation for long-term success. They offer a strong balance of comfort, durability, and ease of operation, making them especially suitable for family-run sites. Unlike canvas or tented structures, pods are fully insulated and weather-resistant, allowing you to operate year-round and extend your booking season into the colder months.
At Home Living Luxury, our glamping pods are built with premium materials, come with high-end finishes, and are designed to withstand the UK’s unpredictable climate. Each pod is engineered for low maintenance and long-term use, providing an excellent return on investment. With an 8-week lead time and portable, modular construction, our pods offer flexibility if you need to scale or relocate in the future.
Want to see what kind of returns you can expect from our pods? Use our Glamping Pod ROI Calculator to estimate your payback period and start planning your investment today.
Building a Strong Customer Base & Repeat Business
The most successful glamping sites prioritise guest experience to drive repeat bookings. Here’s how:
• Personalised Stays: Guests appreciate small, thoughtful touches such as handwritten welcome notes, locally sourced snacks, or surprise activities for children.
• Engagement with Guests: Families return when they feel a genuine connection with the hosts. Being actively involved in their stay, such as helping with fire pits, organising activities, or offering local recommendations, builds loyalty.
• YouTube Marketing/social media marketing: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have become powerful tools for driving direct bookings and building a loyal community around your glamping brand. Family-run sites often see great success by sharing behind-the-scenes content, local attractions, and authentic day-in-the-life videos that showcase the personality of the site. A single viral video can generate international enquiries and drastically reduce reliance on third-party booking platforms.
Want to learn how to use social media to attract more bookings? See our blog on “How to Effectively Market Your UK Glamping Site on Social Media”.
• Furnishing on a Budget: Many family-run sites create a warm, inviting atmosphere using a blend of high-end pieces and carefully selected second-hand or upcycled furniture. This not only keeps setup costs down but also adds character to each accommodation.
• Off-Season Maintenance: Winter brings additional challenges such as damp conditions, rodent prevention, and storage for soft furnishings. Investing in high-quality, insulated pods helps reduce these seasonal maintenance demands. Well-built structures retain heat better, lowering energy bills and protecting interiors from weather-related wear and tear.
At Home Living Luxury, our glamping pods are engineered with premium insulation and weather-resistant materials, making them suitable for year-round use. This means fewer maintenance costs, increased durability, and a longer operational season. Want expert advice on setting up a cost-efficient glamping site? Schedule a free consultation with us today. Link below the FAQs.
Want more strategies for a cost-effective setup? See our blog on “Starting a Glamping Business in the UK on a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide”.
Case Studies: Family-Run Glamping Site in the UK
Many of the UK’s most successful glamping businesses are family-run operations that have combined personal touches with high-quality accommodation to stand out in a competitive market. These sites prove that you don’t need a huge team or resort-style infrastructure to build a thriving glamping brand. Below are three inspiring examples of family-run glamping sites using pods to deliver exceptional guest experiences and achieve long-term success.
• West Stow Pods (Suffolk): A family-run glamping retreat in the Suffolk countryside, near Bury St Edmunds. West Stow offers four cosy wooden “MegaPods” plus two lodges, but its star attraction is Pod Hollow, a hobbit-themed underground pod built into a grassy knoll. This Tolkien-inspired subterranean cabin (complete with modern comforts) sets West Stow Pods apart as a truly unique stay. (West Stow Pods)
• Wellington Farm Pods (Lake District, Cumbria): Wellington Jerseys farm, on the edge of the Lake District National Park, has successfully diversified into luxury pods. This family-run dairy farm installed six glamping pods each with a private hydrotherapy hot tub and panoramic fell views. In just the first 18 months, they’ve attracted “countless visitors” with multiple repeat bookings and excellent reviews thanks to the farm’s personal touch and stunning locale. (Wellington Farm Pods)
• Lamb’s Glamping (Peak District, Derbyshire): A small, family-run pod site nestled at the edge of woodland overlooking the Derbyshire Dales. Each of the three bespoke pods (Squirrel, Owl, Robin) includes a full ensuite, kitchen, and a private electric hot tub. The site’s setting is “nestled between trees but with a spectacular view over the countryside valleys towards Chesterfield”. This blend of seclusion in nature with cosy luxury (like steaming hot tubs under the stars) makes Lamb’s Glamping a standout rural escape in the Peak District. (Lamb’s Glamping)
The Pod Hollow at West Stow Pods. Credits to West Stow Pods.
Conclusion
Building a successful family-run glamping site doesn’t require perfection from day one. Many thriving businesses start small with just two or three accommodations and grow steadily as demand increases. The key is to take the first step, stay adaptable, and learn as you go.
Providing excellent customer service is one of the most effective ways to build loyalty. When guests feel welcomed and cared for, they return often, year after year and bring others with them. By identifying a niche that aligns with your values, whether it’s family-friendly breaks, wellness retreats, or adventure-focused stays, you’ll attract a loyal audience and create a memorable brand.
If you’re ready to turn your vision into a reality, Home Living Luxury is here to support you every step of the way. Our bespoke glamping pods are crafted for long-term performance, style, and comfort, helping your site stand out while keeping operations efficient.
Schedule a free consultation today to explore how our pods and expert guidance can help you launch or scale your glamping business with confidence. Link below the FAQs.
Summary
• Family-run glamping sites offer personal, authentic guest experiences that large resorts can’t replicate
• 52% of UK travellers preferred staycations in 2024, creating strong demand for local, nature-based getaways
• Many family glamping businesses start small, often with just a few pods, and grow gradually over time
• Shared responsibilities within the family help reduce costs and create a strong, trust-based work culture
• The right location should balance natural beauty, accessibility, and proximity to attractions
• Planning permission is essential and varies by council; working with consultants improves approval chances
• Pods are the best accommodation type for family-run sites due to their durability, insulation, and low maintenance
• Home Living Luxury pods are portable, weatherproof, and ready within 8 weeks, ideal for scaling
• Successful sites focus on guest experience with personal touches, social media engagement, and year-round comfort
• Case studies from West Stow Pods, Wellington Farm Pods, and Lamb’s Glamping show how families can thrive in this space
• Strong customer service, authentic branding, and thoughtful details lead to high guest retention and repeat bookings
• Family-run glamping businesses can build a legacy that blends lifestyle, income, and long-term growth
FAQs
1. Do I need a licence to run a glamping site in the UK?
Yes, you will typically need planning permission to change the use of your land for glamping. Depending on your site’s size and setup, you may also need licences for operating temporary structures, running off-grid utilities, and meeting health and safety regulations. It’s best to consult with your local planning authority and a knowledgeable architect. At Home Living Luxury, we provide detailed pod specifications and drawings to support your planning application.
2. How much investment is needed to start a glamping business?
The initial investment can range from £10,000 to £100,000, depending on factors like location, land costs, infrastructure, and the number of glamping units. While costs vary, a reasonable budget for a small site is between £15,000 and £50,000. Starting with a few units and expanding gradually can help manage expenses.
3. What are the most popular types of glamping accommodations?
While there are many options, such as domes, cabins, and glamping barrels, insulated pods are by far the most practical choice for UK weather. They require less maintenance, offer year-round usability, and are ideal for family-run sites. Explore our full Glamping Pod Collection here.
4. How do I attract more guests to my glamping site?
Focus on building a strong online presence through SEO, a mobile-friendly website, and social media marketing. You can also drive bookings by creating unique experiences, engaging directly with guests, and showcasing behind-the-scenes content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
5. Can a glamping site be run off-grid?
Absolutely. Many family-run sites use solar panels, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce costs and appeal to eco-conscious travellers. Home Living Luxury’s glamping pods are fully compatible with off-grid setups and can be customised to support your sustainability goals.
