Today’s nterview is with Emily Braithwaite at Baylily Bell Tents.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?
I am 31 and come from Southampton.
Have you always wanted to run a glamping site? How did you get interested in it?
If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would be running a business like Baylily now I would have said no. But I am so glad I started it, has to be the best life choice I have ever made. We have always been keen all things outdoorsy people and camp all of the time (probably cemented by the fact that we have both been involved in Scouts since we were kids!) and this now seems to be the right thing for us to do.
What made you pick the location for your glamping site?
Our business isn’t based at a static site; we bring our tents to locations all across the county. We see some stunning sites and get to see the best of the great British countryside.
Do you get a wide range of different people from different walks of life or are there certain types of guests who come to stay at your site?
We get such an eclectic mix of people staying in our tents. We now seem to be catering for a lot of weddings (providing glamping guest villages) and its great to see so peoples family and friends all under canvas- its always the grandparents/ aunties and uncles that you wouldn’t expect who have the best times.
When we set up at campsites for glamping holidays we get everyone from couples/ young families and groups of friends wanting an affordable weekend away.
What do you think sets your glamping site apart from others?
Being a family run business of camping enthusiasts we really like to go the extra mile to ensure our guests have the best stay ever. Our coloured guest villages are the only ones of their kind currently operating in Hampshire and they really do stand apart from regular sandstone ones.
We are always open to guest requests- nothing is too much trouble.
What has been the most memorable moment that has happened on your glamping site?
A group from inner city London who had never set foot outside of the city before actually believed that we had wild bears in the area!
What plans (if any) do you have for your glamping site in the future?
Although we are a mobile company we are always looking for static sites…we’ve got big plans for 2015. Watch this space!
