Bookings at farm-based caravan and camping sites increased 54% over the May bank holiday weekend compared with the same period last year, according to data from online booking platform Pitchup.com.
The figures also show a 336% increase in use of Pitchup.com’s “farm” filter compared with last year, indicating increased interest in stays on working farms.
According to a press release, Pitchup Founder Dan Yates said the growth in agritourism was outpacing other types of domestic holidays.
“Seeing a 54% increase in bookings for farm-based caravan and camping sites tells a fantastic story,” Yates said.
He attributed the growth to several factors, including the popularity of programs such as “Clarkson’s Farm,” increased interest in domestic travel, the cost of living and warmer weather.
Yates also said camping in the countryside had benefited from hotter summers.
“There’s no doubt the hotter summers we’ve been having have played a part in the popularity of camping in the countryside,” he said. “People love to get away and enjoy the peace and quiet, and get closer to nature.”
Yates said interest in domestic destinations had increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, with farms offering visitors an alternative to busy tourist areas.
He also cited the affordability of many working farm campsites as a factor in their popularity.
One farm experiencing increased demand is Greencarts near Hexham in Northumberland. Jean Newton operates the beef, lamb and arable farm alongside a campsite that has served Hadrian’s Wall walkers for 25 years.
“The campsite is vital to us, every farm needs to diversify to survive now unfortunately,” Newton said. “There’s just not enough money in the farming for us any more, especially considering the amount of work involved, so working with Pitchup.com has been a lifeline for us.”
Newton said the campsite had experienced a significant increase in demand since COVID-19 and that 2026 had continued to be successful.
Fred Rogers, owner and operator of Upper Farm Caravan Site in Shropshire, said the site had also experienced stronger demand. The property has hosted tourists for more than 50 years.
“This year we’ve been booked out every weekend and pretty full during the weeks,” Rogers said. “It’s much more popular than we’ve seen in the past few years.”