2025 Forecast for Glamping and Holiday Lets
As we step into 2025, the glamping industry in the UK continues to evolve, driven by changing consumer preferences and a growing desire for unique outdoor experiences. This blog post will explore key market trends specific to the UK glamping businesses, showcasing data from the past five years, and providing insights into what we can expect this year. We will also offer tips for creating profitable glamping sites that cater to the increasing demand for wellness and tranquility.
Glamping Market Overview in the UK
The UK glamping market has seen substantial growth over the past few years. In 2024, the market was valued at approximately £2 billion and is projected to reach £2.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a strong demand for alternative accommodation. This growth is fueled by a shift in consumer preferences towards unique travel experiences, with glamping becoming a popular choice for families, millennials, and older travelers alike.
Popular Glamping Accommodations in the UK
In 2024, various types of glamping accommodations gained popularity in the UK:
Glamping Cabins: These luxury cabins provide a comfortable and stylish retreat, often equipped with modern amenities. They are increasingly favored for their aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Glamping Lodges: Particularly in scenic areas like the Lake District, lodges offer spacious accommodations with stunning views, making them a top choice for travelers seeking relaxation in nature.
Glamping Shepherds Huts: While once popular, these traditional huts are losing ground to more modern options. They often lack the luxury feel that contemporary travelers seek, especially when compared to newer glamping cabins that offer more comfort for just a slight increase in price.
Off-Grid Cabins: These eco-friendly options are gaining traction as travelers become more environmentally conscious. They provide a unique experience while minimising the carbon footprint.
What is Making the Customer Want More?
It might feel like a lifetime ago when COVID-19 came into our lives, but we feel that this intervention made many travelers reevaluate their lives and holiday preferences too. Here are a few key reasons behind this shift:
Wellness Focused Stays: The pandemic made many people look inwards, fostering a desire for healthier living. This led many people to consider nature-based experiences, such as glamping, align perfectly with this newfound focus on health.
Quality over Quantity: With remote work becoming more prevalent during COVID-19, individuals experienced the flexibility of managing their time. This shift has encouraged many to rethink their work-life balance, leading to a desire for holidays that offer a higher quality experience with more people choosing to pay a premium for a short break in a luxury cabin than the cheap Shepherd’s Hut that only feels like a step away from a tent.
Desire for Tranquility: As stress levels rise and the demands of modern life become overwhelming, the appeal of bustling croweded holiday park has lost it’s charm. Instead, travelers are seeking out serene spaces with private outdoor areas. A space where them and their family can unwind and escape the chaos of everyday life.
This evolution in holiday preferences underscores the importance of providing unique, health-oriented experiences in the glamping sector, catering to a market that seeks both comfort and peace in their getaways.
Market Trends for 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, several key trends are expected to shape the UK glamping landscape:
Focus on Wellness and Tranquility: More travelers are prioritising holiday lets that ooze peace and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle. This trend is leading to an increased willingness to pay a premium for serene spaces that allow for relaxation and outdoor dining experiences.
Unique Outdoor Spaces: It has almost become expected that a holiday let will not only prepare a lovely interior but to also have a calming outdoor space from hot tubs, ice baths to large fire pits for outdoor dining. These features alone such as fire pits, outdoor sofas, and private seating spaces can significantly increase the nightly rate. Additionally, incorporating fencing and hedging can provide guests with a sense of privacy, making the stay more appealing.
Energy Efficiency: The demand for energy-efficient models is on the rise. Unlike shepherds huts, which can appear outdated after a few years, modern luxury cabins are designed with sustainability in mind and offer a more appealing aesthetic. This shift is crucial as travelers seek accommodations that align with their eco-conscious values.
Themed Glamping Experiences: Operators are increasingly catering to niche markets by offering themed glamping experiences. This means thinking about the sights (think amazing lake views), sounds (surround sound speaker with the sounds of the waves), and smells (tailor your own 100% all natural calming scents for your rooms) to offer the full luxury experience to your holiday park.
Emerging Regions: While popular regions like Cornwall, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District continue to dominate, areas in Scotland and Wales are emerging as attractive destinations for glamping, attracting eco-tourists with their natural beauty.
Financial Insights
The profitability of a glamping site can vary based on location, amenities, and market demand. However, with the right strategies, glamping businesses can be highly profitable. For instance, the average income for glamping sites can significantly increase by offering unique experiences and enhancing outdoor spaces.
Data from 2024
Revenue 2024 - The average nightly rate for a two-bedroom holiday let in the UK was approximately £120 to £180, depending on factors such as location, amenities, and seasonality. Popular tourist areas, especially in regions like Cornwall and the Lake District, often commanded higher prices, while more rural or less-traveled locations might be on the lower end of that range.
Shepherd’s Huts In 2024 - The occupancy rates and average nightly prices for shepherd's huts dropped by about 10% compared to previous years. Many travelers are now favoring options that offer more space, comfort, and contemporary amenities, leading to a preference for glamping cabins and lodges, which provide a more luxurious experience for just a slightly higher price.
High End Pricing 2024 - The average price for a two-bedroom luxury lodge was approximately £250 to £400 per night. This range reflects the premium amenities and locations often associated with luxury lodges, particularly in sought-after areas like the Lake District and coastal regions.
Low End Pricing 2024 - In contrast, the average price for a two-bedroom budget lodge was around £80 to £150 per night. These budget options typically offer more basic amenities and are often located in less tourist-heavy areas.
Luxury Market 2024 - In the UK, approximately 15% to 20% of travelers are willing to pay £400 or more per night for a luxury stay. This segment typically includes affluent individuals or families seeking high-end experiences, exclusive amenities, and prime locations. Factors such as special occasions (e.g., anniversaries, weddings) or unique experiences (e.g., secluded retreats) often motivate these travelers to invest in premium accommodations.
Tips for Creating a Profitable Glamping Site
Invest in Quality Accommodations: Choose modern glamping cabins or lodges that provide luxury and comfort. This investment will attract more guests willing to pay higher rates.
Enhance Outdoor Experiences: Create inviting outdoor spaces with fire pits, comfortable seating, and privacy features. These additions can justify higher nightly rates and improve guest satisfaction.
Focus on Sustainability: Implement eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient designs to appeal to environmentally conscious travelers. This can also reduce operational costs in the long run.
Market Unique Experiences: Highlight the unique aspects of your glamping site in marketing materials. Whether it’s a themed experience or a stunning natural setting, make sure potential guests know what sets your site apart.
Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of your glamping site. Engaging visuals can attract a wider audience and drive bookings.
That’s it from us, please do comment below or get in touch if you have any questions.
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