Read Time: 17 mins

 

Imagine offering your guests the chance to wake up to the sound of waves, step out of a cosy, sea-facing glamping pod, and sip their morning coffee with golden sand beneath their feet all while enjoying the comforts of premium, eco-conscious accommodation. The UK's extensive coastline, which measures approximately 11,073 miles according to the Ordnance Survey, provides ample opportunities for such ventures. (NCESC) That’s the power of coastal glamping: an unforgettable guest experience and a high-impact business model.

With over 7,000 miles of UK coastline, more travellers are choosing staycations that combine seaside adventure with luxury living. Coastal glamping is no longer a niche. It’s a booming market. From Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, the demand for nature-based, experience-led holidays is growing fast. For glamping site owners and entrepreneurs, this represents a unique chance to expand into one of the UK’s most lucrative outdoor hospitality sectors.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through why coastal glamping is trending, where the most profitable coastal locations are, what types of accommodation work best by the sea, and how to capitalise on this movement to grow your business.

 

Why Coastal Glamping Appeals to Modern Travellers

Coastal glamping is thriving because it hits the sweet spot between adventure, wellness, and comfort. For instance, a report highlighted that Bournemouth attracted 3.5 million visitors during the summer months alone, underscoring the appeal of seaside destinations. (CNTraveler) It allows guests to experience nature without compromising on luxury, making it ideal for both families and couples looking for a coastal retreat with a boutique hotel feel.

For glamping businesses, this presents a clear advantage: longer stays, premium pricing, and repeat bookings. Unlike traditional camping, coastal glamping delivers a high-end experience with real beds, heating, en-suites, and even hot tubs, allowing you to offer year-round bookings and attract a wider, more affluent audience.

 

How to Choose the Right Coastal Glamping Site

When selecting or developing a coastal site, business success relies on balancing guest appeal with operational practicality. Here are the key considerations for entrepreneurs:

• Location & Accessibility: Some guests seek total seclusion, while others prefer proximity to coastal towns or popular attractions. Choose a site that aligns with your target market’s travel habits and access needs. For example, Lydcott Glamping in Cornwall offers Nordic-designed cabins with Cornish touches, providing both tranquillity and accessibility to local amenities. (Coast Magazine)

• Accommodation & Amenities: Will your offering be off-grid or premium luxury? Consider what features are essential, such as hot tubs, fire pits, outdoor saunas, or sea-view decking. Check out our Glamping Pod Collection and The Stargazer Dome which are designed to meet both ends of the market.

• Budget & Business Model: Coastal glamping works across all price points. You can start with affordable eco-pods or invest in high-end domes with ROI-focused features. Want to estimate potential returns? Try our Glamping Pod ROI Calculator.

• Family & Pet-Friendly Options: Coastal escapes are particularly popular with families and dog owners. Ensure your infrastructure can cater to these groups by including outdoor space, enclosed areas, and child/pet-friendly amenities.

 

 

Top UK Coastal Locations for Glamping Businesses

Positioning your glamping site in a high-demand area is key to occupancy and profitability. Here are five of the most promising coastal regions:

• Cornwall: Consistently high demand, especially in summer. Ideal for surf-centric or eco-luxury glamping pods.

• Devon: Year-round interest thanks to the Jurassic Coast and South West Coast Path. Great for domes and family-friendly units.

• Northumberland: Lower competition but growing interest. A perfect location for premium wilderness glamping.

• Pembrokeshire: Popular with adventure travellers and wildlife lovers. Great for off-grid and nature-immersive offerings.

• Scottish Highlands & Islands: Ideal for luxury cabins or remote pods with panoramic sea views and high nightly rates.

Each location presents a different kind of guest and with the right setup, you can tap into a reliable, growing market of coastal holidaymakers.

 

Best Coastal Glamping Accommodation Types

To stand out in a competitive market, your units should align with your site’s landscape, guest profile, and operational needs. Here’s what works best by the coast:

• Glamping Pods: Insulated, durable, and low maintenance. Ideal for long-term use and quick returns. Check out our Dual Halfmoon and Grotto Pod for high-performing, visually striking options. Our pods can have a full glass wall feature to provide the guests with a panoramic view of the beach. See our “Hobbit" Pod - 2 Person Glamping Pod for inspiration.

• Shepherd’s Huts & Cabins: Rustic and charming, great for couple getaways or more traditional appeal. Check out our Large 2-4 Person Glamping Cabin for a spacious, well-insulated option perfect for couples or small families.

• Domes: Eye-catching and immersive. Perfect for luxury glamping sites looking to offer panoramic sea views and a unique aesthetic. Explore our Stargazer Dome, designed for breathtaking coastal stays with floor-to-ceiling visibility and a luxury finish.

• Garden Cubes: The Luxury 2 Person Modular Off-Grid Home features a sleek, full-glass front, making it a brilliant match for coastal locations where the views are part of the experience.

• Treehouses with Sea Views: Premium pricing potential. Best for luxury-focused sites with higher margins.

• Yurts & Tipis: Atmospheric and Instagrammable. Works well in summer, though may need seasonal adjustments.

• Luxury Safari Tents: Spacious, great for families. Offer a boutique feel while retaining canvas charm.

 

 

Why the Coastal Glamping Market Is Thriving

As a business owner, understanding the “why” behind the trend helps you build a smarter, more strategic offer. Here’s what’s driving demand:

• Staycation Culture: The trend towards domestic holidays has led to a surge in interest for unique coastal accommodations. (UKGlamping)

• Sustainability Trends: Guests want eco-conscious stays. Coastal glamping sites can tap into this by using solar energy, composting toilets, and low-impact buildings. See our Eco-Friendly Portable Outdoor Dry Composting Toilet.

• Experiential Travel Demand: Sea-view hot tubs, sunset decks, and bespoke touches make for highly shareable experiences, attracting younger demographics.

 

What Guests Expect from Coastal Glamping (And How to Deliver It)

Guests booking a coastal glamping stay are expecting more than just a bed. They’re seeking a full sensory experience that blends comfort with nature and adventure. As a glamping business owner, curating the right mix of activities, amenities, and atmosphere is key to delivering memorable stays and generating glowing reviews. Here’s what you should be offering:

• Outdoor Activities

• Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and wild swimming

• Clifftop hiking and nature trails

• Wildlife spotting like seals, dolphins, and seabirds

• Luxury Comforts & Facilities

• Fire pits, wood-fired hot tubs, outdoor saunas, and sea-view lounges

• Peaceful, Instagram-worthy seclusion

• Food & Dining

• On-site dining or locally sourced meal kits

 

 

Case Studies: Successful UK Coastal Glamping Sites

Coastal glamping has seen significant growth in the UK, driven by travellers seeking unique, nature-based experiences without compromising on comfort. The increasing demand for staycations, particularly in coastal areas, has led to a surge in glamping sites along the UK's extensive coastline.

• Harvest Moon Holidays, East Lothian, Scotland: Located on a coastal glamping site in East Lothian with its own beach and forest, Harvest Moon Holidays commissioned the construction of seven bespoke glamping treehouses. These treehouses were designed to offer guests a high degree of space and comfort, featuring two double bedrooms, en-suite facilities, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The unique accommodations have been well-received, attracting numerous guests seeking a luxurious coastal glamping experience. (Harvest Moon Holidays)

• North Coast 500 Pods, Scotland: Situated along the famous North Coast 500 route, these glamping pods have capitalised on the scenic coastal views and the popularity of the driving route. The success of the initial site led to plans for a second location, aiming to establish a site every 100 miles within five years. This expansion reflects the growing demand for coastal glamping experiences in Scotland. (North Coast 500 Pods)

• Mount Ephraim Glamping Pods, Kent, England: Located within the Mount Ephraim Gardens estate, these glamping pods offer guests picturesque views of the countryside and access to the historic gardens. The pods are designed for comfort in all seasons, featuring fully equipped kitchens, modern bathrooms, and private decking areas with outdoor fire pits. The site's dog-friendly policy and proximity to local attractions have contributed to its popularity among glamping enthusiasts. (Mount Ephraim Glamping Pods)

 

The Treehouses at Harvest Moon Holidays. Credits to Harvest Moon Holidays

 

Conclusion

Coastal glamping is more than a passing trend. It’s a smart, scalable, and sustainable business opportunity. As travellers look for more meaningful ways to connect with nature, glamping by the sea offers entrepreneurs a way to deliver exceptional guest experiences while generating strong returns.

At Home Living Luxury, we specialise in helping new and established glamping businesses build standout sites with premium pods tailored for coastal performance. Our pods are fully insulated and built for year-round use, with a lead time of just 8 weeks.

Ready to launch your coastal glamping business? Schedule a free consultation with our team today. Link below the FAQ!

 

Summary

• The UK has over 7,000 miles of coastline, making it ideal for coastal glamping ventures

• Coastal glamping blends nature, adventure, and luxury, appealing to families, couples, and wellness travellers

• Premium sea-facing pods increase booking value and allow for longer stays and year-round operations

• Key success factors include location access, amenities, budget alignment, and guest needs like pet and family-friendly features

• Top coastal regions for glamping include Cornwall, Devon, Northumberland, Pembrokeshire, and the Scottish Highlands

• Best accommodation types for coastal sites include glamping pods, domes, cabins, treehouses, and safari tents

• Coastal glamping thrives on rising staycation culture, eco-tourism demand, and shareable guest experiences

• Guests expect luxury amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, nature-based activities, and locally sourced food

• Case studies from Scotland and Kent show strong guest demand and business growth from unique coastal offerings

• Home Living Luxury pods are ideal for coastal glamping, built for durability, insulation, and scenic views

• Entrepreneurs can scale quickly with our pods, which have an 8-week lead time and support smart, sustainable site development

• Coastal glamping offers a high-impact opportunity for glamping site owners to increase occupancy and profitability

 

FAQs

1. Do I need planning permission to set up a coastal glamping site?

Yes, planning permission is almost always required, especially in coastal areas that may fall within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), heritage coastlines, or conservation zones. You'll need to apply for a change of land use, and in some cases, submit environmental impact assessments or flood risk assessments. Working with an architect or planning consultant experienced in tourism or rural developments can help you avoid delays. At Home Living Luxury, we provide pod specifications and 2D, 2D drawings to support planning applications.

See our blog on “Mastering Planning Permission: How to Get Approval for Your UK Glamping Site”.

 

2. What type of glamping accommodation is best suited for coastal locations?

Coastal environments can be windy, wet, and exposed to salt air, making durability essential. Insulated glamping pods, cabins, and geodesic domes are ideal for these conditions. Our Stargazer Dome, for instance, is designed for panoramic coastal views while withstanding harsh weather, and our Dual Halfmoon Pod offers all-season comfort with minimal maintenance. Avoid canvas-only structures if you want year-round usability and easier upkeep.

 

3. How much can I realistically charge for coastal glamping stays?

Pricing depends on your site’s location, accommodation type, season, and included amenities. For example:

• Standard glamping pods: £90–£150 per night

• Premium domes or cabins with hot tubs: £200–£350+ per night

You can also boost revenue with add-ons such as locally sourced BBQ hampers, firewood bundles, and early check-in options. Coastal sites with sea views and well-designed interiors consistently command higher nightly rates and longer booking seasons.

 

4. What do guests expect from a coastal glamping experience?

Guests today expect more than just a bed. They’re looking for a full experience. Popular expectations include:

• Coastal access and outdoor adventure (surfing, paddleboarding, coastal hikes)

• Peaceful, scenic surroundings with sea views

• High-end amenities like fire pits, wood-fired hot tubs, outdoor saunas, and plush interiors

• Locally sourced food and thoughtful touches (e.g. welcome packs or spa kits)

• Meeting these expectations increases guest satisfaction, boosts reviews, and drives repeat bookings.

 

5. How can Home Living Luxury support my coastal glamping business?

We specialise in designing and delivering glamping pods built for coastal conditions. All of our pods are weather-resistant, fully insulated, and made with durable materials suitable for year-round operation. With a lead time of just 8 weeks, we help glamping business owners launch or scale quickly. We also provide 2D and 3D drawings, planning support, and guidance on ROI strategies to ensure you get the best start possible. Schedule a meeting with us today to bring your glamping business vision to life. Link below!