Brinsop Court Estate in Herefordshire is opening its grounds to overnight guests for the first time this summer, expanding beyond its established wedding business with a new glamping offering.
Located about five miles from Hereford city center, the family-owned estate sits across 800 acres of ancient woodland. Until now, its glamping accommodation has been reserved for wedding guests. Beginning August 2, 2026, the estate will make 12 Lotus Belle-style tents available to the wider public, with bookings running through the end of October.
The accommodation is intended for families, couples and groups and combines furnished tent accommodation with amenities more commonly associated with traditional lodging. Each tent includes hotel-quality beds, Egyptian cotton bedding, plug-in heaters, towels and dressing gowns. Guests will also have access to an indoor kitchen, outdoor seating and hot showers.
Pat Churchward, owner of Brinsop Court Estate, told Hereford Times: “For years, our glamping pods have only ever been seen by our wedding guests.
“This summer, for the first time, we’re opening up the belle tents and woodland to everyone — families wanting a last-minute break, couples looking for a romantic escape, or groups wanting to reconnect with nature without giving up their home comforts.”
Rates start at $135 per night for a four-meter tent with a double bed. The booking period covers the summer holiday season as well as the October half term, giving the estate an opportunity to test demand beyond its traditional wedding calendar.
The move is part of a broader diversification strategy for Brinsop Court Estate. The property dates to the early 1300s and has been owned by Pat and Martin Churchward since 2005. The estate is also planning to introduce a new brand identity in the coming months.
For outdoor hospitality operators, the development illustrates one approach to increasing the commercial use of existing estate assets without necessarily introducing a large-scale accommodation development. Properties that already host weddings, events or other seasonal activities may be able to extend their operating calendar by making underused accommodation or outdoor space available to additional customer segments.
Brinsop Court’s launch also highlights the role of established event businesses in entering the glamping market. Rather than developing a separate destination from the ground up, the estate is leveraging existing infrastructure, woodland and accommodation that has previously served a more limited guest base.
With bookings beginning August 2 and continuing through October 2026, the initial season will provide an opportunity for the estate to assess occupancy, guest demand and the operational requirements of opening its glamping facilities to the public.