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.