Joanne Collinge’s Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, is a prime example of how innovative thinking can transform a family farm into a flourishing business.
In March, she was recognized as the winner of the Small Business category at the Ribble Valley Business Awards 2024. She was also a finalist in the awards for Family Business, Customer Friendly, and BEACON Award, given to the top five businesses in the Ribble Valley.
Additionally, Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping has been honored with the Green Tourism Award, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Starting with a £1,000 budget, Joanne turned a piece of underutilized farmland into a thriving glamping site that now generates over £200,000 annually. Joanne’s venture began when she retired from her 21-year teaching career, choosing to help her husband on their dairy farm while finding ways to diversify and future-proof the business. She used salvaged materials from the farm itself, including fallen trees and cow mats, to build yurts and shepherd’s huts, creating an eco-friendly glamping site.
“I could have very easily at this point thrown the towel in, but I made my site through blood, sweat, and tears – out of a necessity to survive,” Joanne told the Burnley Express.
“At this point in my business now, I’m looking back and am proud of the fact that at 53, I’ve had to teach myself how to build a website, set up social media platforms, run house-keeping, manage accounts, bookkeeping, take on the roles as maintenance, grounds keeper and baker – none of which I had ever done in my life, it’s all self-taught and doing it myself has saved me thousands.”
With over 50 years of farming experience, the Collinge family transitioned from running a 170-head dairy operation to diversifying their land for glamping. After selling their milking herd in 2020, the farm continued to host young stock, sheep, hens, and their cherished alpacas, adding to the rural charm of the site.
The couple’s efforts to build shepherds’ huts in 2020 allowed year-round accommodation, creating a blend of glamping and farm-life experiences.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Pendle Hill, engage with the farm’s vibrant animal life, or even take a guided tour with Andy or his father, Jim, for an insider’s perspective on life in the Ribble Valley. The Ribble Valley, with its scenic beauty and rich wildlife, has emerged as a sought-after destination for those seeking a screen-free, back-to-basics getaway. As one of the leading glamping sites in the Ribble Valley, Little Oakhurst serves as a model for future glamping ventures.
