Unlock New Revenue: Pubs & Outdoor Hospitality
Discover how rural pubs can leverage underutilised land to thrive by diversifying into camping and glamping.
# How Pubs Can Diversify Into Camping and Glamping
Rural pubs are facing unprecedented challenges. Drink-driving laws, changing social habits, and rising costs have hit traditional pub income hard. But many pubs sit on an underutilised asset: land.
Why Pub Camping Works
New Revenue Streams
Shift from evening-only trade to 24-hour income potential.
Attract Tourists
Broaden customer base beyond locals with guaranteed overnight guests.
Compound Spending
Campers spend significantly more on food, drink, and breakfast.
Low Barrier to Entry
Test the concept easily using the 28-day rule with minimal investment.
The synergy between pubs and camping is powerful:
| Traditional Pub | Pub with Camping |
|---|---|
| Evening trade only | 24-hour revenue potential |
| Local customers only | Attracts tourists |
| Weather-dependent footfall | Guaranteed overnight guests |
| Single revenue stream | Multiple income sources |
The Compound Effect
Overnight guests don't just pay a pitch fee. They:
- Eat dinner (average spend: £25-40 per couple)
- Drink (average spend: £20-35)
- Have breakfast (average spend: £15-25)
- Tell friends on social media
One overnight stay can generate £80-120 in total revenue versus just the £10-15 pitch fee.
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Getting Started: The 28-Day Rule
In England and Wales, you can operate a temporary campsite for up to 28 days per calendar year without planning permission.
💡 Pro Tip: The 28-Day Rule
This rule is your minimal-risk entry point! Use it to gauge demand and refine your offering before committing to larger investments or long-term planning permissions.
What this means for pubs:
- Test the concept with minimal investment
- Allow up to 3 caravans at any time
- No permanent structures required
- Perfect for a soft launch
Beyond 28 Days
For year-round operation, explore:
- Certificated Location (CL) - Via the Camping & Caravanning Club, allows 5 pitches
- Certificated Site (CS) - Via the Caravan & Motorhome Club
- Full planning permission - For larger operations
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Types of Pub Camping
Van Stops / Overnight Parking
Investment: Minimal (signage, marketing)
Revenue: £10-20 per night
Best for: Pubs with secure car parks
The lowest-barrier option. Simply allow motorhomes and campervans to park overnight. No facilities required beyond what the pub already offers.
Basic Camping Pitches
Investment: £500-2,000 (grass preparation, hook-ups)
Revenue: £15-30 per night
Best for: Pubs with garden/paddock space
Add electric hook-ups (16A standard) and designate flat areas for tents, caravans, or motorhomes.
Glamping Add-Ons
Investment: £8,000-50,000 per unit
Revenue: £80-180 per night
Best for: Pubs with interesting outdoor spaces
Shepherd's huts, pods, or bell tents create premium experiences that guests book specifically for.
Static Accommodation
Investment: £15,000-40,000 per unit
Revenue: £100-200 per night
Best for: Established sites looking to maximise revenue
Lodges or luxury pods offer year-round bookable accommodation.
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Marketing Your Pub Campsite
The #VanLife Audience
This community is your sweet spot:
- They actively seek safe, characterful overnight stops
- They're happy to pay for good food and drink
- They share discoveries on social media
- They return and recommend
How to reach them:
- Park4Night and similar apps (list your location)
- Facebook van life groups
- Instagram with #vanlife #motorhome #camperstop hashtags
- Brit Stops / France Passion style partnerships
Word of Mouth
Happy campers become ambassadors. Encourage:
- Social media check-ins
- Google reviews
- Trip Advisor mentions
- Personal recommendations
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Managing the Complexity
Running a pub is already demanding. Adding camping creates new admin:
- Booking management
- Payment tracking
- Customer communications
- Electricity billing (if metered)
- Compliance records
Did You Know? Digital Tools Can Help!
Specialised campsite management software like PayCamp can automate bookings, payments, and communications, significantly reducing your administrative burden. Look for systems designed for smaller operations.
A simple system like PayCamp's Micro plan can handle all of this for £19/month—specifically designed for small sites with up to 10 assets.
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Explore Our Campsite Demo
See how holiday parks and campsites manage bookings, pitches, and guests effortlessly.
Real Example: The Fox & Hounds
We've created a detailed demonstration of how this works in practice. Read the Fox & Hounds story to see a complete pub-to-campsite transformation scenario.
You can also explore the live demo to see how PayCamp handles pub camping operations.
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Click any £ price to edit it — watch the annual estimate update live
| Season | EHU/night | Grass/night | Hard/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | |||
| Shoulder | |||
| Off-Peak |
Estimated Annual Revenue
£100,101
Based on 18 pitches · avg occupancy · updates live as you edit
Is Your Pub Suitable?
Ask yourself:
✓ Do you have a car park with 5+ spaces you could designate for overnight parking?
✓ Is there garden or paddock space that could become pitches?
✓ Can you serve food (even simple)?
✓ Are you in a scenic or strategic location?
✓ Are neighbours unlikely to object?
If you answered yes to most of these, pub camping could work for you.
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🚀 Next Steps for Your Pub
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1.
Assess Your Land: Identify suitable areas for pitches or simple overnight parking.
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2.
Start Small: Utilise the 28-day rule to test demand with minimal investment.
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3.
Research Legislation: Understand planning permissions for long-term operations beyond 28 days.
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4.
Explore Tools: Consider campsite management software to streamline operations.
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Explore Our Campsite Demo
See how holiday parks and campsites manage bookings, pitches, and guests effortlessly.