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Imagine turning a quiet, underused corner of your farmland into a thriving source of year-round revenue, all while continuing your day-to-day farm operations. That’s exactly what more and more UK and Irish farmers are doing by adding glamping pods to their land. Rather than replacing traditional agriculture, glamping offers a powerful way to diversify income, make better use of scenic locations, and attract a new wave of eco-conscious visitors seeking comfort and countryside charm.
With tourism trends leaning heavily towards unique, nature-based getaways, glamping pods allow landowners to tap into this demand without the cost or complexity of large-scale hospitality. From compact single-pod setups to fully integrated rural retreats, the potential is significant even with just a few well-placed units.
In this article, we explore three real-world case studies of farmers who successfully added glamping pods to their land. Their stories highlight the motivations, challenges, and business benefits of blending agriculture with high-end rural tourism.
Case Study 1: Bradley Hall Farm (Cheshire, England)
Bradley Hall Farm, a 118-acre family-run estate in Cheshire, faced an uncertain future following the sale of its dairy herd after the passing of Anthony Mullock’s parents. Determined to secure the farm’s long-term viability, Anthony and his wife Jane, who had a background in hospitality, began exploring alternative income streams. The answer came in the form of rural tourism.
In 2018, they launched Bradley Hall Rural Escapes, transforming a picturesque paddock beside their existing caravan site into a glamping destination. They installed four high-spec glamping pods, each offering en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, heating, and thoughtful finishing touches such as curated welcome packs and stylish interior décor. These details elevated the guest experience and positioned their pods as a premium option within a market saturated by more basic offerings. Their Meadowsweet Pod is similar in design to Home Living Luxury’s "Hobbit" Pod - Luxury 2 Person Glamping Pod, combining spacious interiors with the flexibility to add features like spa amenities and premium fittings.
When COVID-19 restrictions eased in 2020, the glamping venture rebounded swiftly, thanks in large part to the pods’ self-contained design, which aligned perfectly with post-pandemic preferences for private, hygienic stays. Guests were drawn to the blend of countryside tranquillity and hotel-like comforts, leading to strong occupancy and consistent bookings. The consistent demand has prompted plans to expand their site with additional glamping pods. (AMC)
Funding & Development
To finance the initial phase, the Mullocks secured a loan through the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC). Midway through development, they successfully applied for a LEADER rural development grant, which covered a portion of the build costs and allowed them to reduce their debt. Planning permission was granted for six pods total, with four installed during the initial phase and room for further growth as demand increases. (AMC)
Business Impact
The success of Bradley Hall Rural Escapes has been transformative. The glamping income has helped stabilise the farm’s finances and reduce reliance on traditional agriculture alone. Encouraged by the strong performance, the Mullocks have since reinvested in their land, acquiring additional acreage and enhancing their farm’s long-term prospects. Bradley Hall is now a thriving example of how glamping can be integrated into a working farm, not as a replacement, but as a profitable complement to the rural lifestyle. (AMC)
The Meadowsweet Pod at Bradley Hall Farm. Image credits to Bradley Hall Farm.
Case Study 2: Wellington Farm (Cumbria, England)
Wellington Farm, situated near Cockermouth on the edge of the Lake District, is a long-established dairy farm run by the Stamper family. In 2020, building on earlier diversification successes, including an on-site café and artisan ice cream brand, the family installed six luxury glamping pods to expand their tourism offering and enhance the farm’s resilience. Positioned with panoramic views of the fells, the pods launched during the UK’s staycation boom and have quickly become a cornerstone of the farm’s rural hospitality model
Each pod is en-suite, centrally heated, and fitted with its own private hydrotherapy hot tub, offering year-round comfort and privacy for two adult guests. Located in a picturesque field adjacent to the café and ice cream parlour, the pods complement existing visitor facilities and extend the average guest spend. Built by a specialist manufacturer, the pods were marketed from the outset as premium countryside retreats. (Flame Marketing LTD) Home Living Luxury makes well-insulated pods that are ideal for year-round use and can be paired with our wood-burning hot tubs for an elevated glamping experience.
Motivation for Diversification
Glamping was seen as a “natural step” in the evolution of Wellington Farm. Following the devastating 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, the family had already shifted towards value-added enterprises, launching a Jersey herd and building a popular on-site café. By 2020, amid a growing interest in UK-based travel and rural retreats, the Stampers recognised glamping as an ideal opportunity to generate additional income, while creating a lasting legacy for future generations of the family. (Flame Marketing LTD)
Planning & Implementation
The family approached the project with due diligence by consulting with development advisors and even their insurance brokers to ensure viability and coverage. Pods were installed in mid-2020 and opened as soon as lockdown restrictions eased. To maximise visibility, the accommodation was listed on major booking platforms and promoted to existing customers at the café and farm shop.
Strategically placing the pods on already serviced land helped minimise infrastructure costs. This is a tactic many Home Living Luxury clients replicate, especially when pairing their pods with on-site businesses like cafés, farm shops, or experience centres. If you're considering a similar setup, explore our purpose-built Café and Dining Pods, designed to enhance guest engagement.
In the first 18+ months of trading, Wellington Farm’s pods achieved an average occupancy rate of around 80%, outperforming typical rural accommodation benchmarks. This result mirrored wider regional trends where diversified enterprises contribute up to 35% of total farm income in the North West of England. (Flame Marketing LTD)
Business Impact
The glamping pods have transformed Wellington Farm’s commercial outlook. Beyond delivering consistent bookings and revenue, they’ve also boosted footfall to the café and shop, creating a synergy that enhances the guest experience and maximises on-site spending.
By converting an underutilised area into a high-performing, all-season accommodation space, the family has not only future-proofed their business but also established Wellington Farm as a sought-after rural destination. Their success shows how carefully integrated glamping pods, particularly those designed with luxury and privacy in mind, can amplify the overall appeal and profitability of a diversified farm site. (Flame Marketing LTD)
A Glamping Pod at Wellington Farm. Image credits to Wellington Farm.
Case Study 3: Ivy Hill Farm (County Clare, Ireland)
In 2021, part-time farmer Alan Vaughan transformed a quiet field on his 65-acre beef farm, Ivy Hill Farm, in County Clare into a high-performing glamping destination with just one custom-built pod. Located minutes from Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ivy Hill Glamping offers guests a peaceful, self-contained retreat immersed in nature. This pod is similar in design to Home Living Luxury’s "Twilight" Pod - 3 Person Glamping Pod.
The family-friendly pod sleeps up to four (with one double bed and two singles), featuring an en-suite bathroom, a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, and cosy interiors, blending rural charm with hotel-like comfort. Its thoughtful layout and tranquil setting were designed to attract families and stopover guests exploring Ireland’s west coast.
As a part-time farmer with a full-time job, Alan sought to generate sustainable income from underutilised land, without the heavy demands of full-scale hospitality or expanding his herd. Glamping provided the ideal solution. By selecting a pod design that could comfortably accommodate families, he opened his site to a wider range of guests, creating a welcoming, versatile stay that stands out for its thoughtful inclusivity. (Farmers Journal)
Implementation
Alan sourced a high-spec pod and personally managed its installation. He began welcoming guests in mid-2021, using Booking.com to gain instant visibility. His check-in and check-out schedule, 4 pm and 11 am, was carefully set to accommodate farm responsibilities.
To support this new venture, he reduced his cattle numbers, freeing up both land and labour. With minimal marketing beyond the listing site, Ivy Hill Glamping quickly gained traction thanks to its quiet setting, clean design, and positive guest experiences. (Farmers Journal)
In its first full summer season, the pod achieved over 95% occupancy, often hosting one-night stays for tourists travelling Ireland’s scenic coastal routes. Bookings remained steady even during shoulder seasons, supported by strong reviews and word-of-mouth. (Independent)
At approximately €150 per night, the pod became a highly profitable use of space. Importantly, Alan noted that the venture remains flexible and manageable, an approach that supports his lifestyle while delivering reliable income. He is open to adding a second pod, but only if it aligns with his long-term goals and daily balance. (Farmers Journal)
Business Impact
Ivy Hill Glamping has significantly strengthened the financial resilience of the farm. By converting one quiet field into a high-demand asset, Alan now earns more income with far less physical labour than expanding his beef operation would require.
His cautious, well-executed strategy demonstrates that glamping doesn’t have to be large-scale to be successful. As Alan shared, launching the pod may have been “the best thing” he ever did for farm diversification, a sentiment echoed by the many guests who’ve enjoyed the peaceful escape at Ivy Hill. (Farmers Journal)
Ivy Hill Glamping Pod at Ivy Hill Farm. Image credits to Ivy Hill Farm.
The Financial & Environmental Benefits of Adding Glamping Pods
Introducing glamping pods to farmland offers a compelling way for farmers and rural landowners to unlock new income streams while preserving the integrity of their landscape. These compact, self-contained units provide strong, recurring revenue with relatively low overheads, especially compared to traditional hospitality models. Even a modest setup with one or two pods can yield a substantial return on investment, often within 9–12 months.
From an environmental perspective, glamping pods offer a more sustainable alternative to large-scale tourism developments. Their minimal footprint and energy-efficient design allow operators to welcome guests without disrupting the surrounding environment. Home Living Luxury’s pods can be equipped with eco-friendly upgrades such as solar panels, LED lighting, and low-energy heating systems, making them an ideal fit for today’s sustainability-focused travellers.
Financial incentives further strengthen the case for diversification. Across the UK and Ireland, government-backed initiatives like LEADER funding and rural development grants are available to support tourism diversification on agricultural land. These programmes can help reduce upfront costs and make glamping a more accessible, lower-risk investment. Combined with growing demand for low-impact, nature-based holidays, glamping pods represent both a practical and forward-thinking way to future-proof rural businesses.
Conclusion
The case studies above illustrate how glamping pods can successfully complement working farms, unlocking new revenue streams, enhancing land use, and creating memorable guest experiences. From single-unit start-ups to multi-pod expansions, these real-world examples show that glamping isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart, scalable diversification strategy for rural landowners.
Beyond the financial gains, glamping supports sustainable tourism, encourages eco-conscious travel, and helps bring visitors into rural communities, benefiting both landowners and the local economy. With a carefully planned setup, strong branding, and a focus on guest comfort, even underutilised land can be transformed into a thriving destination.
Small family farms, expansive estates, and remote rural plots alike can all tap into glamping as a high-return, low-impact path to business growth, while staying rooted in the beauty and peace of the countryside.
At Home Living Luxury, we specialise in bespoke glamping pods, custom-built to reflect your land, branding, and business goals. From the first idea to final installation, our expert team will guide you every step of the way. We’ll help you choose the right design, navigate planning, and build a strategy for long-term success. Ready to explore your glamping potential? Book a free consultation with our team today. Link below the FAQs!
Summary
• UK and Irish farmers are using glamping pods to diversify income while continuing traditional farming operations
• Pods turn underused land into profitable, low-maintenance tourism accommodation
• Bradley Hall Farm in Cheshire added 4 pods with LEADER funding, generating strong bookings and enabling future expansion
• Wellington Farm in Cumbria added 6 luxury pods with hot tubs beside their café and ice cream shop, reaching ~80% occupancy in the first 18 months
• Ivy Hill Farm in County Clare installed 1 family-friendly pod, achieved 95% occupancy, and generated significant income with minimal labour
• All three farms used glamping to reduce financial reliance on agriculture, improve land use, and build long-term resilience
• Benefits include strong ROI, year-round income, and minimal environmental impact
• Pods support sustainable tourism, can be installed on serviced land, and qualify for grants like LEADER or rural diversification funding
• Even single-pod setups can deliver impressive results with careful planning and quality design
• Glamping helps future-proof rural businesses by attracting eco-conscious travellers and creating unique countryside experiences
FAQs
1. Is glamping a realistic diversification option for small or part-time farmers?
Yes, glamping is highly suitable for both small-scale and part-time farmers. As seen with Ivy Hill Farm in Ireland, even a single well-designed pod can generate reliable income with minimal disruption to existing farming operations. It offers flexible scheduling, scalable growth potential, and a manageable workload, making it ideal for farmers who want to supplement their income without taking on full-scale hospitality responsibilities.
2. What funding options are available to help farmers start a glamping business?
Farmers across the UK and Ireland can access various funding schemes to support diversification into glamping. These include LEADER rural development grants, agricultural loans from organisations like the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC), and other government-backed initiatives designed to boost rural tourism. As demonstrated by Bradley Hall Farm, combining grant funding with strategic borrowing helped reduce debt and increase profitability early on.
3. What planning and legal considerations are involved when installing glamping pods on farmland?
Planning permission is typically required to install glamping pods, even on private farmland. It’s essential to consult local planning authorities and development advisors to understand zoning, access, waste management, and environmental requirements. Strategic placement, such as positioning pods near existing infrastructure like cafés or access roads, as Wellington Farm did, can simplify approvals and reduce development costs. See our blog on “Mastering Planning Permission: How to Get Approval for Your UK Glamping Site” to learn more.
4. Can glamping really deliver sustainable, long-term income on a working farm?
Absolutely. Case studies in this blog show that glamping can generate year-round bookings and strong occupancy rates. At Wellington Farm, glamping pods achieved 80% occupancy in their first 18 months, boosting not only direct income but also sales at the on-site café and farm shop. With proper design, marketing, and guest experience, glamping becomes a dependable income stream that complements traditional farming.
5. How many glamping pods should a farm start with?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your land, budget, and goals. However, starting with one to four pods is common and effective. Bradley Hall began with four, while Ivy Hill succeeded with just one. Starting small allows you to test demand, refine operations, and expand gradually.
At Home Living Luxury, we make expansion easy, from bespoke glamping pods to full-site planning and amenities. Our team will help you transform your land into a high-performing, year-round hospitality business. Schedule an appointment with us today to explore how we can help you expand your farmland.
