“Does it come with the kitchen and bathroom, or just the shell?”
It is one of the most important questions to ask when buying a glamping pod or holiday cabin. The answer can make a significant difference to your budget, the work required before you can welcome guests and the overall value of the accommodation.
At The British Pod Company, our Apex range is designed to provide a fitted living space, with a kitchenette, shower room and a range of other features included in the published specification. We manufacture our pods in Lancashire and offer a choice of layouts, finishes and optional extras to help you create accommodation that suits your requirements.
Whether you are developing a glamping business, adding a cabin to an existing holiday-let site or exploring the options for a rural retreat, this guide explains what to look for when comparing fitted glamping pods and what you should check before placing an order.
Do glamping pods come with a kitchen and bathroom?
Yes, many modern glamping pods are available with fitted kitchens and bathrooms, although the exact specification varies between manufacturers and models.
Some suppliers offer a basic shell that requires you to arrange much of the internal fit-out yourself. Others provide a more complete unit with cooking facilities, a shower room, lighting, heating and sleeping accommodation already installed.
The British Pod Company’s Apex range includes a kitchenette and shower room as part of its published specification. The Incline range also includes a kitchenette and shower room, although the standard kitchen equipment differs between the ranges.
For buyers, the important point is to establish exactly what is included in the price. A cabin advertised as a fully fitted unit may still require site preparation, foundations, utility connections or other work before it can be used for paying guests.
Before comparing quotations, ask for a written specification that separates the cabin itself from delivery, installation, site works and any optional extras.
What is included in an Apex glamping pod?
The Apex range is designed to provide a comfortable, self-contained space with a living area, kitchenette, shower room and sleeping accommodation.
The published standard specification for the 7-metre Apex includes the following features. Confirm the exact specification for your chosen model and configuration before ordering.
1. A fitted kitchenette
The published Apex specification includes a kitchenette with:
- Fridge.
- Two-ring electric hob.
- Single oven.
- Stainless steel sink.
- Worktops, with compact laminate or solid wood options listed.
- Storage cupboard.
This gives guests the facilities to prepare meals and drinks within their accommodation, rather than relying entirely on nearby restaurants or shared cooking facilities.
The kitchen finish can also contribute to the overall appearance of the cabin. Through the Pod Builder, customers can explore choices including kitchen colours, door styles, handles and worktop finishes.
A dishwasher and other kitchen enhancements may be available as optional upgrades, depending on the chosen specification.
2. A fitted shower room
The Apex specification includes a shower room with:
- Shower, tray and screen.
- Wash basin.
- Toilet.
- Extractor fan.
- Electric towel rail.
- Mirror.
Having these facilities within the cabin gives guests greater privacy and convenience than accommodation that relies on shared bathrooms.
For holiday-let owners, an en-suite-style arrangement can also help define the type of experience offered. However, the quality of the finished guest experience will depend on the complete design, maintenance and services available at the site.
3. Sleeping accommodation
The Apex range features a mezzanine floor and staircase, making use of the available vertical space.
The published specification for the 7-metre Apex lists a king-size bed with mattress and a double bed with mattress. Sleeping arrangements can vary between configurations, so it is important to confirm the capacity and layout of the particular model you are considering.
When choosing a pod for commercial accommodation, think about the guests you want to attract. A couples’ retreat may need a different layout from a cabin aimed at families or small groups.
The best configuration is one that balances sleeping capacity with comfortable living space, storage and ease of movement.
4. Heating, lighting and electrical fittings
The published Apex specification includes electrical sockets with USB outlets, LED lighting, a TV point and data connection, alongside internal and external lighting.
It also lists an electric or LPG hot-water boiler. The precise arrangement should be confirmed with the manufacturer for the model and specification being ordered.
These fittings form an important part of the cabin’s overall functionality. Buyers should nevertheless establish what electrical and plumbing connections are provided within the unit and what must be completed on site.
5. Insulation and construction
The Apex is built using a hand-crafted timber frame and includes insulation in the floor, walls and ceiling. The published specification lists:
- 200mm floor insulation.
- 140mm wall insulation.
- 120mm rigid ceiling insulation.
The range also includes double-glazed windows and doors.
Insulation and glazing are important considerations if you want accommodation that remains comfortable in colder weather. Actual performance will depend on the complete construction, heating, ventilation, installation and how the cabin is operated.
If year-round bookings are part of your business plan, ask for the current technical specification and discuss heating, ventilation and the protection of water services in cold conditions.
What is included in an Incline pod?
The Incline range offers a different design, with published lengths ranging from 8 to 10 metres. It combines a steel and timber frame with an insulated structure, double-glazed windows and French doors.
Its published standard specification includes a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, two-ring electric hob and sink unit. Unlike the listed Apex specification, the standard Incline kitchen specification does not list a single oven.
The Incline also includes a shower room, electric panel heater, electric water heater, sockets with USB outlets and a mains-operated smoke detector.
These differences demonstrate why it is important to compare the detailed specifications rather than assume that every pod includes identical appliances and fittings.
If an oven, dishwasher or another particular appliance is essential to your project, confirm whether it is standard, optional or unavailable in your preferred configuration before ordering.
Explore The Incline range to learn more about its design and available options.
Fully fitted does not always mean site-ready
One of the most important distinctions when purchasing a glamping pod is the difference between a fitted cabin and a complete, operational site.
A fitted pod may arrive with its kitchen, bathroom, lighting, heating and internal finishes already installed. That can reduce the amount of internal work required compared with purchasing an empty shell.
However, the site itself may still need preparation before the accommodation can be used.
Depending on the location and project, this may include:
- Groundworks and levelling.
- A suitable foundation system, which could include piling where appropriate.
- Safe access for delivery and installation.
- Electricity and water connections.
- Suitable wastewater and drainage arrangements.
- External paths, steps, decking or landscaping.
- Planning permission or other required approvals.
- Safety checks, commissioning and any remaining work needed before guests arrive.
The exact requirements depend on the site, the cabin and the agreed scope of supply.
For example, a cabin with a fitted shower room still needs an appropriate water supply and wastewater arrangement. Likewise, having internal electrical fittings does not automatically mean that the site has a completed electrical connection.
This is why we recommend discussing the full project before committing to a cabin. Understanding the work required on your land helps you develop a more realistic budget and plan the steps needed to prepare the accommodation for guests.
What optional extras can I choose?
A standard specification provides a starting point, but you may want to personalise the cabin to suit your brand, target guests or intended use.
The British Pod Company’s published Apex and Incline options include a selection of upgrades, subject to the chosen model and configuration.
These can include:
- Alternative external cladding finishes.
- Kitchen upgrades, including a dishwasher where available.
- Breakfast bars.
- Bunk beds or sofa beds.
- Feature bedroom walls.
- Alternative bathroom finishes.
- Keyless entry systems.
- Bluetooth speaker systems.
- Additional decorative lighting.
- Saunas and hot tubs as additional features.
Not every option is available on every model, and some upgrades will affect the overall price.
For a commercial glamping business, it is worth distinguishing between features that are important to the core guest experience and additions that are mainly decorative. A carefully planned specification can help you manage the initial investment while creating accommodation that meets your customers’ expectations.
Can I customise the kitchen and interior?
Yes. The British Pod Company’s Pod Builder allows customers to explore a range of layouts, finishes and features for selected models.
Depending on the model and options available, you can explore kitchen colours, door styles, handles, worktops, flooring, wall finishes, bathroom finishes and external cladding.
This is particularly useful if you are developing several units and want them to follow a consistent style, or if you want a distinctive interior for a premium holiday let.
It is sensible to decide on the overall design direction early in the process. Your chosen finishes and upgrades can affect the price, so it is helpful to establish the specification before finalising your budget.
You can build your own pod specification to explore the available choices.
What should I check before buying a glamping pod?
Before placing an order, make sure you understand what you are buying and what remains to be done at your site.
Use the following checklist when comparing manufacturers.
Cabin specification
- Is the kitchen included, and which appliances are supplied?
- Does the cabin include a fitted shower room and toilet?
- What beds and mattresses are included?
- Are heating, lighting and electrical fittings included?
- What insulation and glazing specification is supplied?
- Which finishes and features are standard, and which cost extra?
Delivery and installation
- Is delivery included in the quoted price?
- Is installation included, and what does it cover?
- What access does the delivery vehicle require?
- Are foundations, piling and groundworks included or quoted separately?
- Who arranges the water, electricity and drainage connections?
Planning and preparation
- Have the relevant planning requirements been investigated?
- Is the proposed site suitable for the intended use?
- What work must be completed before the cabin can be occupied?
- Are any inspections, testing or commissioning required?
Budget and ongoing operation
- Is the quotation based on the exact model and chosen options?
- Are there any additional costs for customisation?
- Have you allowed for furnishing, cleaning, maintenance, insurance and marketing?
- If the cabin is for commercial use, have you considered local demand and realistic occupancy?
Getting clear answers to these questions helps you compare like-for-like quotations and avoid unexpected costs later in the project.
Why choose a fitted glamping pod from The British Pod Company?
The British Pod Company manufactures its pods in Lancashire and offers a range of designs for customers considering glamping accommodation, holiday lets and other leisure uses.
The Apex and Incline ranges provide different layouts and specifications, with options to personalise aspects of the kitchen, bathroom, finishes and external appearance.
For customers who need more than the cabin alone, the company also offers services covering planning support, land infrastructure, delivery and installation. The precise package depends on the project, but discussing these elements together can help you understand how the different stages fit together.
If you are new to developing holiday accommodation, it is worth explaining your intended use, site and budget at the outset. That gives the team a clearer picture of the specification and support you may need.
You can explore The Apex, compare it with The Incline or use the Pod Builder to start exploring your options.
Build Your Own Pod
Use our interactive pod builder to create your own unique pod specification.
See a fully fitted pod for yourself
Photographs and specification lists are useful, but seeing a cabin in person can help you understand the layout, finishes and use of space.
The British Pod Company has a showroom at Unit 2, Francis Business Park, Newgate, White Lund Industrial Estate, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA3 3PT.
If you are considering a glamping pod for your own land or business, contact the team to discuss your requirements, confirm the latest specification and arrange to explore the available options.
Contact The British Pod Company to discuss your project and find out what is included in your chosen glamping pod.
Frequently asked questions
Do glamping pods come with a kitchen?
Some do, but the specification varies between manufacturers and models. The British Pod Company’s published Apex specification includes a fitted kitchenette with a fridge, two-ring electric hob, oven and sink. The standard Incline specification includes a fridge, microwave, two-ring electric hob and sink unit. Confirm the precise inclusions for your chosen model.
Do glamping pods come with a bathroom?
The British Pod Company’s Apex and Incline ranges both list a fitted shower room in their published standard specifications. The exact bathroom fittings and finishes should be confirmed for the model and configuration you are ordering.
Does a fully fitted glamping pod include everything needed to start taking bookings?
Not necessarily. The cabin may include its internal kitchen, bathroom, heating and electrical fittings, but site preparation, foundations, utility connections, planning approvals and other work may still be required. Ask for a clear breakdown of the cabin supply and the work needed to make your particular site operational.
Can I choose my own kitchen colours and finishes?
The British Pod Company’s Pod Builder offers a selection of kitchen colours, door styles, handles and worktop finishes, alongside other interior and exterior options. Availability depends on the model and chosen specification.
Is heating included in a glamping pod?
Heating is included in the published specifications for both the Apex and Incline ranges. Confirm the exact heating system supplied with your selected model and discuss the cabin’s intended use if you plan to accept guests throughout the colder months.
Are delivery and installation included in the price?
The scope of delivery and installation should be confirmed in your quotation. Even where delivery is included, site preparation, foundations, utility connections and other infrastructure may be separate costs. Ask the supplier to explain exactly what is included.
Can I add a dishwasher or other kitchen upgrades?
Kitchen upgrades may be available depending on the chosen model. The Apex and Incline published options include a kitchen upgrade with a dishwasher and under-unit lighting. Confirm current availability and pricing before placing an order.
How do I choose the right glamping pod?
Start with your intended guests, the amount of space available, your budget and the facilities you want to provide. Compare the detailed specifications of suitable models, establish what is included and consider any site work required. The British Pod Company’s Pod Builder can help you explore layouts and finishes before discussing your requirements with the team.
