Have you ever dreamed of running your own glamping site in one of the UK’s most scenic and fast-growing holiday destinations? North Wales could be the perfect place to turn that dream into a profitable reality.
North Wales is quickly becoming one of the UK’s top destinations for luxury outdoor breaks, making it the perfect place to start a glamping business. Whether you’re a farmer looking to diversify or a landowner with underused space, glamping can turn your land into a sustainable, long-term income stream.
From researching your market to navigating local planning laws and choosing the right structures, this guide covers everything you should consider before getting started with your glamping venture, with our top tips featured at the end…
Why Starting a Glamping Business in North Wales is a Smart Move
Whether you’re a local resident or a long-time visitor, you’ll know that North Wales has surged in popularity among holidaymakers, and for good reason. The region offers everything you could want for a glamping business:
- Spectacular settings: From the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia to Anglesey’s sandy beaches, the region provides endless options for scenic backdrops that elevate the guest experience.
- Established tourism market: With millions of visitors each year, the area is popular for its natural beauty, historic attractions, and adventure tourism, making it ideal for unique holiday accommodation.
- Accessibility: Well-connected by road and rail, North Wales is a convenient escape for people from Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and beyond.
- Year-round appeal: Hiking, mountain biking, heritage railways, adventure parks like Zip World, and a growing food scene mean guests can enjoy the area in all seasons.
Read more: Are North Wales Holiday Lets a Good Investment?
First Things First, Do Your Research
Before diving into your glamping business, it’s crucial to spend time gathering data and insights. This step is often overlooked but is essential for laying a strong foundation for your venture.
Understand Your Target Market
- Define guest personas (e.g., couples seeking romantic breaks, young families, adventure seekers). By knowing who will be staying, you can tailor your accommodation to suit them.
- Survey potential guests or analyse competitor reviews to discover what people are looking for. Think hot tubs, dog-friendly sites, EV chargers, or off-grid experiences.
- Identify trends such as eco-tourism, wellness retreats, or remote working hubs.
Research the Competition
- Visit other glamping sites in North Wales.
- Note what structures they use, their price points, seasonal availability, and guest reviews.
- Identify gaps in the market or areas for innovation (e.g., treehouses or wellness-focused stays).
Understand Your Commitment
- Running a glamping business is hands-on. Factor in cleaning, changeovers, maintenance, and guest communication.
- Seasonal demand can be high, requiring flexibility and robust systems in place for peak times. Contact us to find out how we can support you once you’re all set up.
Need help understanding where the market is heading? Check out our Holiday Let Market Insights Report.
How to Choose the Best Location for Your Glamping Business in North Wales
Selecting the right site is critical to the guest experience and long-term success.
- Accessibility: Ensure year-round access with good signage, adequate parking, and access for larger vehicles.
- Views and Setting: Glamping guests value privacy and scenery. Panoramic views, wooded areas, or lakesides are particularly desirable.
- Noise and Light Pollution: Avoid sites near busy roads, farms with machinery, or industrial buildings.
- Proximity to Attractions: Being close to popular locations like Snowdonia, Anglesey, Llyn Peninsula, or attractions like Zip World can increase booking potential.
- Utilities and Infrastructure: Check how you’ll connect to water, electricity and sewerage (or plan alternatives like compost loos and solar power).
Planning Permission and Regulations in North Wales
If you plan to run your glamping site for more than 28 days a year, you will need planning permission. However, if you want to test the waters with temporary structures that can be moved or taken down within this period, you may not need glamping-specific planning permission.
It’s essential to speak with an expert and apply for planning permission before purchasing any land to avoid potential complications.
In most cases, planning permission will be required to establish a glamping business. Regulations can vary by county (Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham), so early engagement with your local planning department is crucial.
Key Considerations:
- Pre-application advice: Most councils offer this service, which helps identify potential issues early on.
- Site layout and access: You’ll need to demonstrate safe access for vehicles, clear signage, and designated parking areas.
- Drainage and waste: A clear plan for managing wastewater, grey water, and sewage is required. You may need septic tanks or treatment plants.
- Visual impact: Your development should blend well with the surrounding landscape. Using natural materials and thoughtful site placement can minimise the impact.
- Noise and ecology: An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be necessary. You’ll need to protect local wildlife and reduce any potential disruptions to the environment.
Find detailed advice in our blog: Do You Need Planning Permission for a Holiday Let in North Wales?
Consider Farm Diversification
For farmers, glamping is one of the most accessible and rewarding diversification options. It allows you to:
- Generate income from less productive land
- Maintain agricultural use alongside tourism
- Create family-run business opportunities
- Offer authentic rural experiences like farm tours or produce boxes
Farm diversification provides numerous benefits, helping your farming business thrive in an evolving economic landscape. By exploring new revenue streams, such as holiday letting, you can reduce your reliance on traditional farming income.
We have extensive experience in supporting these projects – for more information, check out our blog, Holiday Letting and Farm Diversification: Ideas, Rules and Tips.
Designing Your Glamping Site: Structure, Amenities, and Guest Experience
When designing your glamping site, you’ll need to consider both the structure and the amenities you’ll offer. Your choices will depend on your budget, the landscape, and your target market. Focus on durability, guest comfort, and what will make your site stand out.
Popular Structure Options
- Yurts and Bell Tents: Ideal for summer and family groups. Add wood burners to extend the season.
- Pods and Shepherd Huts: Hard-walled, insulated, and low maintenance – popular with couples
- Safari Tents: High-end canvas lodges featuring full kitchens and bathrooms.
- Treehouses and Domes: Unique and Instagram-worthy, perfect for offering a premium experience and charging a higher nightly rate.
Key Aspects to Consider When Designing Your Glamping Site
A well-designed glamping site should consider layout, guest flow, privacy, and amenities. When planning, keep these key aspects in mind:
- Toilet and Shower Facilities: Will you provide ensuite units or a shared facilities block?
- Outdoor Living: Include covered seating areas, BBQs, and fire pits to enhance the experience and extend the season.
- Parking and Access: Ensure parking is clearly marked, safe, and ideally out of sight.
- Reception and Check-In: Decide whether you’ll meet guests in person or offer a contactless check-in process.
- Communal Spaces: Consider adding kitchens, game areas, or honesty shops to add value and encourage a sense of community.
Calculating Costs
Budgeting accurately is essential. Factor in:
- Planning and legal fees
- Groundworks (drainage, access roads, landscaping)
- Structures and furnishings (beds, heaters, soft furnishings)
- Utilities (water, electricity, WiFi, heating)
- Ongoing costs (insurance, cleaning, maintenance, marketing)
Costs can range from £20,000 to £75,000+ per unit depending on the level of luxury.
Writing a Business Plan
Once you’ve considered everything, from financial forecasts and what makes your site unique, to your marketing strategies, writing it down in a business plan is crucial. It will help secure funding, gain planning permission, and highlight any potential challenges or opportunities. Your business plan should outline:
- Executive summary: What is your business and who is it for?
- Market analysis: Who are your competitors and what sets you apart?
- Operations plan: Who will manage what? Include booking systems, turnover routines, and guest communication.
- Marketing strategy: How will you attract guests? Will you use OTA platforms or a direct booking website?
- Financial projections: Include set-up costs, running costs, pricing, and break-even analysis.
A clear plan is essential if you’re seeking finance or investment.
10 Tips for Starting a Glamping Business
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Embrace the Local Culture and Environment
Go beyond just providing accommodation. Highlight the unique aspects of North Wales. Its language, history, local produce, and outdoor activities. Partner with local businesses or offer experiences that connect guests with the region.
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Focus on Creating an Experience, Not Just a Stay
Glamping is about more than just a bed. Think about the details that will make your guests’ stay memorable. This could include welcome packs with local treats, outdoor games, stargazing equipment, or curated local information packs.
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Invest in High-Quality Photography and Videography
Stunning visuals are crucial for attracting bookings online. Professional photos and even short videos showcasing the unique features of your glamping site and the surrounding scenery will significantly boost your marketing efforts.
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Prioritise Sustainability
North Wales is known for its natural beauty. Emphasise eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency (consider solar power), and water conservation. This can be a significant selling point for environmentally conscious travellers.
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Build Strong Relationships with Local Suppliers
Source local produce for welcome baskets or offer it as an add-on. Partner with local activity providers (e.g., hiking guides, adventure centres) to offer your guests curated experiences. This not only supports the local economy but also enhances your guest offering.
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Excellent Customer Service is Key
From the initial booking enquiry to the post-stay follow-up, ensure your communication is prompt, friendly, and helpful. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth are invaluable for a new business.
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Consider Offering Add-Ons and Packages
Enhance your revenue and guest experience by offering extras such as breakfast baskets, BBQ packs, firewood bundles, guided walks, or themed packages (e.g., romantic getaways, family adventure weekends).
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Utilise Social Media Effectively
Showcase the beauty of your location and the unique aspects of your glamping site on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Engage with potential guests, run competitions, and share local events and attractions.
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Get Insured Properly
Ensure you have comprehensive business insurance that covers public liability, property damage, and business interruption. Seek advice from a reputable insurance provider familiar with the hospitality industry.
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Plan for All Seasons
While North Wales has year-round appeal, the weather can be unpredictable. Ensure your glamping structures are suitable for different conditions and consider providing amenities like heating or fans as needed.
How Menai Holiday Cottages Can Help
At Menai Holiday Cottages, we work closely with landowners and farmers across North Wales to make their glamping business a success. We offer:
- Expert advice from idea to launch
- Income projections tailored to your site and setup
- Support with planning, compliance and guest experience
- Professional marketing and booking management
Whether you’re looking to build your first pod or grow an existing site, we’ll help make the process smooth, profitable, and stress-free.
Ready to start your glamping business? Contact our team for a friendly chat and no-obligation advice.
