While both shepherd’s huts and glamping pods offer a cosy, convenient escape from everyday life, there are several differences to consider when deciding which to buy.
In this article, we’ll cover the six main points of contrast to help you decide whether a shepherd’s hut or a glamping pod is more aligned with your needs.
What Are Shepherd’s Huts and Glamping Pods?
Although either structure would be equally suited to your garden as to a rural retreat, shepherd’s huts and glamping pods have distinct origins, purposes and functions.
| Shepherd's huts | Glamping pods |
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| Originally designed as mobile shelters for 19th-century shepherds during lambing season, shepherd’s huts have since reinvented themselves and are now used as luxury leisure spaces. They have a ‘shabby chic’ feel and are best for those who love a vintage aesthetic and a homey atmosphere. | Glamping pods provide a more durable, glamorous way to camp than traditional tents and sleeping bags. They are intended to accommodate single people or small groups seeking a short, eco-friendly break. Depending on their facilities, glamping pods can function as miniature static houses. |
Design
Shepherd’s huts
A shepherd’s hut design typically features a curved, corrugated metal roof to withstand the elements and large wheels to enable transportation. After all, shepherds could expect to live among their flock for weeks at a time and continually move their temporary home.
Glamping pods
Glamping pod design is quite different, characterised by an arch shape that leans into the organic curves found in nature. Many feature large windows and glass doors, which bring the outdoors in and offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Size
Shepherd’s huts
While shepherd’s huts can be built to any length, width is commonly limited to three options: standard (2.2m wide), extra large (2.4m wide) or extra extra large (3m wide). Different shepherd’s hut sizes suit different needs; for example, you may need more square footage for a living space than for a single-occupant home office.
Glamping pods
Glamping pods also vary slightly in length and width. Standard sizes (maximum 13.5m2) are ideal for couples and can accommodate two or three adults. Larger models (minimum 15m2), meanwhile, can host entire families for a short while.
Layout
Shepherd’s huts
These days, a shepherd’s hut interior design also reflects the original purpose of a self-contained mobile home. When used as overnight accommodation rather than a hobby space or home office, shepherd’s huts can include a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette. Many can also be kitted out with a hobbit stove to heat the interior and crank up the cosy.
Glamping pods
Similar to shepherd’s huts, glamping pod interiors tend to be very minimalist. Depending on their size, their layout could include a kitchenette, a bathroom and a sleeping and seating area. Rather than offering every amenity you would expect in a proper hotel, glamping pods serve as secure places to rest your head after a day of adventures.
Mobility
Shepherd’s huts
A shepherd’s hut chassis design reflects its traditional purpose, prioritising mobility through steerable axles and heavy-duty wheels, though modern versions are mostly ornamental. Once situated, you can move a shepherd’s hut on skids or transporter wheels.
Glamping pods
The largest difference between shepherd’s huts and glamping pods is that the former are more readily transported. Glamping pods are built on foundations such as concrete pads, ground screws or gravel bases, which support their weight and enable proper drainage. However, they’re not permanently fixed to the land, meaning they can move if necessary.
Planning permission
Given that both shepherd’s huts and glamping pods are classed as caravans under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, designed for human habitation and capable of being moved from one place to another, you must get planning permission before situating one on your land.
Shop Shepherd’s Huts
Now that you know the four main differences between shepherd’s huts and glamping pods, you can make an informed decision about which to buy for your land. Harrogate Huts designs and manufactures self-build shepherd’s hut and glamping pod kits, bundles and pre-built huts. Our kits are intentionally user-friendly and can be assembled by anyone in under two hours. If you’re thinking about creating a standalone garden office, home gym, hobby room or luxury outdoor retreat, shop our range or contact us with any questions.