Ockeridge Rural Retreats

Set on the edge of a series of fenced horse paddocks, with views down a shallow valley, Ockeridge Rural Retreats is comprised of three glamping units in a parcelled up nine-acre space. The first is the Whitely Shepherd’s Hut, named after the ruined Victorian mansion of Witely Court, a vast, beautiful relic, destroyed in a great fire during the 1930s and visible in the distance as you peak from the hut window. Inside, the idea of a humble shepherd’s shelter has been given a thoroughly modern face-lift, with under-floor heating, a tiled en suite bathroom and a king-sized bed and bunks. A compact kitchen, meanwhile, has an oven, fridge and sink and all the utensils you will need, while country house décor – enamel mugs, a milk churn side table and oak surfaces – shows impeccable attention to detail.

The second abode slightly stretches the realms of glamping; it’s certainly a far cry from the tent-camping origins. In a separate part of the meadow, the Montana Woodland Lodge is a cosy log cabin that sleeps a family of four in comfort with a king-sized master suite and a separate bunkroom. Think of it as a refined self-catered home, with a fully fitted kitchen, spacious dining area and televisions in each of the bedrooms. Huge double-glazed doors at the front can be folded back to really let the outside in, with a wooden deck and garden furniture, fronted by a fragrant line of flowering lavender.

If you’ve not followed your gaze to Witely Court, two miles away, where English Heritage now welcomes you to tour the grounds, there’s plenty to keep you busy. It’s a pleasant stroll to the local pub – The Fox Inn – while walkers looking for hills and well known routes can drive the nine miles to the Malverns. Meanwhile, rainy days are easily filled dipping in and out of shops in Worcester and marvelling at the gothic cathedral. When the sun breaks, a pint beside the River Severn ends the day just perfectly.