EVOLVING FACE OF OUTDOOR LUXURY

Glamping is a Growth Opportunity for Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks & Campsites...

Glamping holidays are undeniably different from any other kind. From treehouses and cabins to yurts, huts and safari tents, each location offers a unique slice of outdoor living.

Each site offers its own unforgettable moments — the delighted laughter of children dashing around the picnic table, the thrill of letting go on a river swing, or the gentle hum of conversation and the soft clink of bottles around a flickering campfire.

For holiday park operators, glamping represents far more than a pretty view or quirky accommodation style — it’s a powerful, profitable evolution of the outdoor leisure market.

THE RISE (AND STAYING POWER) OF GLAMPING
What began as a niche luxury trend has now become a cornerstone of the UK holiday park offering. Glamping has matured into a mainstream, multi-generational travel experience that blends comfort, adventure, and sustainability. In the wake of the pandemic, when travel restrictions reshaped holiday habits, British staycations surged — and glamping was perfectly positioned to meet the demand for safe, nature-rich escapes.

That momentum hasn’t slowed. According to VisitBritain, interest in outdoor accommodation remains high, particularly among younger families and couples who value experience over excess. Glamping is no longer a temporary craze; it’s the new benchmark for outdoor luxury — and a serious business opportunity.

Park owners who once relied solely on touring pitches or static caravans are now finding that glamping units not only attract new audiences but extend the season and strengthen year-round revenue. For many, it’s a diversification strategy that futureproofs their park while elevating guest experience.

It's a powerful, profitable evolution of the outdoor leisure market.

BUSINESS BENEFITS FOR PARK OPERATORS
For those managing or developing holiday parks, the business case for glamping is strong.

Increased Occupancy and Higher Margins:
Glamping units typically command higher nightly rates than traditional camping or touring pitches. Their premium feel justifies the price point, while their comfort and weather resilience mean they’re occupied for longer stretches of the year.

Longer Seasons:
With insulated pods, eco-cabins and heated safari tents, operators can open earlier in spring and stay open later into autumn. All-weather glamping means less reliance on the fickle British summer.

Appeal to New Demographics:
Glamping attracts a broad mix — from young couples seeking weekend getaways to multi-generational families looking for shared experiences. Many guests are first-time campers drawn in by the promise of luxury touches like en-suite bathrooms, hot tubs, and proper beds.

Upselling Opportunities:
Once guests are on site, there’s scope to increase revenue through optional extras — hot tubs, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, spa pods, or guided activities. Glamping lends itself perfectly to personalised experiences.

A Strong Marketing Edge:
Visually striking and social-media-friendly, glamping units make perfect marketing material. Eye-catching imagery of stylish lodges or twinkling nights under canvas resonates across social media and online booking platforms, helping parks stand out in a crowded marketplace. For parks aiming to refresh or reposition their brand, glamping can instantly enhance visual appeal and storytelling power.

MODULAR AND OFF-GRID designs combine sustainability with modern convenience.

TYPES OF GLAMPING UNITS & WHAT’S TRENDING
The modern glamping landscape is wonderfully diverse. Operators can now choose from a wide range of structures to suit their landscape, budget, and guest profile.

Safari Tents & Lodges:
Spacious, durable and visually impressive, safari tents remain one of the most popular choices for parks seeking a balance between luxury and authenticity.

Pods & Shepherd Huts:
Compact and efficient, these offer year-round comfort with minimal maintenance. Perfect for couples’ retreats or smaller sites.

Yurts & Tipis:
These structures deliver a strong connection to nature, ideal for parks promoting wellness or off-grid stays.

Treehouses & Elevated Cabins:
Offering a real wow factor, these premium options can command top-tier rates and create social-media buzz.

Modular & Off-Grid Designs:
The latest trend is flexibility. Many new glamping solutions incorporate solar panels, compost toilets, and rainwater harvesting — appealing to guests who value sustainability.

Luxury Touches:
Modern glamping is about more than quirky shapes — it’s about finish and feel. Think en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, and private hot tubs. Guests increasingly expect the comfort of a boutique hotel combined with the adventure of the outdoors.

Design Trends:
Natural materials, earthy tones, and minimalist luxury are shaping the new look of glamping. Operators are investing in aesthetics that blend seamlessly with the landscape, creating “Instagrammable” destinations that double as marketing assets.

EN-SUITE BATHROOMS, KITCHENETTES, and hot tubs are now expected features in premium glamping, photo credit to Canopy & Stars.

Clear Sky Safari Tents Deliver Comfort, Charm, and Strong ROI for Holiday Parks
The UK glamping market continues to thrive, with guests seeking experiences that combine comfort, adventure, and sustainability. Over the past few years, expectations have shifted significantly: visitors now want high-end luxury in outdoor settings — complete with fully furnished interiors, high-quality bathrooms, and reliable, weatherproof accommodation.

Holiday park operators are responding by investing in durable, stylish Safari Lodges that meet these higher standards while still offering guests an authentic connection with nature. At Clear Sky Safari Tents, the Luxury Canvas Lodge range remains especially popular among UK holiday parks and landowners. These versatile lodges combine charm and comfort with impressive ROI.

Their spacious layouts, flexible configurations and robust build make them an ideal solution for parks looking to broaden their appeal while maintaining operational efficiency. A recent Clear Sky project at Sandringham has demonstrated this success first-hand.

The park introduced 15 Safari Lodges — including DDA-compliant options — to provide a mix of accommodation for families, couples, and accessible stays. Guests have praised the combination of comfort and rural charm, reinforcing the growing demand for premium outdoor experiences.

What sets Clear Sky apart is their end-to-end service — guiding operators through every stage of development, from planning permission to installation. Their expertise ensures that each project is not only visually stunning but commercially sound, helping holiday parks achieve long-term success in the evolving glamping market.

OUTDOOR DECKS AND PRIVATE HOT TUBS offer opportunities for upselling and premium guest experiences.

SUSTAINABILITY & THE ECO APPEAL
For today’s guests, sustainability isn’t a bonus — it’s an expectation. Glamping fits naturally into this ethos, allowing operators to embrace environmentally responsible practices while enhancing guest experience.

From off-grid technologies and solar power to rainwater collection and eco-friendly waste systems, glamping lends itself to green innovation. Many glamping structures are built from sustainable materials and designed to have minimal impact on the landscape. In some cases, they can be removed seasonally, leaving little trace on the land.

Operators are increasingly joining Green Tourism and similar accreditation schemes, using these as selling points for eco-conscious visitors. By adopting circular economy principles — sourcing locally, using renewable energy, and minimising waste — holiday parks can appeal to the growing demographic of travellers who want comfort without compromise.

PODS AND SHEPHERD HUTS offer compact, efficient accommodation with year-round appeal, photo credit to Canopy & Stars.

THE FUTURE OF GLAMPING
As the UK leisure industry continues to evolve, glamping stands out as one of its brightest success stories. Its strength lies in adaptability — the ability to merge luxury with simplicity, and innovation with sustainability.

For park owners and managers, glamping is both a creative and commercial opportunity: a way to reimagine the guest experience, attract new audiences, and generate reliable, repeatable income.

With quality suppliers such as Clear Sky Safari Tents helping operators deliver premium results, the sector is set to remain one of the most exciting growth areas in outdoor hospitality. In 2025 and beyond, glamping isn’t just redefining how people holiday — it’s reshaping how holiday parks thrive.

Clear Sky Safari Tents
Tel: 0333 241 2660
www.safaritentsandlodges.com

Canopy & Stars
www.canopyandstars.com

GO-TO DESTINATION

GO-TO DESTINATION

Beth Connor enjoys a memorable escape to John Fowler's St. Ives Holiday Village...

COMMODATION BOASTS comfortable furnishings and well-equipped kitchenettes.

A charming resort, John Fowler’s St Ives Holiday Village is the go-to destination for travellers looking to experience the best that Cornwall has to offer. Nestled near to the charming coastal town of St Ives, the tranquil family retreat is ideal for those seeking an escape from the daily hustle and bustle.

As soon as guests arrive, guests are immediately captivated by its idyllic setting, camouflaged within lush greenery, surrounded by rolling hills with a hint of the nearby ocean breeze. The well-maintained grounds, adorned with colourful flowers and quaint pathways, create an inviting atmosphere that instantly sets the tone for a relaxing getaway.

Accommodation at St Ives Holiday Village cater to various needs and preferences. The charming holiday lodges exude a homely ambiance, featuring modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and well-equipped kitchenettes. Each lodge offers privacy while maintaining proximity to the resort’s central facilities.

Additionally, the resort provides options for larger groups, with spacious cottages and villas designed to accommodate families or friends traveling together. The woodland walk is an exceptional feature of the village that draws in visitors.

It has a carefully designed and maintained pathway that meanders through a lush and enchanting forest, offering a unique and immersive experience with nature. In the centre you will find a Play Area HUB with plenty of informative nature boards as you walk through.

 

 

HEATED POOL
One of the highlights of the St. Ives Holiday Village is its range of leisure facilities. The heated swimming pool attracts visitors of all ages, providing a delightful way to unwind. For those seeking more active pursuits, the resort offers a fully equipped gym and sports courts for tennis, basketball, and football.

The children’s playground keeps the young ones entertained, ensuring that families can enjoy quality time. A standout feature of the village is its entertainment programme. The dedicated team hosts various activities and events throughout the day, catering to guests’ diverse interests.

From interactive games and arts and crafts sessions for the kids to evening performances, quizzes, and live music for adults, there is never a dull moment at St. Ives Holiday Village. Food enthusiasts will find a satisfying selection of dining options on-site. The village boasts a restaurant with a diverse menu featuring local delicacies and international dishes.

The talented chefs prioritise fresh, locally sourced ingredients, elevating the dining experience to a memorable one. Those looking for a more casual setting can head to the village’s pub, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of beverages to complement hearty pub-style meals.

THE TALENTED CHEFS prioritise fresh, locally sourced ingredients on the restaurant menu.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
One of the resort’s undeniable advantages is its proximity to St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most enchanting towns. The village provides a convenient shuttle service to the town centre, allowing guests to explore its charming cobbled streets, art galleries, and beautiful beaches effortlessly.

Whether visitors want to savour fresh seafood at a local restaurant, immerse themselves in the town’s artistic heritage, or simply relax on the sandy shores, St. Ives has something for everyone. John Fowler’s St Ives Holiday Village proves to be a delightful destination for those seeking a memorable escape in the heart of Cornwall.

Its tranquil setting, well-appointed accommodations, excellent leisure facilities, and proximity to St Ives make it an ideal choice for families, couples, and friends alike.

John Fowler Holiday Park, St. Ives Holiday Village, Lelant, Saint Ives TR26 3HX
www.johnfowlerholidays.com/cornwall-holiday-park/st-ives-holiday-village