VisitBritain

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

Industry Returns To The Good Times

Posted on February 23, 2016

Industry Returns To The Good Times

A highly successful year for many, 2015 got off to a good start with an extended spring season and the early onset of summer, which put a spring in the step of many holiday park operators.
Riding the crest of a wave, the holiday park and tourism industries in general are feeling positive and confident as we head into the New Year. Holiday Park Scene magazine asked a selection of leading industry personalities to give their take on 2015 and their predictions and resolutions for the year ahead…

Tim GibsonTim Gibson

Managing director of Haven Holidays

“2015 was very positive for Haven; our business grew by over 6 per cent, with more customers searching out and enjoying their holiday in our luxury end accommodation. As a result, they did pay more for their holiday in 2015 but the improvement in our guest satisfaction scores suggest that they found the extra investment in their holiday well worthwhile.

“The good early season weather certainly helped get the year off to a good start and we were able to maintain the momentum throughout the year. Also, our continued investment in the product both physical and service elements has contributed to an increase in repeat custom which bodes well for the future.

“Looking ahead to 2016, we are already seeing more people choosing to book early to secure their first choice of park and chosen accommodation. Some of our most exclusive units are already very well sold and people will increasingly discover that if they wait, it’ll be too late.

“I hope to spend more time on park this year speaking to our park teams and our guests. I also plan to continue to work smarter, to make sure we continue to deliver our business objectives in the most efficient but also the most enjoyable way possible.”

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Social Media Plays Pivotal Role

Posted on February 3, 2016

Social Media Plays Pivotal Role

Social media is the fastest and most powerful way for the UK’s tourism industry to showcase itself, according to a new report by VisitBritain.

A report published by VisitBritain shows the powerful role that social media plays in the UK’s tourism industry

A report published by VisitBritain shows the powerful role that social media plays in the UK’s tourism industry

When it comes to choosing Britain as a holiday destination, the research found that social media plays a key role in the decision-making process with Facebook the main go-to source for respondents in all stages of the holiday-making process.
Meanwhile Twitter was most commonly used for seeking suggestions and advice while on holiday and Instagram was used most by people wanting to plan their trip or share their experiences - though to a lesser extent than the other platforms.
Almost 70 per cent of those surveyed said content posted online by friends made them want to visit a destination and 76 per cent of all respondents had read a review site when thinking about taking a holiday.
VisitBritain marketing director Joss Croft said: “This research reinforces to all of us working in the travel industry the powerful role that social media now plays in offering unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with potential visitors in a timely way, with the right messages, demonstrating an understanding of their world and motivations for travel.”

Record Funding For Coastal Attractions

Posted on April 17, 2015
coastal

Suffolk Coastal district council is one of the areas set to benefit from £36 million of funding from the Coastal Communities Fund. Pic: VisitBritain / Rod Edward.

Record Funding For Coastal Attractions

Seaside towns across England and Scotland are set to benefit from a cash injection of over £45m to boost growth in coastal areas.

A total of 27 coastal towns and villages across Scotland will benefit from £9.58m of UK government funding through the Coastal Communities Fund and a further £36m has been allocated to seaside towns in England. The money will support projects that will create nearly 3,000 jobs and almost 1,500 apprenticeships and training places.

Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the treasury, said: “I created the Coastal Communities Fund because, as someone who grew up on a small island, I know how much difference targeted investment can make to people’s lives. It’s already supported scores of coastal communities from the Highlands of Scotland to the south coast of England.

“Overall, hundreds of communities across the UK will benefit, creating jobs and making sure that some of our most remote and fragile communities share in the economic recovery.”

Among those to benefit will be Blackpool’s world famous illuminations which will receive nearly £2m to help create new light shows that will become a major tourist attraction and create and support nearly 550 new jobs. Tate St Ives will get £3.8m to help extend the art gallery so it can welcome 76,000 new visitors a year and Scarborough’s historic market will get £2.7m to refurbish the market and create space for 30 new businesses creating more than 80 jobs and apprenticeships.

 

Record Breaking Year For Uk Tourism

Posted on November 28, 2014
record

There were more visits to the UK during January-June period than ever before.

Record Breaking Year For UK Tourism

Business has been officially booming for UK tourism this year, after record numbers of tourists visited the country from January to June.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics figures reveal that there were 16.4 million inbound visits to Britain in the first half of 2014, setting a new record for this time period and an increase of eight per cent compared to the first half of 2013.

Holiday visits also performed well, and accounted for 44 per cent of visits in June, setting yet another monthly record of 1.4 million holiday visits - the fifth monthly record for holiday visits set so far this year.

David Edwards, head of research and forecasting at VisitBritain commented: “Tourism is an essential part of the wider success of our economy and these first six months have set us up for what could be another record year for inbound tourism.

“It’s also hugely positive to see growth both from our high volume European markets and also emerging markets across Asia and Latin America.”

Summer Set To Be The Hottest On Record

Posted on May 6, 2014
summer

Holiday parks across the UK and Eire should be gearing up for a sizzling summer according to German weather experts. Pic: Hendra Holiday Park.

Summer Set To Be The Hottest On Record

It may have been the wettest winter in a hundred years, but the UK holiday industry should be getting set for a sizzling summer, if we are to believe scientists, who are 75 per cent certain that 2014 will be the hottest on record for the UK and Eire.

The weather is being linked to the El Niño pattern, which occurs when waters on the Pacific equator become unusually warm, which can lead to disruptive changes in ocean and wind currents across the globe. In a study published by the PNAS journal, scientists in Germany claim they are able to forecast El Niño trends a year in advance, up from six months currently forecast, LiveScience reported.

Meanwhile VisitBritain is forecasting a record-breaking 2014 for tourism. The national tourism agency is expecting an increase of 2% in overseas visitor numbers, resulting in an estimated spend of around £21.5 billion, representing growth of 4.2% in nominal terms.

Sandie Dawe, chief executive at VisitBritain said: “Government investment in the millions will bring tourism returns in the billions. This year is set to be a record – it just goes to show what can be achieved with a clear strategy and cooperation across all the major Government agencies promoting Britain overseas.”

It is business as usual for holiday park operator Park Holidays UK, who announced a record number of bookings in January and February, despite many of their parks being located in areas worst hit by winter’s savage storms. The company’s 23 parks are all based on the coast across Devon and southern and eastern England where some of the strongest winds, highest tides and most persistent downpours were measured. Holiday guests, it says, are unlikely to find any trace of the batterings received from the weather which caused millions of pounds worth of damage to other parks in Britain. March opening “We suspected that the affected parks would be fully dried out in time for our March opening, but thought it fair to offer booked customers a refund, or change of date or park. We’ve also been able to assure all of our of holiday home owners that their properties have successfully weathered the storms, and are now awaiting their return,” said group director Tony Clish.

The government has recently launched a £10 million scheme to provide hardship funding for SME businesses in areas affected by the floods. Eligible businesses will be able to claim for funding for things like immediate clean-up costs, materials, and exceptional costs to help them continue trading. If any affected company is unable to file accounts or other documents on time as a direct result of the floods, Companies House will agree an extension and not collect the penalties which apply for late filings. The helpline number to call for more information is 0300 456 3565.