Luxury glamping is set to transform the Fenland landscape as Nigel and Nikki Davies, owners of the Fenland Wind and Air Sport Centre in March, Cambridgeshire, embark on an ambitious new venture. The couple has submitted a planning application to Fenland District Council for Big Skies Glamping, aiming to offer a unique high-end glamping experience in East Anglia according to the Fenland Citizen.
The proposed development includes five touring caravan pitches, three glamping pods, two shepherd huts, an outdoor kitchen, and a new toilet block. Plans also involve demolishing existing facilities and creating a new gravel driveway. The Davies’ have been running their training school and land yachting activities center at Fenland Wind and Air Sport Centre for the past 11 years, providing them with valuable experience in the local tourism industry.
In preparation for their venture, the Davies’ conducted extensive market research, visiting 16 different glamping sites across the country. Nigel Davies noted, “We learnt a lot about the marketplace with help from other glamping site owners who openly discussed their own businesses and booking systems. We were extremely surprised at the huge differences in quality, size and facilities offered by each site.” Their research revealed that high-end luxury glamping sites were solidly booked for 12 to 18 months in advance, while mid to low-end sites had ample availability even during peak seasons.
This finding drove the Davies’ decision to invest in a luxury glamping experience, identifying a market gap in the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk area. “It seems that customers are prepared to pay for the extra luxury which is what glamping is really all about and we feel that we can fill this gap in the market in the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk area of the country where this range of luxury glamping is not currently available at the level which we intend to offer,” Davies stated.
Big Skies Glamping aims to capitalize on panoramic views of the Fenland countryside, particularly stunning during sunrises and sunsets. The site will offer luxury amenities, including king or superking size beds, luxury linen, full in-house kitchens, and oversized shower enclosures. Davies elaborated on the pod features, “The pod lounge area opens onto an outdoor private decked seating area with privacy screening each end, the decking will have a dining table and chairs along with recliner sunbeds and at the other end of the decking a luxury hot tub leading onto a large outdoor private grassed area.”
Sustainability is a key focus of the project. Davies explained, “We plan to run the majority of the glamping site from self-generated solar-powered green energy.” This commitment to green energy adds to the site’s unique appeal and reduces its environmental impact.
The development is expected to boost the local economy, with Davies anticipating increased revenue for the March area due to the new attraction. As they await planning approval, the Davies’ are preparing to employ local tradesmen for the site’s development. The project will also create new jobs, including housekeeping staff and a maintenance person to look after the grounds.
