How to define your pitch types, lodging units, and facilities

To get started, open a spreadsheet or grab a notebook and make a complete list of everything a guest can book or use on your site. This detailed inventory is the foundation of your business; it defines what you sell, how you describe it on your website and booking platforms, and how you structure your prices. Getting this clear from the outset makes everything that follows much easier.

Pitches: Your Bread and Butter

Most of your visitors will be booking a pitch, but not all pitches are created equal. Grouping them into clear categories is essential for a simple booking process. For each type of pitch you offer, write down the following details:

• Name: Give it a clear title, like 'Standard Grass Pitch' or 'Lakeside Pitch with Electric'.
• Surface: Is it all grass, hardstanding (gravel), or a reinforced grass pitch?
• Size: Provide approximate dimensions (e.g., 10m x 8m). This is crucial information for guests with large tents, caravans, or motorhomes.
• Services: Does it have an Electric Hook-Up (EHU)? If so, state the amperage (e.g., 10-amp or 16-amp). Mention other services like a private water tap or grey water disposal point.
• Best For: Is it suitable for tents, trailer tents, caravans, motorhomes, or a mix?

Lodging: Your Premium Stays

If you offer glamping accommodation like pods, yurts, or cabins, the specific details are your biggest selling point. Don’t be shy about listing every feature that makes a stay special. For each individual unit (or unit type), you should list:

• Unit Type: Be specific, e.g., 'Shepherd’s Hut', 'Yurt', 'Safari Tent', or 'Camping Pod'.
• Capacity: How many adults and children can it sleep comfortably?
• Sleeping Setup: Detail the bed arrangements, e.g., 'One king-size bed, one sofa bed'.
• Key Features: This is where you sell the experience! List everything from the log burner and private hot tub to the en-suite shower, kitchenette facilities, outdoor seating area, and included linen.

Shared Facilities: The Communal Comforts

The quality of your shared facilities can make or break a guest's holiday and heavily influences reviews. Be honest and clear about what you provide for everyone on site. Your list should include:

• Amenity Blocks: How many toilet and shower blocks are there? Are they heated? Do you offer accessible facilities or a family bathroom?
• Washing-Up: Note the number of sinks and confirm if there is free hot water.
• Waste Disposal: Clearly state where guests can find general waste, recycling, and the chemical toilet disposal point (Elsan point).
• Extras: Don't forget to list other shared features that add value, such as a children's play area, a laundry room, a dog-walking field, or an on-site reception and shop.

Top Tip: Once your list is complete, read it through the eyes of a potential guest. Does it answer all their questions? Is it clear why one pitch type costs more than another? This document will become your single source of truth for building your website and setting up your online booking system.