Accessibility In The Glamping Industry: Is there enough being done?

Guest Writer: Aaron Metcalfe from Lune Valley Pods

How many accessible glamping options are out there in the UK?

In answer to the question, there are very little. Here at Lune Valley Pods, we quickly established a gap in the market and have a selection of accessible pod designs in place and have manufactured quite a few for the glamping market already.

However, in comparison to the total number of pods we have manufactured, 130 in 2022 and a similar number planned for 2023, the percentage remains relatively small. In our view, glamping should be accessible to all, and we aim to raise the issues with new customers to ensure that their site is the best it can be whilst offering highest standards and facilities.

Following detailed research, we have adapted the design for two of our most popular pods, the Megapod, and the Shep-Pod.

We have re-designed these pods to include the following as standard to ensure that our glamping pods provide increased accessibility:

• A wider footprint to allow for more space inside the pod and space for wheelchair turning circles at multiple areas of the pod.

• A full wet room shower room

• Grab rails in the shower room

• Lowered appliances in the kitchenette

• Level access door frames

• Under worktop access for wheelchair users.

The Facts!

There are 14.1 million disabled people in the UK, and, for many, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable accommodation that allows them to explore different holiday destinations across the UK.

The survey* revealed that 9 in 10 disabled people believe there are limited accessible accommodation options in the UK and 95% of respondents said they would be more likely to take holidays in the UK if more accessible accommodation options were available.

The spending power of disabled people and their families in the UK currently stands at £249 billion.

The research speaks for itself. With 20% of the UK population having limited accommodation options to be able to holiday in the UK there is clearly something that needs to be done.

Pictured below is an example of one of our Accessible Megapods.

The wide structure provides adequate space, along with the wider door into the wet room at the rear of the pod.

This is a perfect example to show an accessible pod that would be a lovely space for anyone.

*Source: Glamping Innovations Accessible Tourism Survey 2021

What else are Lune Valley Pods doing for people with disabilities?

At Lune Valley Pods, we have also started manufacturing Modular Changing Place Facilities. We have already had several orders, some by repeat customers, for these facilities and they have been built and put in situ for use already. We have certainly seen there is a big market for them at several destinations such as schools, shopping centres and supermarkets.

To us, it also raises the question as to how many glamping and camping sites provide this facility?

Changing Places are more than a disabled toilet because they offer more specialist equipment that meets the needs of individuals with profound and complex disabilities who cannot use the toilet independently. With us building them as a whole unit and delivering to site they don't require any work on existing buildings and can just be dropped in as an excellent addition to your site.

As you can see, there is a lot that someone who is able bodied may not consider if they haven't experienced or required facilities such as this themselves, which, as a business owner, is certainly something that must be considered and acted upon to ensure you are accommodating for everyone.

For an industry that is growing as quickly as glamping is, we are constantly trying to ensure that the industry does not leave out such a huge market and ensure that everyone can enjoy glamping and have the chance to see what the UK has to offer.

A lot of people are remembering, and others are discovering, following the pandemic, that the UK has got so much wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure to see, right on our own doorstep.

So why not provide accommodation to allow everyone to experience it and take it in with a comfortable and accessible stay in a stunning glamping pod.

Check out Lune Valley Pods for more information.