How Little Oakhurst
Became a Boutique Glamping Lancashire Retreat
As seen on Channel 4
Little Oakhurst is a peaceful, family run glamping site on our third generation farm in the Ribble Valley. What began as a way to support the farm has grown into a warm, nature led retreat shaped by creativity, a lot of hard work and a great deal of love. Over the years, our little patch of land has become a boutique glamping Lancashire escape for guests who want something real, relaxed and full of character.
From classroom to countryside
Seven years ago, I (Joanne) left my career in teaching to help my husband Andy on our newly purchased family farm.
The change was huge. Farming does not follow lesson plans or timetables. Days can be two hours or twenty four, and I knew I needed to find another way to support the land and our future.
That is when the idea of glamping arrived.
I had never been glamping, so we spent a week travelling around North Yorkshire visiting different sites. I kept notes on everything. What felt special. What did not. What connected with me.
By the end of the trip I knew I wanted something simple, honest and connected to the history of the farm. Shepherd’s huts felt right, but with no budget we had to start small.
A true family run glamping business
Little Oakhurst is held together by all of us.
Nana bakes homemade cakes for every guest.
Farmer Andy loves showing people around the farm.
Lucy brings her artistic eye to each hut and takes care of the social media.
The younger ones help around the fields and sometimes sell eggs.
Roger, my brother in law, takes on the big jobs I cannot do.
And then there is Farmer Jim.
He turned 90 years old this year and still works on the farm.
He chats to guests as if he has known them all his life and carries stories that only someone with a lifetime on the land could share.
We are a family farm, who cares about it’s guests.
Why our story matters to your stay
Every hut has history in its walls.
Every view has meaning.
Every detail has been shaped by hand.
Nothing here is mass produced or rushed.
Little Oakhurst is designed to feel warm, genuine and peaceful.
A place where you can slow down and reconnect with the simple things.
We hope you feel the care we have poured into this land and into each space we have created. Many guests tell us that this personal touch is what sets us apart as a boutique glamping Lancashire retreat.
A little Farmer Glossary from Jim
If you meet Farmer Jim, here are a few Lancashire farming phrases he loves to share:
Brossen means Too full
Thee and me means
You and me
Noor means No
Nowt means Nothing
Aye means Yes
Owt means Anything
Coos means Cows
Summut means Something
Muck means Cow dung
Wat you agate wi? means What are you up to?
Muck fork is What you clean up dung with
Baggin is the Snack between meals
