Billingham native Emma Skidmore expressed her astonishment after her family’s glamping pods at Flakebridge Farm, known as The Pods by the Stream, ranked among the best in the United Kingdom.
The holiday destination, which Emma runs along with her husband and children, was named second-best in the North West by the camping booking site Pitch Up, and seventh overall in the UK out of more than 2,000 sites.
The Pods by the Stream is located on a fully functioning sheep farm near Tebay, on the border of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.
Since opening in June 2021, Emma and her family have been busy both with bookings and the farm’s lambing season.
Reflecting on the accolade, Emma said: “We found out about where we’d placed about two weeks ago and honestly I still feel a bit shocked, I didn’t expect it at all and I cried when I found out. Next month is only our second anniversary of the glamping pods being open so to be rated one of the best in the UK is just unbelievable.
Emma’s family purchased the farm in 2017 and began diversifying its operations from day one. Despite facing challenges due to the Covid pandemic, they managed to open their first glamping pod in 2021.
In their first year, they received a Gold Accolade award from Visit England and a 10 out of 10 award from Pitch Up. Emma added, “to have that in our first 12 months was amazing.”
The Pods by the Stream is a family affair, run by Emma and her husband Andrew, along with their children Jessica, Liam, and Amber.
The children help out on the farm by carrying firewood and greeting guests upon arrival. Emma shared her experience of transitioning from urban life in Billingham to the farm, saying, “I’ve gone from high heels to wellies.”
The glamping business has been thriving, with summer bookings nearly full. Emma said, “We’re fully booked on weekends up until September and we’ve only got midweek dates left in June. We’ve got two days left in July and August is fully booked too – we’ve got a lot of people coming back which is nice because a lot of our customers have become our friends as well.”
This news highlights the growing popularity of glamping among holidaymakers, offering unique alternatives to traditional accommodations.
For glamping business owners, success stories like that of The Pods by the Stream can serve as inspiration for diversification and catering to the evolving preferences of travelers.
Furthermore, this news underscores the importance of providing exceptional service and hospitality in the glamping industry.
As more glamping sites emerge, maintaining high standards and receiving positive reviews and accolades can significantly boost a business’s reputation and standing within the market.
Featured image from The Pods by the Stream
The Skidmore family’s unwavering dedication to sustainable farming and eco-friendly practices has truly paid off, making The Pods by the Stream a top-ranking glamping destination. Their steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship is commendable, and visitors to Flakebridge Farm can enjoy unforgettable experiences such as farm tours, outdoor activities, and workshops. It’s a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in the picturesque countryside.
I’m a bit anxious about the impact of the recent weather on the farm. Have you noticed any changes in the environment around The Pods by the Stream?