Glamping is a thriving leisure industry, particularly in Oxfordshire, and a great way for holidaymakers to enjoy the outdoors while staying comfortable. 

Twenty years ago, glamping was an alternative, niche form of holiday accommodation; since then it has grown exponentially. Both commercial glamping sites and independent garden annexe glamping are making the most of the growth.

A 2026 marketing report from booking platform Canopy & Stars shows that the glamping industry is not just expanding but flourishing. The target demographic is under-45s with a large disposable income who want to escape urban life, if only for a short while. 

The report outlines motivations and features that guests look for in glamping accommodation, including:

  • Celebrating special occasions such as birthdays or Valentine’s Day
  • Getting back to nature, relaxation and wellness
  • Visually appealing cabins and pods with high-end fittings and interior design
  • Sustainability and ethical standards
  • An alternative to traditional hotels and B&Bs, away from the usual tourist traps

With the lure of outdoor and nature escapes a growing motivation for guests, now might be a good time to invest in a glamping accommodation.

What is glamping?

A portmanteau of glamorous and camping, glamping provides a step up from traditional tents. It has the benefit of staying in an outdoor, sometimes rural, environment but with all the luxuries and conveniences of home. 

While some glamping options are well-styled tents that include a bed and electricity, others have everything you would expect from an apartment. A glamping pod is an insulated building that includes a real bed, a fully plumbed bathroom, a kitchen and a lounge area.  

How much does a glamping pod cost?

Building a glamping pod on your land can vary in price depending on the size and finish of the final building. Yardhaus glamping accommodation starts from a one-bedroom Modpod at £4,213 including VAT but not including delivery. 

However, it is important to budget for costs such as décor and furnishings, plus any electrical or plumbing utilities that need connecting or extending.  

How much space do you need for a glamping pod?

The smallest glamping Modpod from Yardhaus is 4.8 metres by 2.9 metres, a Modpod Duo is 10 metres by 3.5 metres, whereas the most spacious Pembroke is 10 metres by 4 metres.

Bear in mind that these are the dimensions of the glamping pods only. They will need additional space around them for paths, patios or decking and landscaping, so make sure you have sufficient space on your land so that the pod is not crowded or cramped. 

What is the return on investment for a glamping pod?

In the UK, approximately 600,000 glamping trips are made each year, accounting for over 1.3 million nights of luxury outdoor accommodation. The UK market value for glamping was estimated at £128 million in the Great Britain Tourism Survey. 

It is also a market that is growing and therefore ideal to tap into for an additional income stream or side hustle. 

For those looking to make a glamping pod a business, consideration needs to be given to initial investment and operating costs, for example utilities, cleaning, consumables and maintenance. These are costs to pass on to your paying guests. 

Prices to charge will also depend on seasonality, how many your pod sleeps, and perceived value such as whether you include a breakfast hamper or a hot tub. 

Luxury glamping pods can command £150-250 per night for two people, whereas standard pods are less. And don’t forget that occupancy levels will never be at 100 per cent year-round; most holiday accommodation is rarely filled more than 60 per cent of the time.

What are the other uses for a glamping pod?

Your new glamping pod does not necessarily have to be a business decision. When not occupied by paying guests, glamping pods can be used for many other purposes that enrich your life or make it easier.

A granny annexe

Although not exclusively for grannies, a granny annexe provides an independent living space for a family member when there is not space in the main house. 

It can provide insulated, weatherproof, contemporary accommodation for a sibling between homes, or an adult child returned from university.

A guest room

Give your friends or relatives a taste of luxury by using a glamping pod to offer privacy and comfort while they stay with you. 

A home office or workshop

Add a desk or workbench to the living area to transform a glamping pod into a place where you can work and create at peace.

A pool house

If your home has a pool, a glamping pod can provide changing and showering facilities away from the main house. It can also be used for storing pool maintenance equipment, towels and pool toys. 

A retreat

Sometimes you just need a little space. A glamping pod can be that home away from home in your own backyard. It can act as a retreat with all the comforts and conveniences you might need in a compact space.