Setting up glamping on your farm has never been easier
Diversifying your farm income doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With experienced partners offering hands-on support, launching a glamping site has never been more achievable, explains Vicki Baggott from Feather Down Farms.
It’s no secret that farmers are under pressure. From rising input costs to changes in subsidy schemes, inheritance tax concerns, and increasingly unpredictable weather, the challenges are stacking up. In this climate, many are exploring alternative income streams to help ease the burden.
According to government figures, 71% of farms in England are now engaged in some form of diversified activity.* From farm shops to wedding venues, farmers are tapping into new opportunities to sustain their businesses.
One of the most promising routes has been agritourism - giving visitors a taste of the countryside with a genuine, farm stay. Rural escapes are in demand, and the desire for authentic experiences continues to grow. At the heart of this trend is glamping: a chance for guests to detox, unwind and for farmers to generate meaningful income without leaving the sector behind.
The glamping market has matured in recent years. Standards have risen, guest expectations have evolved, and farmers looking to diversify in this space must now offer a high-quality, memorable experience. But done right, glamping can provide a significant financial return – without compromising your core farm business.
That’s where Feather Down Farms comes in. For more than 20 years, Feather Down Farms has helped farms across the UK and Europe create thriving glamping locations rooted in real working farms. The model is designed to be low-cost and high-reward – a sustainable and supportive way to diversify without starting from scratch.
Feather Down Farms places luxury canvas hideaways on your farm, helping with everything from site selection and layout to planning support and ongoing operations. The experienced team takes the legwork out of set-up and marketing, leaving you free to focus on farming – and on offering a warm welcome to your guests.
Joining Feather Down Farms means becoming part of a trusted brand with an established customer base, taking the pressure off when it comes to attracting bookings and driving footfall. With less time spent worrying about occupancy, you’re free to deliver the best possible experience – and enjoy the rewards of your hard work.
Take Heydon Grove Farm in Norfolk. The Harrold family has been farming barley, beef and hay there since 1957. Rory Harrold, who runs the farm today, turned to Feather Down Farms when looking for a way to secure a new independent income stream.
“I liked the simple design of Feather Down Farm’s tents, the booking system, and the close contact and support from the team,” he explains. “It would have been daunting doing it alone, and outside of my area of expertise.”
Now in its fifth season, the site is thriving. The family has since diversified further, opening a small shop and hosting pizza nights for guests. The extra income is welcome, but for Rory and his team, the biggest reward is the positive impact they can have.
“It’s great seeing guests go home relaxed and happy. The children often leave little notes - we love that.
“Importantly - visitors leave with a greater understanding of farm life, as well as the struggled us farmers face.”
If you’d like to find out more about how Feather Down Farms can support your diversification into glamping, visit www.featherdown.co.uk/become-a-feather-down-farm or email joinus@featherdown.co.uk
Images courtesy of Feather Down.
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