natural materials

EVOLVING FACE OF OUTDOOR LUXURY

Posted on November 12, 2025

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

FIVE YEARS OF TRANQUILLITY

Posted on November 11, 2025

Cambridgeshire Lakes Proves the Promise of Log Lodges...

When developer Charlie Alexander embarked on creating Cambridgeshire Lakes, nestled in rolling countryside near Cambridge, he knew his ambition would rest not just on beautiful surroundings but on creating an enduring experience.

Five years on, his vision is testament to how carefully crafted timber lodges and authentic design can become the heart of a holiday park success story. From the outset, Norwegian Log’s proposition was compelling. Charlie opted for bespoke log lodges that evoke Scandinavian calm and a deep connection with nature.

Over the years, those cabins have not simply matured; they have deepened the park’s identity, elevating guest expectations and yielding commercial resilience. The log buildings age gracefully, their timber textures becoming part of the environment rather than fighting against it.

What is striking about Cambridgeshire Lakes is how the lodges themselves do much of the hard work in creating atmosphere. Guests return to warm, quiet interiors, natural materials, and characterful detailing.

That sense of place is a major draw in today’s staycation market, where holidaymakers, tired of digital overload and city stress, look for escapes that feel real. It is not just a roof over one’s head but a retreat that speaks to wellbeing.

Operationally, the park has benefited from the durability and low-maintenance advantages of quality log construction, while the lodges’ inherent insulation and thermal performance help smooth seasonal transitions.

As lettings continue to perform and repeat bookings strengthen, Cambridgeshire Lakes reaffirms a key lesson: investment in distinct, high-quality structures pays dividends over time. Yet the story is not only about buildings. It is about the balance between nature, design, and guest experience.

The setting of water, woodland, and unspoilt views matters as much as the cabin walls. The response from visitors has been enthusiastic, with many remarking on the immersive, calm ambience that lingers after they leave.

For holiday park operators seeking differentiation, Cambridgeshire Lakes offers a living case study. The decision to build with timber was not purely aesthetic; it was strategic. Today, it communicates a message: parks that commit to quality, authenticity, and environment-led design create something lasting.

It is a competitive edge that transcends marketing and one that resonates with the trends shaping guest expectations across the UK. As more parks look to refresh or expand, take heed: the lodges you choose may do more than house your visitors; they may become your calling card.

Norwegian Log
0118 9669 236
www.norwegianlog.co.uk

10 EXPERT TIPS FOR DESIGNING A LUXURY LODGE

Posted on July 31, 2025

With nearly four decades of experience, timber lodge specialists Pinelog Ltd have helped shape some of the UK’s most stylish and successful holiday park accommodation. Their expert design team has shared ten essential tips for creating a luxury lodge that delivers comfort, visual appeal and long-term guest satisfaction.

1. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Design decisions should start with a clear understanding of your target market. One-bedroom retreats with hot tubs or saunas suit couples, while families seek larger lodges with open-plan layouts. Pet-friendly additions like boot rooms and dog showers are increasingly in demand.

2. PRIORITISE SUSTAINABLY
Guests are more eco-conscious than ever. Using responsibly sourced timber, adding renewable energy systems and prioritising insulation all reduce environmental impact and operational costs.

3. HEAT EFFICIENCY
To extend the rental season, modern heating solutions like panel heaters or wood burners should be paired with top-grade insulation.

4. MAXIMISE NATURAL VIEWS
Lodges should feel connected to their setting. Floor-to-ceiling windows and well-placed glazing bring in light and scenery, enhancing guest wellbeing.

5. DESIGN SMART LAYOUTS
A flowing kitchen-dining-lounge “triangle” supports social interaction and suits a wide variety of users, from couples to multigenerational families.

6. INVEST IN BEDROOM COMFORT
Spacious bedrooms with ample storage are a must, even in compact designs. Guests staying longer appreciate thoughtful design.

7. MAKE BATHROOMS BRIGHT
Smart storage, walk-in showers and features like skylights help small bathrooms feel luxurious and practical.

8. HIGH-QUALITY INTERIORS
Durable and attractive materials extend the lifespan of your lodge. High-spec finishes improve resale value and require less maintenance.

9. USE LOW-MAINTENANCE EXTERIORS
Pinelog - bedrooms with storage and pace Natural materials such as timber, ceramics and metal age well and maintain kerb appeal over time with minimal upkeep.

10. DESIGN FOR PURPOSE
Lodges for personal use can reflect individual taste, while rental lodges benefit from neutral palettes, robust finishes and ease of maintenance. Always design with the end-user in mind. Pinelog’s designs are renowned for their timeless style, comfort and robust performance.

Whether you’re looking to add new accommodation or start a holiday park from scratch, their expert guidance ensures every lodge delivers long-term value and guest satisfaction.

Pinelog Ltd
01246 942842
www.pinelog.co.uk/holiday-park-expertise/

THE FUN FACTOR

Posted on August 2, 2023

THE FUN FACTOR

Play remains an integral part of the holiday offering...

POST PANDEMIC, there appears to be a strong demand for parents to allow children the freedom to play outdoors in the fresh air. Pic. Proludic

Independently commissioned research - by leading outdoor play and sport provider Proludic, has shown that the public is as keen as ever to see high-quality outdoor play areas at holiday destinations across the UK. The results showed a relationship between the availability of play facilities and time spent at leisure venues. There is a clear desire to see play as an integral part of the offering.

Over half (51%) of the respondents said play areas were an important consideration for them when visiting a holiday park, or visitor attraction. A significant 41% said they were more likely to book a UK holiday park vacation if they had made good provisions for children’s play. The majority (65%) said keeping children entertained in a good play space at all visitor and leisure attractions was important to them.

Post pandemic, there appears to be a strong demand for parents to allow children the freedom to play outdoors in the fresh air, particularly as they have recently spent many months indoors. Playing outdoors has many benefits but particularly improves mental health, fitness and boosts vitamin D levels.

Proludic’s history in play began in 1985 with a range of play equipment constructed from timber. Back then the focus was to capture the elements of nature incorporating tree houses to play in, logs to balance along and trunks to climb up.

PROLUDIC, has shown that the public is as keen as ever to see high-quality outdoor play areas.

DESIGN INFLUENCES
Nature is ever present in Proludic’s history influencing designs and creating wonderful play opportunities for children in the play areas that the company has built over the last three decades. Nature has an abundance of play resources for children and is an ideal setting for adventure and discovery. The unstructured activities provided by nature stimulate physical activity, imagination, creativity, motor skills and cognitive development.

The use of natural materials in the construction of playground equipment brings nature into the play space and can offer an ideal backdrop within holiday destination venues and at leisure attractions. With this in mind, Proludic’s Origin’ range, launched in 2013, was designed to provide children with a secure environment to learn and develop through exploring nature’s play activities.

Balance trails, swings, springers, roundabouts and role-play items offer individual play opportunities to support movement development. A range of multiplay units has limitless combinations. Triangular towers with different floors, heights, ladders, climbing, ramps, fixed, and mobile, bridges, tunnels, vertical nuts, climbing walls, slides and Fireman’s poles.

All of these elements, make for original tailor-made play combinations. Known for its durability and resistance in outdoor environments to insects, fungus and inclement weather, Robinia guarantees the longevity of playground facilities. Rotproof and stable over time, it can be installed in the ground without the need for chemical treatments.

The Robinia used for the Origin range is PEFC-certified, which means it comes from sustainably managed European forests. Due to the expertise and skill of Proludic team members who have worked within the forestry industry, the company has recently extended the standard Origin’ range to include larger structures based on three themes - Medieval Legends and Tales, Adventures in Nature and Sealife Scenes.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
Wicksteed is the leading manufacturer of outdoor playground equipment in the UK. The company boasts a longstanding history and heritage within the playground sector, developing trusted relationships with schools, councils, holiday parks and housing developers for more than 100 years. Working in partnership is a key ingredient for Wicksteed projects.

For instance, Pensnett Coppice has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the dedicated collaboration between Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Friends of the Coppice, and Wicksteed Leisure. This rejuvenation project not only brought life back to the once-empty site but also created a vibrant and engaging playground that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings.

With Wicksteed Leisure’s unwavering commitment to safety, children can now explore and play with peace of mind. The newly installed play equipment, in vibrant yellows and greens, stands as a beacon of joy amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings. Wicksteed Leisure’s expertise in design and playability ensured that the equipment seamlessly integrated into the environment while capturing attention from afar.

Every element was carefully selected to provide a diverse range of engaging options, offering endless hours of entertainment for children of all ages and abilities. Harmony with the natural environment was a paramount consideration in the playground’s design.

To preserve the rural charm of Pensnett Coppice, the play area features Notts Sport synthetic carpet surfacing. This durable and robust surface not only enhances safety but also blends harmoniously with the picturesque surroundings. The transformed playground has been embraced wholeheartedly by the local community.

PLAYING OUTDOORS HAS MANY BENEFITS but particularly improves mental health, fitness and boosts vitamin D levels. Pic. HAGS

HIGH ROPES
Following significant investment, SF Parks has launched a much-anticipated high ropes course at its White House Leisure Park in Towyn, Wales. This latest addition to the park will be followed by an upgrade to Jakes family restaurant and pub, an amusement arcade, a cinema room, and soft play, complementing existing facilities including a crazy golf course and food and drinks outlets.

And it comes as the family-owned business awaits planning permission for another adrenaline-fuelled activity – The Jump – where customers can leap from a three or six-foot platform onto a giant airbag. SF Parks, which also owns Golden Gate in Towyn, Riverside and Sun Valley in Rhuddlan, and Sirior Bach in Moelfre, Abergele, has big plans for the future. Director Jonathan Seldon says these exciting developments are just the start.

“The response to the high ropes course and all of our plans has been really positive, so we thank everyone for their support,” he said. “Our loyal customers are always top priority and enhancing their experience is paramount, which is why we will continue to make improvements and introduce more exhilarating and engaging attractions across the SF Parks portfolio.”

Fellow director Oliver Seldon reinforced those comments and revealed their overall vision will lead to more developments in the months ahead. “This new attraction and The Jump – should we receive the green light next month – show how committed we are to our customers and also the local economy, supporting small businesses and creating full-time and seasonal jobs,” he said. “We will continue to improve standards, embrace innovation and keep investing in all of our parks as that will have a lasting impact not just on SF Parks but the region’s tourism sector.”

WICKSTEED FIRE THE IMAGINATION with outstanding holiday park installations.

ADVENTURE PLAY
If you are looking for more examples of holiday stay and play options, then look no further than Blenheim Palace that offers vacations in partnership with Darwin Escapes. A new £3.6 million outdoor play experience at Blenheim, has been carefully designed and created to ensure children of all abilities from the ages of 2-12 are able to explore and enjoy the extensive play areas.

Adventure Play is a series of immersive interconnecting zones with secret chambers, clamber nets, tunnels, slides, rope bridges - and giant carrots! Covering a site larger than a football pitch, it celebrates the rich heritage of the 18th century baroque Palace, inspired by real-life features including the lakeside Boat House and Hensington Gateway.

Unfortunately, the days when children played out on the street all day are long gone. For many children today – especially families without gardens – outdoor play only happens on holidays.

The onus is therefore on holiday park owners and operators to ensure the play facilities they offer are the best they can be. The key message is invest in outdoor play and you will be rewarded with happy families who are much more likely to return to your park – and tell their friends about it.

COMPANY CONTACTS

Blenheim Palace
www.blenheimpalace.com/adventure-play/

Proludic
Tel. 0115 982 3980
www.proludic.co.uk

SF Parks
01745 833048
www.sfparks.co.uk

Technical Outdoor Solutions
Tel. 01768 840 300
www. technicaloutdoorsolutions.co.uk

Wicksteed
Tel. 01536 517028
www.wicksteed.co.uk