Plans have been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority for the development of two new glamping pods at Near Howe, a rural tourism site located in Mungrisedale near Penrith.
The proposal, filed on October 30, outlines the installation of two glamping pods for overnight stays, along with associated decking, hot tubs, and footpaths.
According to the supporting documents, the proposed development is designed to enhance Near Howe’s existing accommodation offerings while responding to changing visitor trends in the region.
Near Howe Cottages currently operates seven self-catering cottages and five campervan pitches. If approved, the new glamping units would replace the campervan pitches, which the applicant describes as a shift toward a “modern, popular type of holiday accommodation.”
The design and access statement submitted with the application said:
“By responding to evolving visitor preferences and emerging tourism trends, the glamping pods will help ensure that Near Howe Cottages remains a sustainable and adaptable rural tourism business into the future.”
According to the News & Star, the statement also noted that the site “will operate year-round, offering a tranquil retreat for visitors to enjoy the Lake District in all seasons, and further contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the local tourism economy.”
The applicant described Near Howe as “already a well-established rural tourism business offering high-quality facilities and scenic surroundings,” adding that the new pods “will complement the existing offer and be managed in the same style, ensuring continuity in guest experience and service quality.”
Supporting documents also stated that the loss of the five campervan pitches “will instead offer a modern, popular type of holiday accommodation – glamping,” adding that “there appears to be a generous amount of caravan and campervan sites within the immediate area to ensure this loss is not significant to tourists.”
The application will now undergo a consultation process with the Lake District National Park Authority before a decision is made.
For business owners and operators in the outdoor hospitality sector, this proposal reflects a continued shift in guest demand toward upscale and diversified accommodation types such as glamping.
The replacement of campervan pitches with glamping pods also highlights how small tourism businesses in national park areas are adapting to year-round operations and evolving visitor expectations, emphasizing sustainability and experience-driven stays.