Derry Green, the founder of The Secret Garden Glamping, recounted on the podcast ‘The Holiday That Changed My Life’ how a camping trip in his back garden during the pandemic altered the course of his life. Facing financial ruin following the cancellation of his European transport business overnight, Green had arranged a camping trip for his kids in his backyard in Skelmersdale. The positive family experience soon led to the creation of a luxury glamping site, which currently has a turnover of £3m. Airing his story in the podcast, Green notes that it was not the destination but the experience that mattered, leading him to set up The Secret Garden Glamping with a focus on offering a unique outdoor holiday experience.
His impressive social media presence allowed Green to get noticed by the producers of the hit series ‘Dragons’ Den’. Peter Jones, one of the panelists, was immediately impressed by the pitch. The company’s success lies in their unique approach to social media, with one million followers across Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. The Secret Garden Glamping clearly has a niche in the market, offering personalised experiences to guests. Green attributes much of the company’s success to how he shared his story on social media, leading to his appearance on Dragons’ Den. Green’s personal story almost grippingly depicts how a moment in life can change everything, offering insights into his success and that of The Secret Garden Glamping, proving their resilience as a business during the pandemic.