So, you’re thinking about taking the plunge and setting up your own glamping business, but the big question is; where to start? As a fast-growing industry, this question can feel overwhelming, and advice can be tricky to find and hard to navigate. But with the right knowledge and preparation, glamping can be a hugely successful, profitable & rewarding business.

At Canopy & Stars, we represent a community of over 400 independent owners (from glamping veterans to those just starting out), so we figured these were the best people to ask about their experience of setting up a successful glamping business and the reality of the everyday, from understanding planning permission to cracking the guest experience basics.

In this article, you’ll find the top tips they would give to new owners, what they wish they had known at the beginning and their honest feedback on the hurdles and unexpected joys they’ve had along the way.

What do you wish you had known? (Could be build related or about setting up a glamping business in general)

How hard the planning phase and application would be. We had to learn an immense amount to put it in and there was very little left to spontaneity or last min. E.g. We had to clarify path surface types, exactly which sewage treatment facility we would use, to scale drawings of units. In reality, we did wiggle a bit and the spaces are obviously not completely as originally stated but it was all rather overwhelming so if you are dreaming of it, maybe get into the details as soon as you can. Pick a topic and learn all you can, then when it comes to crunch time, it won't seem so wild!

Emily – Owner of Kaya at Blackhill Farm in Herefordshire

Think about changeovers and keep things simple. Don’t give yourself lots of extra tasks because it’s hard work cleaning, restocking, splitting wood etc. It’s lovely for guests to have lots of extras, but unless you’ve got a team of people working for you – just focus on doing the basics really well. Don’t overcomplicate things as accidents happen and guests break things, so you’ll have to spend changeovers repairing and replacing when you need to be cleaning and restocking.

Amanda – Owner of The Wood Life in Devon

Learning to be flexible and dynamic is essential depending on not only the season but outside influences beyond your control.

Jane – Owner of Boutique Farm Bothies in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

What are you most proud of?

Our greatest pride is in the number of our guests who return to the farm time and time again. We have guests on their fourth visit to us! There is no greater complement that you are doing it right than having a guest who wants to come back. We are often the place that guest choose for some of their most important moments, we have had many proposals, honeymoons, lots of Birthdays and anniversaries, Baby moons, first time away together, reunions. Our job is so wonderful as we get to share our guests’ happiest times!

Ali – Owner of Ash Farm in Dorset

Getting lovely comments from guests saying that they’ll have lots of happy memories to treasure of their experience. It gives you a huge lift thinking that your hard work is making people happy and that they’ve taken the time to thank you.

Amanda – Owner of The Wood Life in Devon

What was the best advice you were given? (Could be anything! From planning permission advice to interior decoration tips etc)

We hired someone to submit our planning. We paid quite a lot more than expected to really make it a thorough application, but it was worth it. The parish council was really impressed and waved it through without any objections. A big one for them was choosing a discreet colour for the units. Essentially, wherever you can, earn brownie points, engage your neighbours, reduce impact where you can and only hold out where it really matters. You can then make something spectacular that has the support of your local area.

Emily – Owner of Kaya at Blackhill Farm in Herefordshire

Build a small firepit by the river, suggested by a C&S inspector

Paul – Owner of Millie the Hut in Herefordshire

Don’t overspend. The amount of money people spend on some builds and fitting them out will take a long time to recoup, particularly now when the market is going to take a while to stabilise. Ground works always take time and cost more than you think. Do something different, don’t buy an off the rack pod, they’re boring and unoriginal and they don’t stand out from the crowd.
Amanda – Owner of The Wood Life in Devon

What was your hardest challenge?

The maintenance to a high standard is most challenging. We want each guest to feel that they are the first in each hut, everything needs to be new and sparkling clean. Guests do break things often and just the general wear and tear on the huts is a weekly challenge. Getting everything serviced, cleaned, repair, replaced and spick and span for the next guest. We keep spares of everything to hand and have a great team of local trades who understand that when we call them, we need them NOW!

Ali – Owner of Ash Farm in Dorset

Trying not to get annoyed when guests are late arriving on a Friday night. I think it’s really important to greet guests personally (we have to as we need to explain quite a lot of stuff and show them how to get to their secret location). A warm welcome goes a long way (even if you are a bit pissed off).

Amanda – Owner of The Wood Life in Devon

Encouraging new guests to come to the Northeast of Scotland which is relatively unknown but an absolute gem and so different from the rest of Scotland.

Jane – Owner of Boutique Farm Bothies in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

If you’re thinking of starting a glamping business or expanding your existing site, our expert Business Development Team are on hand to help make your vision come to life and share expert advice from working with over 800 spaces across the UK.

If you’d like to talk through your plans or get insight into the latest trends you can reach us at ideas@canopyandstars.co.uk or call us on 0117 204 7830. We also offer a bespoke consultancy service which you can read more about here.