Small log cabin holiday site

Holidaymakers and short-break visitors, including families, couples and groups of friends, plus some corporate or retreat bookings.

Nightly or weekly cabin rates across several units, with extras such as hot tubs, firewood, pet fees and local experience packages. More cabins spread the fixed costs.

• Hospitality and guest service
• Managing cleaners and contractors
• Budgeting and planning for a seasonal income
• Marketing and online bookings

• Planning permission is very likely to be needed, and a caravan site licence may apply, so check with your council early
• Fire safety, water supply, drainage or sewage treatment, and access requirements can be costly to sort out
• Public liability and property insurance for a holiday site, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Business rates and possibly VAT registration as turnover grows
• Large upfront costs and seasonal income, so check how you would cover a quiet year
• Hot tubs and water features bring extra safety and maintenance duties

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £80,000 to £350,000, depending on the plot, number of cabins and site services. Water, drainage, access and fire safety can be costly to sort out, so budget carefully.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the number of cabins, your pricing and how well you book out. Income is seasonal, so check how you would cover a quiet year.

Planning permission is very likely to be needed, and a caravan site licence may apply, so check with your council early. Also check fire safety, water and drainage requirements, insurance, business rates, and extra duties if you add hot tubs.