In Melbourne, just outside of York, Acorn Glade Glamping provides an eco-conscious escape for nature lovers and those looking to experience the beauty of the countryside in style. The site’s luxurious accommodation provides the perfect blend of comfort and sustainability, offering a unique, adults-only escape from the modern world. With two REYTA awards under their belts, this innovative business is taking it all in its stride.
A Change of Direction
6 years ago, owners Andrew (a Yorkshireman) & Wendy relocated to Yorkshire from the Southeast of England in search of a change of pace. After 30 years of working in the hustle and bustle of the South, they traded it all in for something truly unique.
We had no intention of taking on a glamping business! When the property popped up on a property website, we decided that it could be the ideal opportunity for us to combine our previous experiences in business with living in a beautiful location. It has proven to be a very positive decision and one which we haven’t regretted.
Acorn Glade now provides a choice of 4 properties, two wooden cabins, one yurt and one wooden roundhouse. Each crafted with care and beautifully presented, they include a king-size bed and log burner for guests to enjoy. Surrounded by 3.5 acres of woodlands, a private lake and scenic walking trails from their very doorstep, guests can explore the natural beauty of Yorkshire during the day and relax under the stars at night.
Acorn Glade refers to their accommodation as living ‘comfortably off-grid’, ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘settled in nature’. Where a modern-day guest is used to their creature comforts, they’re also looking for a retreat that allows them to escape their busy lives and reconnect with the simpler pleasures of nature. Acorn Glade balance this perfectly for their guests, ensuring guests are welcome in all seasons;
We decided to work towards providing accommodation which was capable of being kept open all year round and have invested in two new bespoke log cabins to replace seasonal accommodation units. In 2023 we opened a new dining and social area in our main facility cabin, and guests enjoy relaxing in this lovely cosy room where they can dine, learn crafts or just chill and chat together.
The glamping site prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. With a focus on eco-friendly practices across the site, they boast a range of green initiatives, from eco-insulation in their properties to using solar energy to power their business. Andrew and Wendy emphasise minimising their waste and preserving the surrounding environment, ensuring that guests can enjoy nature while helping protect it for future generations.
Their thoughtful design includes features like composting toilets, motion-activated lighting and heating their water supply using air source heat pumps. Acorn Glade’s sustainability efforts reflect a deep respect for nature, inviting guests to reconnect with the land while supporting responsible tourism.
Award-Winning Hospitality
In 2023, Acorn Glade was recognised as the Best Holiday Park/Glamping/Camping Site for East Riding of Yorkshire at the REYTAs (Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards). Bowled over by the ethos behind the site, the visiting wildlife and their dedication to customer experience above all else, the REYTAs judging panel were thoroughly impressed by Acorn Glade.
Recognised again but this time for its sustainable practices, the team went on to win the Remarkable Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award at the 2024/2025 REYTAs. Acorn Glade’s carbon-neutral status and their ecological aims not only have a local impact but also a ripple effect within the wider industry. Entering the VisitBritain awards later in the year will be another milestone moment for the team that shows the effort really does pay off.
Our two REYTA awards (as well as our 9.9/10 ratings on booking.com and Tripadvisor) are quite humbling. There are so many small businesses doing amazing jobs in our region. We simply see this as recognition of the commitment we put into satisfying the expectations of our guests. And yes, we did enjoy a glass or two of champagne to help celebrate!
A Memorable Experience = Returning Guests
New guests will need to be quick off the mark to book a cabin at Acorn Glade, Andrew & Wendy provide such a memorable experience that they welcome back returning guests frequently;
Around 70% of our guests (many of who have become friends) return to Acorn Glade, booking directly through our website, which is a record we are very proud of.
Aside from its eco-friendly credentials, Acorn Glade offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and high-quality service. Whether a guest is new to glamping or a seasoned traveller, Acorn Glade provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s no wonder they’ve become a favourite among those seeking an unforgettable getaway!
Acorn Glade has a very special “feel”. Our guests speak to us about feeling relaxed and at home as soon as they arrive. We particularly noticed this reaction during the COVID period. When we were allowed to open, we had the privilege of hosting guests who worked in the NHS and care sectors. After a few nights away from their stressful jobs we were rewarded with seeing and hearing from people who were leaving us, visibly more relaxed and refreshed.
A Unique Customer for Out of Eden
At Out of Eden, we love to hear more about where our products are used and how much your guests enjoy them. And, we particularly enjoy it when those customers have a very unique selling point!
Alongside their remarkable sustainability work and customer service, Acorn Glade’s woodland location allows them to work with their pack of alpacas and wallabies. No doubt it’s a treat for guests of Acorn Glade to meet and interact with these animals throughout their stay and remains a part of the job that Andrew and Wendy enjoy immensely.
We have been looking after our beautiful wallabies and alpacas for many years before we moved to Acorn Glade. It has been a lovely experience to share our creatures with our guests here.
We aren’t aware of any hospitality business in the UK where guests have the chance to meet, stroke and learn a little about wallabies! They are all naturally inquisitive and love to meet our guests… the alpacas sometimes do our "meet and greet" for us in the car park!
Whilst we’re used to seeing herds of sheep from our offices here in the Eden Valley, wallabies and alpacas greeting our delivery drivers to Acorn Glade (in the aptly-named Melbourne) is quite the amusing thought! Out of Eden have been supplying Acorn Glade for over 5 years with a range of products including bed linen, duvets, pillows, toiletries and cleaning supplies.
We love Out of Eden’s ethos and shared values of eco-friendly and quality product.
Our guests particularly appreciate the feel and quality of the bedding which we source through Out of Eden. Small things always make the biggest difference!
The Secret to Success
Andrew and Wendy acknowledge their luck to work as part of a community of unique yet likeminded hospitality businesses. They believe that having an understanding of what sets you apart from the crowd, understanding that uniqueness, is key to success. It’s also evident that a positive outlook and the ability to problem-solve are fundamentals for Acorn Glade. When we asked what advice they’d give to other small businesses striving for recognition in the tourism or hospitality industry they answered:
Keep your guests at the centre of your thinking on how to develop your business. Most importantly… whatever challenges you might meet… keep smiling!
Looking ahead for the future, there’s no sign of stopping this team with plans for a new property to pop up in April 2025 and an ambitious pontoon project for the lake. The vision is that the pontoon will serve as a dining location for guests looking to sup surrounded by the native wildlife that has made Acorn Glade their home.
This expansion is likely not only to thrill those seeking out to return again but undoubtedly another unique selling point that will attract the attention of new guests and awards judging panels.
To learn more and to see how Acorn Glade grows, visit https://acornglade.co.uk
