Catch-Up Session – Diversifying showgrounds as temporary campsites, 10am

15 October 2026

Join Pitchup.com as they share practical insights, market trends, and real‑world examples of how showgrounds can diversify into camping. Pitchup.com is Europe’s largest booking platform for outdoor holidays, listing everything from lodges and caravans to tents and pods.

Overview

Showgrounds across the UK are exploring new ways to strengthen income streams and make better use of their land. One of the most accessible and high value opportunities is a temporary campsite, with some showground sites earning up to £20,000 in pitch fees in the last 12 months. This model allows showgrounds to host campers for limited periods each year without requiring full planning permission.

Why this session matters

Pitchup.com works with more than 6,000 campsites across 67 countries, with 6.5 million holiday nights booked via Pitchup.com in the last twelve months alone, and £550m worth of bookings since creation in 2009.

Together, we’ll explore how camping can become a reliable additional revenue stream, without major capital investment. A showground in the Midlands had over 300 bookings and £15,400 in its first month listed on the Pitchup website.

Key topics we’ll cover

● Permitted Development Rights: Understanding the rules that allow pop-up campsites to operate for 60 days (28 in Wales/Scotland) each year without a planning application, and how showgrounds can use this to their advantage
● Market trends: Hear about what has been popular with campers in 2026, and the trends on the horizon for 2027
● How Pitchup.com works and what you need to do to get started
● Real examples: Testimonials from the rural landowners and farmers who have used permitted development rights to diversify

Who should attend

Show organisers, land managers, trustees and anyone responsible for strategic development or income generation. This session is ideal for showgrounds considering new revenue streams but wanting clear, practical guidance before taking the next step.

What you’ll take away

● Instructions on how to set up a temporary campsite
● An idea of how much you can expect to earn based on existing pop-up sites
● How to assess whether your showground is suitable
● How Pitchup.com can support you if you choose to proceed