Start a small camping cabin site

Holidaymakers, groups of friends, families and walkers booking weekend or week-long stays.

Nightly rates across several cabins, with higher prices in school holidays. Extra income can come from firewood, local produce, bike or kayak hire, and pet-friendly stays.

• Hosting and customer service
• Managing budgets and seasonal cash flow
• Practical maintenance
• Online marketing and photography

• Planning permission and site licensing, requirements vary by council and nation, so check early
• Fire safety, a fire risk assessment, and gas and electrical safety
• Public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance if you hire, and buildings and contents cover
• Water, waste and sewage arrangements, and any environmental rules near rivers or protected land
• Business rates, VAT once turnover grows, and heavy upfront costs before any income
• Weather and seasonal swings in bookings

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £40,000 to £200,000, depending on the number of cabins, shared facilities and site work. Expect heavy upfront spending before any income arrives, so plan your funding and cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the number of cabins, your pricing and the time of year. Bookings can swing with weather and season, so plan for quieter months.

Check planning permission and site licensing early, as requirements vary by council and nation. Also check fire safety and risk assessments, gas and electrical safety, insurance, water and waste arrangements, business rates and VAT.