A country park is hoping to cash in on the glamping trend by adding luxury camping accommodation including bell tents, safari tents and shepherd huts.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kingfishers staff Lisa Howton, Mark Blatchford, Matthew Thacker, Lee Chenery and Alan Sutcliffe where the new glamping area will be Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNKingfishers staff Lisa Howton, Mark Blatchford, Matthew Thacker, Lee Chenery and Alan Sutcliffe where the new glamping area will be Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

A country park is hoping to cash in on the glamping trend by adding luxury camping field offering bell tents, safari tents and shepherd huts.

Last week, East Suffolk Council approved a planning application by Kingfishers, in Swan Lane, Cretingham, to use sections of their 120-acre park as holiday accommodation.

The new facilities will comprise four circular bell tents, each measuring 6m, dotted throughout the park.

The bell tents will be operational and bookable from April 1.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kingfishers staff Lisa Howton, Mark Blatchford, Matthew Thacker, Lee Chenery and Alan Sutcliffe where the new glamping area will be Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNKingfishers staff Lisa Howton, Mark Blatchford, Matthew Thacker, Lee Chenery and Alan Sutcliffe where the new glamping area will be Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Claire Thacker, general manager of Kingfishers, said: "Glamping seems to be becoming more and more popular. People do not always want to go very far away on their holidays.

"Glamping is a brilliant alternative to regular camping. You arrive to a ready-made environment in the middle of the countryside.

"I'm sure our visitors will love our new site."

Kingfishers has also been granted permission to construct two large wooden safari tents, as well as two smaller metal-frame shepherd huts.

Mrs Thacker added: "For us, it's all about having diversity of places to stay in the park."

Mrs Thacker said the glamping facilities would complement the other activities on the 120-acre park, including the golf club and walking trails through the natural woodland.

The site prides itself on being a calm retreat, with "not a vehicle noise or street lamp in sight, yet only 20 minutes from the amazing coastal towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold".

It boasts a secure children's play area, outdoor activities, and a restaurant and bar.

Glamping sites can already be found in Saxmundham, Woodbridge and Hasketon, amongst other locations in Suffolk. MORE: 'Glamping' tents approved for Suffolk country park