A new lakeside glamping resort has opened at Birmingham’s NEC, offering on-site accommodation for visitors attending exhibitions, concerts, and events.
AvantGlamp officially welcomed its first guests on Thursday, August 14, with bookings now available through to the end of 2026.
Located within a private woodland, a three-minute walk from the NEC exhibition halls, BP Pulse LIVE arena, and Resorts World, the development is being launched in phases. Once complete, the resort will feature 59 architecturally designed pods.
These include 12 Overwater Suites with private terraces above Pendigo Lake, one Presidential Suite with a private hot tub and extended deck over the lake, and 46 Woodland Bungalows situated among trees.
According to BirminghamLive, accommodation options range from double to twin room layouts, aiming to suit both business travelers and leisure guests.
The first phase includes 11 fully insulated luxury pods, each equipped with beds, private bathrooms with toiletries, heating and air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machines, smart TVs, and Bluetooth speakers.
Five pods sleep up to four guests, the Overwater Suites also accommodate four, and the Presidential Suite offers additional amenities.
Calum MacLeod, founder of AvantGlamp, said:
“Five years ago, this was just a dream to create something truly special, and now, seeing it come to life is a really proud moment for us all. We’ve worked hard to build an experience that feels like a unique hideaway, while still being right next to everything the NEC has to offer. We can’t wait for guests to experience it for themselves.”
Sarah Harvey, chief development officer at the NEC Group, said:
“We’re really excited to welcome AvantGlamp to the NEC. The pods look fantastic and will offer our visitors a truly elevated stay, whether they’re here for a concert, an exhibition, or any of our live experiences.”
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, AvantGlamp’s location and phased approach highlight the potential of situating glamping accommodation adjacent to major event venues.
Proximity to high-footfall attractions could extend guest stays, diversify income streams, and provide steady year-round occupancy beyond traditional seasonal tourism. This model could be adapted to other large-scale venues seeking on-site lodging solutions.