Show Gallery (34 images)

Hollington Park Glamping

South East England Berkshire Newbury

Pod and bell tent glamping in the Berkshire woods on the edge of the North Wessex Downs

Make Enquiry

Get in touch with our partner directly

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 National Trust 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 horse chestnut trees.

It seems suitable that most things here are made of wood. There are two pods and 2 huge 6m bell tents. The pods have everything you need. Both pods and tents have full sized double beds, fold out z beds for children, complete with fresh bedding and towels. To the front they are decked with outdoor garden furniture looking into Hollington Park a private mature woodland. The bell tents also have all the kit and caboodle provided, so you can turn up with little more than your toothbrush.

The accommodation is set in a magical woodland clearing, accompanied by covered seating areas, each accommodation has it's own piping hot shower, sink and toilet right next to them, so no sharing facilities. In the centre of the clearing there’s a very large firepit, an ideal spot for socialising in the evening with your fellow pod dwellers, each bell tent has it's own fire pit, with surrounding benches built out of humungous tree trunks. Simply forage in the woods for fallen wood for the fire pits.

Owner Claire lives in a little cottage a short stroll away. She’s often popping over to check everything is ok, and can also provide directions to the nearest attractions - the Bombay Sapphire distillery being one of them. There is a myriad of really good local pubs serving good food and drink to choose from.

Gallery

Details

Facilities

The pods and bell tents are accompanied by an outside decked seating area, undercover seating area, brick built firepit, each accommodation has it's own piping hot shower, sink and toilet right next to them, so no sharing facilities. Each accommodation unit has a cooking station containing a gas stove and BBQ. Crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, BBQ tools, tea, coffee, sugar and milk are all provided and all bedding and towels are included. Sunbeds or hammocks are provided when the weather is good. Guests have full access to the 10 acre woodland beyond.

Suitable For

Couples, families, groups, dogs – yes. Your own tent is an option (only with a pod/bell tent booking) 1 night stays available on request

Nearby

For families there are excellent farm parks within easy driving distance. The historic Town of Newbury set on the kennet and avon canal and meets the river Kennet is a 5 minute drive away and host a wealth of shops bars pubs and historic buildings, plus the lovely Victoria Park with it's little boating lake. Finkley Down Farm (01264 324141) is excellent and The Hawk Conservancy Trust (01264 773850) are both just 15 minutes south – ideal if your heading to the south coast. Bucklebury farm park is 20 minutes away. Four Kingdoms Farm Park (01635 269678) is the closest. For most people, though, it's the walking and cycling that makes the North Wessex Downs so popular. Climb Beacon Hill or wander across famous Watership Down. Woolton Hill hosts an excellent market just 5 mins walk away on the last Saturday of every month, while Hungerford, 8 miles away, is full of old antiques shops and pubs. The Bombay Sapphire distillery (01256 890090), located in fantastically atmospheric old buildings, offers tours daily – best to book in advance. And finally of course there's magnificent Highclere Castle (01635 253210). It opens for tours through July and August but outside of these peak months you'll need to check ahead for specific dates.

Food & Drink

There are four pubs within walking distance – The Rampant Cat (01635 253474), The Furze Bush (01635 253228) and, in Highclere, The Red House (01635 255531). The Red House is closed on Mondays and doesn't serve evening meals on Sundays, but the food is excellent and there are plenty of ales on tap. A little further is The Pheasant (01635 253360)

Open

All year. High Season April 1st – August 31st & bank holiday weekends.

Pricing

Minimum 2-night stays during summer (3-nights midweek and on bank holidays). £20 per dog per night. £10 for an extra tent per night, (only available as an addition to a pod or bell tent booking). ***1 night stays available on request subject to availability***

Why Book Direct?

With Cool Places you pay no commission or booking fees. Cool Places links you directly to the property owner, so you always know that you are getting the best prices.

You’ll get the best rates, avoiding hefty fees and hidden costs
You’ll deal direct with the business or property owner who can answer all your questions
You’ll get the flexibility to tailor your trip, free from the restrictions of other booking platforms
You’ll be supporting independent UK businesses and the passionate people behind them

Make Enquiry

Get in touch with our partner directly

The Owner Says

Set in 10 acres of private ancient woodland on the Hampshire Berkshire border is our small and unique glamping site. 45 minutes from London 5 minutes from the Historic Highclere Castle. Sweet little vintage styled pod cabins & huge 6m bell tents set in a magical clearing of private woodland, on the Hampshire and Berkshire border, Near to the historic town of Newbury in Henry VIII's old hunting ground. So much to do from visiting historic sites to farm parks and museums, spectacular countryside walks and local pubs.

Location

Show Map

Getting There

From the A34 head towards Andover on the A343 and take the only turning available into Woolton Hill signposted 'the Rampant Cat'. Follow the road for ½ mile and as the road bends sharply right take the left hand turning onto Church Road. Follow for ½ a mile until the road bends sharply right to Eastend and forks left for Hollington. Take the left hand fork and stop immediately. On the left is a little brick and flint lodge house and some big old wrought iron gates, saying Hollington house on the walls, go through the gates and after about 100 metres there are some more wrought iron gates on the right, a little cottage with a gargoyle on the roof on the left, carry on past the featherboard fencing for 20m and turn in through the wooden gate on the left. It's necessary to have a car really but there's a train station and bus services in Newbury, 6 miles away.