A proposed glamping and camping development in Dersingham, near King’s Lynn in Norfolk, could add new accommodation capacity to the county’s growing outdoor tourism sector if approved by local authorities.
Tom Kidman has submitted plans to establish a small-scale site on woodland land known as the Oaks, located off Hunstanton Road on the northern edge of the village. The proposal includes four shepherds’ huts and five tent pitches designed to operate year-round, subject to approval under habitat regulations.
The application comes as Norfolk continues to experience growth in the glamping and outdoor accommodation market, particularly in north Norfolk and the Broadland area.
Over the past decade, the county has seen an increase in developments that include shepherds’ huts, safari tents, glamping pods, and wellness-focused retreats aimed at visitors seeking nature-based stays with added comfort and amenities.
Industry operators have linked the rise in demand to continuing interest in domestic travel and outdoor recreation following the pandemic-era staycation trend.
Many newer sites have focused on combining rural settings with higher-end accommodations, including private bathrooms, fixed beds, and hot tubs, targeting travelers who may not traditionally choose conventional camping holidays.
If approved, the Dersingham proposal would add to the range of accommodation options available near the north Norfolk coast, an area that continues to attract visitors for its beaches, nature reserves, and walking routes. The site’s woodland setting may also align with increasing consumer demand for smaller-scale and lower-density outdoor hospitality experiences.
For outdoor hospitality business owners, the application reflects continued investor confidence in rural tourism and glamping despite broader economic pressures affecting discretionary spending and operating costs.
Smaller developments with a limited number of units have become increasingly common across the sector, partly because they can offer phased growth opportunities and lower upfront infrastructure requirements compared with larger holiday park projects.
The proposal will now be considered through the local planning process, including assessments related to environmental and habitat regulations. A decision date has not yet been announced, according to the Eastern Daily Press.