6 minute read
Lights, Camera, Glamping: The UK’s dystopian glamping adventure
By Vicki Jones, Co-Founder Tractors and Cream
When Dom and Nicky Ackland-Snow left their high-profile careers in film and TV to start a glamping site, they knew they had to create something extraordinary. Enter Lights, Camera, Glamping—the UK’s first fully immersive glamping experience.
Today’s guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to unique getaways, but have you ever imagined booking a holiday in a post-nuclear dystopia that transports you to a 1970s dieselpunk festival? Neither had I… until now.
Dom and Nicky have drawn on their family’s deep roots in the film and TV industry to craft something that so far hasn’t been seen in the glamping industry. They’ve combined the wonder of a film set with the comforts of glamping, creating a sensory, story-driven experience. Whether you’re reliving the grungy magic of a bygone Glastonbury Festival or navigating the eerie aftermath of a fictional nuclear fallout, this site blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.
The Creative Couple
Dom began his journey in 1986, crafting sets for iconic 80s and 90s TV shows. With a childhood spent exploring film studios alongside his father, an Art Director, Dom’s passion for storytelling was ignited early—he even appeared on-screen in The Deep in 1977. Dom has earned an Emmy honour for his work on HBO's The Pacific.
The couple moved to Australia, where Dom led high-profile projects, including Sydney Museum installations and Sea World stunt shows. Returning to the UK in 2011, they launched Stringybark Creative, a creative construction company serving film, TV, and events.
Nicky, with a First-Class Degree in Sustainable Planning, complements Dom’s expertise, advancing from Construction Coordinator to Manager within Stringybark Creative. Together, they seamlessly blend their talents to create innovative, immersive spaces.
From Hollywood to the Countryside
I visited Lights, Camera, Glamping the day after their first guests checked out, and I was blown away. This isn’t your average glamping retreat: it’s a living, breathing film set where every detail tells a story.
For this particular project, Dom and Nicky’s journey began on the set of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The set was near Amersham, just outside London, and they happened to strike up a conversation with the local landowner, who happened to have 600 acres of stunning countryside and woodland. Nicky had long dreamed of creating a film setthemed Airbnb, so the couple floated the idea of using part of the land for a glamping site.
Fast forward to 2024, and the first of what could eventually be three themed units is complete. Plans are already underway for a Mamma Mia! themed unit and a sci-fi inspired retreat in the coming years.
Inside the Experience
The site currently features two custom-designed pods, built entirely by Dom and Nicky. They wanted to create something truly original, far removed from standard pod designs. The pods have a really unique angled front and rounded back and are clad in polished metal – only a polished metal cladding didn’t go with their post-apocalyptic theme! So the family meticulously distressed the metal to look old and worn. Dom was particularly proud to show me the beautiful round windows he had put in the pods which opened on a pivot. His years of set design and master carpentry really gave him the skills to create something visually stunning.
One pod houses a cosy bedroom with an en-suite shower, while the other boasts a retro 1970s kitchen and living room. But the pièce de résistance is their converted VW campervan—a 1970s disco-themed lounge, carpeted from floor to ceiling, complete with a vintage record player, old-school TV, and rotary phone. The outdoor deck includes a wood-fired hot tub and a shuffleboard table, all set beneath a glittering disco ball clad ceiling.
“Most of the items here are new, but we’ve made them look old,” Dom explained. One standout feature is a distressed Glastonbury Festival metal poster—aged to perfection after their kids took an air rifle to it!
Their children also play a key role in bringing the project to life. Their daughter, a scenic painter, created the hand-painted signage, including a decorative drum kit dubbed “The Love Drum.” I particularly love their “Water is Scarce Nuked” sign! Their son handles photography and concept design, making this a true family affair.
Why Diesel Punk?
I asked Nicky why they chose 1970s diesel punk as their first theme.
“We loved the Mad Max vibe, and diesel punk felt like a good first theme. It’s such a visually striking style, and we wanted to challenge ourselves with something complex and heavy in design.”
Despite being new to the glamping world, Dom and Nicky have meticulously planned every detail to ensure their guests have an unforgettable stay. “We’re the kind of people who go above and beyond,” Nicky said, and it shows. The beauty of the space is that they can welcome families, couples or friend groups and the feedback they have had from their initial guests has been excellent.
Pricing
Setting the right price, especially when it’s a one-of-a-kind experience, can be a challenge. For Dom and Nicky, transparency was key. Dom insisted on an all-inclusive approach: unlimited logs for the hot tub, breakfast provisions, and no hidden charges. This, combined with the uniqueness of their offering, allows them to confidently command a premium rate.
They’ve launched their immersive glamping unit at £350 per night, accommodating up to four guests, and at the time of writing, has no minimum stay. Currently listed on Airbnb, they’re also aiming for a coveted spot on the platform’s OMG! category—a perfect match for their extraordinary creation.
Beyond Glamping
Their ambitions don’t stop at this site. The pods are designed to be easily transportable— three can fit on an articulated lorry—making them perfect for festivals. In fact, Glastonbury Festival has already approached the couple to create an entire themed street of pods.
They’re also venturing into design for other glamping sites. A new site in Scotland has commissioned them to create four whisky barrel-themed pods, set to debut later this year. Similar to the vibe of that of the Statesmen in the film Kingsman: The Golden Circle, the whole of the outside perimeter of the pods will be clad in whisky barrels – perfect for Scottish whisky country!
The couple would also love to help other glamping sites create new and innovative film set themed spaces, which in this saturated market could be a fantastic opportunity to stand out from the competition.
With their creativity, craftsmanship, and can-do spirit, Dom and Nicky aren’t just building a glamping site—they’re reimagining the very concept of immersive hospitality. I’ve no doubt that we will see more of them as the glamping industry shifts and morphs more into experiential travel.
