Derry, the Secret Garden Glamping owner embarked on his glamping venture from his garden in Wigan. After gaining viral attention on social media, he has soared to glamping success, achieving 100% occupancy booked two years in advance.
Discover Derry's inspiring glamping story below:
The Secret Garden Glamping is an exciting glamping site based in the North West.
Situated in a forest, the site boasts an impressive collection of 12 beautifully designed glamping units. It comes as no surprise that the Secret Garden Glamping was crowned the winner of the 'Glampitect's Choice' award in 2021.
With another unit already approved for planning and a brand new site in the works, this enchanting retreat is set to expand its offerings and captivate even more nature-loving adventurers!
Thinking of starting your own glamping business? Read this
It all began during the 2020 lockdown when Derry decided to turn a camping trip in his garden for his kids into a glamping venture. Disenchanted with waking up on wet grass, he opted to build a deck, and by the end of the first lockdown, a glamping site in his garden emerged.
Social media updates attracted much attention, leading to online bookings filling up for the next two years within the first two days!
Now, the Secret Garden Glamping site boasts 12 bespoke units at the woodland site. Achieving 100% occupancy since opening, the earliest available weekend must be booked over two years in advance!
Derry's deep enthusiasm for staycation holidays over jet-setting away has been a major motivation in setting up his Glamping business.
Derry took the stage on BBC's Dragons Den, seeking a £100K investment for a 5% equity stake. His woodland glamping site and 5-star retreat caught the attention of the dragons.
The Dragons were intrigued by Derry's story, with Peter Jones expressing awe at the journey.
Derry, a former transport business owner with no background in building, invested over half a million of his own money into the project, resulting in a projected revenue of £1.1 million for 2024.
Deborah Meaden, impressed with Derry's fresh perspective, made a ground-breaking offer of all the money for 5% equity.
Other dragons, Peter Jones, Sara Davies, and Touker Suleyman, followed suit. The dragons' overwhelming response left Derry speechless. To watch this episode, you can view on demand via BBC iPlayer here.
After careful consideration, the Secret Garden Glamping owner, Derry, accepted Deborah Meaden's offer, securing £100K and an invaluable partnership with the industry expert.
The Secret Garden Glamping's success story, marked by their appearance on Dragons Den and the overwhelming response from the dragons, is an inspiration. With 4 out of 5 offers secured, Derry's journey illustrates the potential of a glamping venture.
Have you sat on your glamping idea? Inspired to start your own glamping venture? Book a chat
We can guide you through every step of your journey, from conception to feasibility, design and getting planning permission, choosing a pod and marketing your site. Let's turn your glamping dream into a reality!