WHEN Phil Slater took on his family's High Haume Farm both he and his wife Sarah knew they would need to diversify in order to survive as modern farmers.

And with their land boasting stunning views across the Duddon Estuary the opportunity to branch out into the tourism industry was a no-brainer.

The Slaters have had six camping pods shipped over from a manufacturer in Carnforth and have now opened up the glamping units to tourists while continuing to run the family farm.

"My dad retired from farming three years ago and it's difficult times for farming so we thought we would do something a little different," Mr Slater, 40, said.

"We've been talking about it for years because we knew we'd take over the farm eventually."

The sixth-generation farmer, who has two young boys Harry and Archie, said he hopes to cash in on the nearby tourist attraction of South Lakes Safari Zoo.

"People come from all over to visit the zoo, and it's really close to us, so we can offer people the chance to stay, at a really reasonable price, near to the zoo and in a more 'close to nature' environment," he added.

The fully insulated and heated pods are available to rent for £30 for a snug pod, £45 for a family pod and £60 for a luxury pod. The snug pods are the most basic, with visitors needing to bring everything apart from their tent, and share toilet and shower facilities with the family pods, which have a kitchen, beds and dining table.

The luxury pods have their own toilet and shower and all pods can sleep up to five people in each.

Thanks to a 40 per cent grant from the European Agricultural Fund, and support from the Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Action Group, High Haume Glamping is now open for business.

"We've got a really large site, with plenty of space for children to play, and groups of families could hire out all six pods exclusively if they wanted," Mr Slater said.

"It has the most breathtaking views and we think it's the perfect place for a short break or family holiday."