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.

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 National Trust woodlands 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 surroundings that 10-acre Hollington Park Glamping is found, tucked between ash, oak and horse chestnut trees, on the Hampshire and Berkshire border, near the historic market town of Newbury.

The small, family-run glampsite is on the Hampshire Berkshire border in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has two cute, vintage-style pods and three huge, themed bell tents. It's perfect for couples, families and groups, completely dog-friendly, and super safe for children to run wild and enjoy the woodland. Guests are usually greeted by the owners' chickens, geese, ducks and peacocks.

The pods – Daisy and Bluebelle – sleep two adults in a comfy, full-sized double bed, and up to two children (12 and under) in fun, fold-out z-beds. The three, huge, six-metre bell tents – Bedouin, Moroccan and Jungle – sleep two adults in a double and up to four kids in fold-out z-beds. The pods are set in a magical woodland clearing around a communal, brick-built firepit and undercover area, while the beautifully decorated tents are on the outskirts, dotted around the woodland through leafy passages and clearings, with their own steel firepits and undercover seating areas.

Everything you need for a self-catering stay is included: cooking, eating and washing up equipment, towels, bedding, and of course, private bathrooms right next door to each unit with hot showers and flushing toilets, so there’s no sharing facilities here. To the side of each pod or tent, you'll find an undercover cooking station with a gas stove, charcoal BBQ and private outdoor seating. The pods have electricity, including kettles, toasters and a fridge, while the tents are off-grid. But don't fret, a wood burner fulfils heating needs, a whistling kettle enables you to enjoy your morning cuppa under the trees, and they share a communal fridge/freezer and have cool boxes provided. It's worth noting that all water on site is drinkable, so no need to bring bottled.

While owners Claire and Adam provide everything you need for a comfortable and fuss-free stay, Hollington remains true to the glamping vibe – chatting with your fellow pod and tent dwellers about your days and toasting marshmallows around the firepits is encouraged. Keep your ear out for the resident owls hooting to each other, and if you like admiring the twinkling night skies, Claire and Adam recommend chilling in the stargazing clearing in the centre of the woodland: see what you can spot in a sky with no light pollution!

During the day, children will enjoy building dens, wildlife spotting, and exploring the woodland – half-manicured with paths like mazes and half-wild to go adventuring in. Adults will no doubt love the peaceful and magical setting – ideal for a chilled and relaxing break, and retreating from the hustle and bustle of normal life. At the same time, there are plenty of countryside walks if the mood takes you, and four, dog-friendly pubs within walking distance, ranging from 0.8 to 3.8 miles.

Claire and Adam are on hand to check everything is ok, and can provide directions to the nearest attractions – the Bombay Sapphire Distillery being one of them. Other popular day trips include visiting Four Kingdoms Adventure Park, Finkley Down Farm, Newbury racecourse and Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), plus narrowboat rides along the Kennet and Avon Canal. On top of that, you're just 45 minutes from London, Bristol and the South Coast.