Wellington Jerseys

H&H Insurance Brokers’ client Wellington Jerseys based near Cockermouth in Cumbria offers a luxury glamping accommodation with views of the Lake District as well as its own cafe and ice cream business.

Posted on: 29th March 2023

Back to case studies

The family business, which is also run by Leigh's wife Gill, and Hodgson's wife Susan, has expanded over the years to include other members of the family, including Hodgson and Susan's daughter Ashton, and Gill and Leigh's daughter-in-laws, Joanne and Debbie.

The family sold the dairy herd about 10 years ago to focus on the Wellington Jerseys business, with quality Jersey milk now bought in for the ice cream, which is made by Ashton to the same recipe and only sold at the cafe.

The glamping pods at Wellington Farm launched in September 2020 and were an immediate hit with visitors looking to escape to the countryside.

Debbie Stamper, who manages the glamping pods, said:

"We're delighted with how the pods have been received by visitors. People love the location and the attention to detail in each of them.

"We felt the potential was there to develop the business further, so opening the glamping pods was a natural step for us. Because it's a family business, we wanted to build something for the future.

"We wanted to make the most of the location by offering a first-class experience to visitors and, by investing in quality accommodation and extra details such as the hot tubs, I think we have achieved that."

The glamping pods had been due to open for Easter 2020 but were delayed due to the pandemic. They currently run at approximately 80 per cent occupancy, with excellent reviews and repeat bookings.

"Our aim is to offer visitors a really special experience when they visit us whether that's at the cafe or the glamping pods. "I think our business demonstrates how a traditional farming enterprise can adapt and change to create new opportunities."

"The service we have had over the years has been fantastic. The H&H Insurance team have worked alongside us as we have developed and grown the business, offering expert advice and understanding exactly what we need and when."

- Debbie Stamper, Wellington Jerseys

A flexible booking system allows people more choice on the duration of their stay, with the team on-site for changeovers and any guest requirements during their stay.

The seven-foot hot tubs, which are sourced from North Spas in Newcastle, reflect the attention to detail in each of the luxury glamping pods, which are well insulated and include double patio doors with views to the Western fells. The fully equipped pods include kitchenettes with stainless steel worktops, a double electric hob, fridge/freezer and microwave; living areas with sofa and 32-inch Smart TV; a fully made up double bed with bedside USB chargers; and an ensuite bathroom with thermostatic shower, heated towel rail and fluffy towels provided.

Wellington Jerseys, which was originally run as a commercial dairy enterprise prior to foot and mouth, has remained close to its farming roots and includes a variety of animals which visitors can see on the site including alpacas, llamas, a horse, donkeys, a Highland cow, a Jersey cow and peacocks.

"The service we have had from HHIB over the years has been fantastic. The team has worked with us as we have developed and grown the business, offering advice whenever we need it and understanding exactly what we need and when."

Debbie, Wellington Jerseys