It's Christmas Day, and we have come to the end of this year's Christmas Spotlight. It proved very popular, and so today we have two extra spotlights to bring you. To conclude it's the turn of Cat & Oliver Barker, Catgill Farm Glamping & Camping And Howgill Lodge Camping, Caravanning & Lodges


1. What were you hoping to achieve by December when you sat down in January, and did you get there?

When we looked ahead in January, our goal was simple: keep improving, keep creating, and keep giving guests something they can’t find anywhere else. Launching our new luxury Alpine Pod was a huge part of that. It pushed us creatively and raised the bar on what a glamping stay can feel like. The response has been incredible, and it’s reminded us why we love being an independent, design-led Yorkshire business. So yes, we really do feel like we got there, and we’ve already got exciting plans for 2026 in the pipeline. We always say “there’s never not a project”t happening at Catgill or Howgill and 2025 definitely lived up to that.

2. Three moments from 2025 that made you proud.

Opening the Alpine Pod and watching guests’ reactions the first time they stepped inside, that joy makes every late night and muddy boot worthwhile.

Finalising plans for next year’s Moroccan and safari-themed pods, which pushes us creatively again and keeps our sites evolving with new ideas and craftsmanship. There’s also a one-of-a-kind, never been done before project in motion too…

Hearing guests talk so fondly about the surrounding Yorkshire landscape. We love this area deeply and sharing it with people from all over the country never gets old.

We’re proud that even as we grow, the heart of the business, family, Yorkshire hospitality, and connection with nature, always stays the same.

3. Biggest headache of the year?

Managing growth while keeping our standards sky-high. Every new pod, pathway and project comes with its own challenges, materials, staffing, and of course, good old Yorkshire weather. But we wouldn’t trade it. Expanding sustainably and thoughtfully is all part of the journey. The trick is growing without losing the soul of what makes our sites special.

4. Describe 2025 using a Christmas film title.

It’s a Wonderful Life. Busy, emotional, and at times a bit mad but absolutely full of reasons to be grateful.

5. Number one January priority?

Bringing the Moroccan pod to life. Like all our glamping pods, we want it to feel magical. Alongside that, we’ll be preparing both camping sites for another season of guests exploring this beautiful corner of Yorkshire. January is also when we do our big “details audit”, all the little touches guests never see us agonise over!

6. A regional business that impressed you this year.

We’re inspired by any local business that leans into what makes Yorkshire special: its landscape, its people, its craftsmanship. Yorkshire independents have a resilience and creativity that’s second to none. There’s so much talent here, and we love seeing rural businesses innovate while staying true to the area.

7. What does 2026 hold for businesses like yours?

More demand for thoughtful, memorable, design-led stays. The future of glamping is “crafted experiences,” not just accommodation. Guests want comfort, personality and a real sense of escape and we think unique pods and our stunning natural settings are exactly where the industry is headed. The challenge will be keeping things fresh while protecting the landscape that makes places like ours so popular.

8. Are you a “full production” or “feet up and telly” Christmas household?

We start with the best intentions of a full-production Christmas especially now Harper’s completely enchanted by every light, bauble and bit of wrapping paper. But once the excitement settles, we usually end up with our feet up, a box of chocolates open, and whatever Christmas film Harper will happily sit still for. Family chaos followed by cosy calm… it’s our perfect mix.

9. Crackers, sprouts or pudding — which best describes your year?

Pudding! Indulgent, busy, and full of layers! A lot of work goes into it behind the scenes, but the end result feels like a treat.

10. Surprise-hit book, podcast or advice?

Design for delight. It’s become our unofficial motto this year. Every choice, from the curve of a window, the feel of a blanket, the way a view is framed, shapes how guests feel.

11. What are you most looking forward to switching off from at Christmas?

We’re open over the Christmas period, and, truthfully, there’s always something happening on-site, a project to plan, a pod to check, or a pathway to perfect. So 'switching off' looks a bit different for us. What we really look forward to is carving out little pockets of calm, stealing a few slow festive moments together as a family, even while the sites keep ticking along.

12. Your message for customers, teams and stakeholders heading into 2026 (25 words).

Thank you for supporting our family business and every idea we brought to life this year. Your support lets us dream bigger each season. We can’t wait to welcome you and unveil what’s next.