As the great British summer of 2018 continues, many of us are firmly in the holiday mindset. When the weather is good you can’t beat a UK break and it seems glamping is where it’s at. In this blog we look at the rise of Glamping and how it has created a wealth of new independent businesses in the UK.
The Stats
According to the market research company Mintel, the number of people choosing a camping holiday is on the up. More than 17 million camping and caravanning trips were taken by UK adults in 2016, a figure which is expected to rise to more than 21 million in 2020.
What’s behind this rise?
Holiday makers have been hit hard over the last 10 years. The financial melt-down, nature throwing it’s best at us, strikes and a large volcanic ash cloud have left tourists out of pocket. On the positive side, the summer weather in the UK is looking decidedly brighter and the eco-benefits of reducing carbon footprint is another tick in the box for holiday makers.
A recent survey conducted by Go Outdoors revealed that 4 out of 5 Brits would rather go on a ‘staycation’ in the UK than travel abroad. Their reasons? Affordability, safety and less travel time.
What is Glamping?
Camping has been given a makeover. Glamping has been increasing in popularity over the last 10 years. In summary, it is comfortable camping - the best of camping without any of the ‘roughing it’! Glamping is, essentially, sleeping outside in any sort of semi-permanent structure.
You still are out in the fresh air, enjoying the great outdoors. You can still have a fire, hear nature all around and sleep out under the stars. You just do it all with a touch of glamour and, more importantly, comfortably. Your equipment is set up for you and many include kitchen facilities, en-suite and washing facilities, electricity and heating or air con.
Glamping Ingenuity
Glamping comes in all forms and the novelty of sleeping somewhere unusual is appealing. You could be sleeping in a double bed in a canvas tepee or in a Yurt. Recently, we have also seen sheep sheds, gypsy wagons and even train carriages turned in to ‘cabins’.
The endless possibilities, scope for creativity and affordability of becoming part of this industry has resulted in many independent businesses springing up across the country. Some farmers have looked to diversify amid political uncertainty, adapting their land in a bid to take advantage of agritourism.
Independent Business Benefits
Peter and Amanda Copp opened ‘Hidden Valley Yurts’ which is located in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ on a working farm. The 5 eco-friendly Mongolian Yurts (updated in 2015 by Mike Pointing) sleep 7 guests and can be found in a secluded valley alongside a stream. Chickens provide a variety of fresh eggs for guests.
Cheshire-based automotive engineer Jag Virdie has designed the ‘Conker’. The eco-friendly Conker can be built in a day and is run on solar power. It includes a bedroom with double bed, wardrobe, kitchenette and en-suite. Multiple Conkers can be linked for extra space and larger groups.
Glamping Kudos
As with many independent businesses, Instagram has helped to bolster the rise of Glamping in the UK. #glamping has racked up well over 1.2 million posts on the picture-perfect social media platform.
Festival-themed Weddings are very much on trend where guests glamp after the celebrations.
The Duke and Duchess even glamped during their visit to Australia back in 2014, where their 2 man tent allegedly cost £1200 per night!
So, Glamping, just like camping is affordable, fun, gets you enjoying the great outdoors but best of all is now a very desirable holiday. What’s more, it has helped strengthen the UK’s Tourism Industry and given birth to many new independent businesses.
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