2015 Glamping Show, Stoneleigh
Over the years, Glamping has introduced a completely new customer base to the outdoor world, not just in the summer months either, it’s extended the season and brought more earning potential to existing and new outdoor businesses’, which can only be a good thing.
Admittedly, a Glamping Show is not usually an event that I’d attend, however, like most shows dedicated to spending quality time outdoors, there’s always the potential to discover some unique and interesting people and products.
Amongst the many suppliers, planners and builders in attendance at the show who can help a landowner to create a thriving Glamping business, there were some new and enterprising companies showing off their wares too.
First to catch my attention were blacksmiths Stokes of England who have produced a cool looking flat packed firebox and BBQ. Made from 3mm steel and painted with heat resistant matt black, their firebox/BBQ consists of 7 parts: 4 sides, ash pan & handle, grate and griddle and comes with its own bag. What really caught my attention though was that they can be customised. Current designs are: the VW split screen, T4 and T5 and a Defender. Prices start from £95.00 including P&P in the UK. Check it out: Clicky Link.
There was a lot of folks up-cycling at the Glamping Show, and I liked what Jez Armstrong of Trong Upcycling was doing. He doesn’t have a website yet, but his Facebook page is: TrongUpcycling. I quite liked his Jerry can cocktail cabinets, but his Jerry can BBQ’s was a new one on me!
Next was Cool Camping. For those unaware, Cool Camping are all about finding those extra-special places to camp, whether it’s wild or family camping. Their team have spent years searching the UK and Europe for the very best campsites, they don’t judge them on the number of showers or electricity hook-ups, they’re more interested in the location, the view, the ambience, and whether it allows campfires.
They also carry a great collection of books, 2 that deserve a special mention are the ‘Guyrope Gourmet’ and their own ‘Cool Camping Cookbook’. Both offer some fantastic cooking ideas for when you have limited resources and food. Check out their site at: www.coolcamping.co.uk
Leaving the halls and walking outside there was a large collection of yurts, Tipis, shepherd huts and huge and elaborate tents. Amongst these were www.dappr-aviation.com, a company that specialises in creating furniture out of aircraft parts. Fancy chilling out in a room made from the body of a Boeing 737, having a jet engine coffee table or a clock made from a 747 brake disc? Not a problem.
Next I found myself strangely attracted to a caravan, it wasn’t a usual caravan mind, although it had that all familiar silhouette, it was covered in Accoya wood which is known for its durability and rot resistance. Chatting to Wendy, she told me that after 30 odd years as a skilled carpenter and joiner, Rocky, who incidentally was inspired by building the Showman Wagons for a travelling circus, set about planning his own self build touring wagon. He was toying with various ideas and designs until Wendy suggested the classic British Caravan.
From their workshop in Gloucestershire, Rocky not only hand crafts these works of art, but also takes on apprentices from a local college. He prides himself in playing a huge role in developing some extremely skilled craftsmen ensuring that his skills are kept alive.
Granted, starting at around £20,000 Rocky’s creations aren’t cheap, but the level of expertise and craftmanship that goes into a Driftwood Camper is extraordinary and almost guaranteed to last a lifetime. For further information, check out their website at: Driftwood Campers
Unfortunately we didn’t get to stick around for the many speakers and varying seminars on offer, like Max McMurdo and Jane Field-Lewis of “Amazing Spaces” and “Shed of the Year”. Many of these were aimed at people wanting to create a Glamping business of their own, but there were also other interesting topics being discussed.
Although The Glamping Show isn’t really intended for the general public, there were many varied and interesting people to talk to. This years show may have been smaller than many of the others I generally attend, but I can see it becoming more popular, so don’t forget to put it next years diary, plus it’s free!