Hollington Park Glamping

You don’t have to be a fan of Downton Abbey to visit Hollington Park Glamping, although it is popular with viewers of the famous series, located, as it is, just five minutes from Highclere Castle – the magnificent house is instantly recognisable from the screen.

Built in 1842, Highclere Castle may be one of the key historic attractions in the area but it’s by no means the oldest. Indeed it’s the woods themselves, sprawling across the North Wessex Downs, that boast some of the most ageing relics of the region – ancient trees that were probably mere saplings when Highclere’s construction started. It’s among these leafy surrounding that Hollington Park Glamping is found, tucked between ash, oak and birch.

It seems suitable that most things here are made of wood. There are, in total, just two pods and a bell tent, though if you book all three you can also pitch an extra tent to make up the numbers. The pods have everything you need. The far end of the interior is taken up by a large, built-in double bed, with a window peering out into the leaves, while out front there is a deck and outdoor garden furniture. The bell tent, too, has all the kit and caboodle provided so you can turn up with little more than your toothbrush.

The accommodation is all in a woodland clearing and accompanied by two further structures: a covered seating area and a blue bathroom shed with a hot shower and compost loo. In the centre of the clearing there’s a communal firepit, an ideal spot for socialising in the evening with your fellow pod dwellers, with surrounding benches built out of humungous tree trunks. Simply grab logs for free from the pile provided or forage in the woods.

Owner Claire lives in a little cottage a short stroll away. She’s often popping over to check everything is ok and you can order breakfast hampers from her, full of locally-sourced goodies. She can also provide directions to the nearest attractions, the Bombay Sapphire distillery being one of them. Don’t expect to find gin in your breakfast hamper though. It may be local but apparently tea and coffee still taste better with your cereal.