Why a Bell Tent is the Perfect Starting Point for Your UK Glamping Business

Why a Bell Tent is the Perfect Starting Point for Your UK Glamping Business

Why a Bell Tent is the Perfect Starting Point for Your UK Glamping Business

Setting up a glamping site in the UK is an exciting venture. With the staycation trend booming and people seeking more immersive outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort, glamping has carved a solid niche in the travel market. But if you're just getting started, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming.

One of the best first steps? Invest in a bell tent.

Here’s why starting with a bell tent is the smart, budget-friendly, and versatile choice for your new glamping site.

1. Affordable Setup with Minimal Risk

Unlike shepherd huts, yurts, or geodomes—which often require significant upfront investment—bell tents are relatively inexpensive. A high-quality bell tent can cost a fraction of the price of a hard-structure glamping unit, meaning you can get your site off the ground without breaking the bank.

If you're trialling a concept or testing a location's viability, a bell tent gives you room to experiment without committing tens of thousands of pounds.

2. Quick and Easy to Install

Bell tents are easy to pitch, often requiring just a few hours and minimal manpower to fully furnish a bell tent ready for guests. There’s no need for heavy machinery or complex groundwork. This makes them ideal for:

  • Seasonal setups

  • Sites in areas with planning restrictions

  • Testing multiple pitch locations before committing

This flexibility allows you to adapt and evolve your layout based on guest feedback or changing demand.

3. They Look the Part

Let’s face it—a bell tent is Instagram gold. Their elegant, timeless design is loved by glampers and influencers alike. With the right styling (think fairy lights, chic rugs, and cosy bedding), they deliver that “wow” factor guests are looking for.

If you're aiming to build a brand that stands out in the UK glamping market, the aesthetic appeal of bell tents is a huge asset.

4. Low Maintenance and Highly Durable

Modern bell tents are designed with the UK climate in mind. Many are made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant canvas and can withstand wind, rain, and everything in between. With proper care and off-season storage, a good bell tent can last several years—making it a sustainable investment.

 

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5. Perfect for Seasonal Business Models

If you’re not ready to go full-time or are limited by planning permissions, bell tents are ideal. You can:

  • Operate seasonally (spring to early autumn)

  • Easily take them down at the end of the season

  • Store them securely until next year

This model suits many UK landowners who want to generate income from unused land without major development.

6. Great Entry Point for Planning Permissions

In many parts of the UK, it’s easier to get started with temporary or semi-permanent structures. Bell tents often fall into more lenient categories when it comes to planning permission—especially if you're running a pop-up or testing feasibility before applying for a full site licence.

Always check with your local planning authority, but bell tents can be an easier starting point.

Starting a glamping site doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. A bell tent allows you to:

  • Launch quickly

  • Learn what works

  • Build up customer reviews

  • Create a revenue stream

  • Scale up when you’re ready

Whether you’re a farmer looking to diversify, a landowner wanting to maximise unused space, or a dreamer chasing a hospitality vision, a bell tent is your gateway into the glamping world.

Ready to get started?
Check out our quality bell tents designed to last - Ultimate Bell Tent Range

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