A new glamping site is set to open near Reading, offering a fresh opportunity for local tourism and rural business growth. 

Foxglove Farm, located near the Inkpen Common nature reserve, will welcome guests beginning April 4, providing an off-grid farm stay experience. 

The project represents a broader trend in farm diversification, where agricultural businesses integrate outdoor hospitality as an additional revenue stream.

The site will feature six glamping hideaways, each equipped with an outdoor shower, designed to blend rustic charm with modern comforts. 

Guests will have the opportunity to engage with farm life, interact with livestock such as sheep, lambs, goats, and chickens, and participate in farm tours showcasing daily operations.

Simon Bastable, who operates Foxglove Farm alongside his partner Kathe, emphasized the value of connecting visitors with rural life. 

“We can’t wait to welcome guests to Foxglove Farm and give them a taste of countryside life,” Bastable said. “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here, and we’re confident families will love the chance to disconnect from screens, engage with farm life, and explore the beauty of the local area.”

The farm’s partnership with Feather Down, a company specializing in farm-based glamping experiences, underscores the economic benefits of agritourism. 

For local farmers, such collaborations provide an alternative revenue stream while enhancing rural tourism. Vicki Baggott from Feather Down highlighted the role of glamping in supporting agricultural businesses. 

“Not only does it offer a beautiful countryside escape, but it also supports local farmers at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges,” Baggott said in a report by the Reading Chronicle. “By welcoming guests, farms like Foxglove can diversify their income while sharing the realities of rural life.”

Foxglove Farm’s presence is also expected to generate increased foot traffic for nearby businesses, including shops, cafés, and pubs in Inkpen and Hungerford. 

Additionally, the farm will host an Open Farm Lambing Weekend on April 12 and 13, providing visitors with an interactive look at lambing season.

With easy access from Junction 14 of the M4 and within a two-hour drive from London, Foxglove Farm represents a strategic addition to the region’s outdoor hospitality landscape. 

The launch reflects a wider industry shift, where farm-based stays not only appeal to travelers seeking immersive experiences but also provide farmers with a viable path toward business sustainability.