Although laid-back owners Bridget and Wil have relaxed their long-standing no-car policy, visitors to Caves Folly are positively encouraged to arrive on foot, bike, or even horseback (stabling can be arranged locally). Such is the warm welcoming you'll receive at this eco-friendly site, your affable hosts will even collect campers arriving by public transport.
Now that the site is given over for exclusive hire, campers are truly spoilt with the lusciousness of the organic glade and wild-flower meadow. With space for up to 6 tents (maximum 10 people) plus toilet and shower facilities, you won't want for much in your own private prairie. If there's a crowd of you, why not rent 'The Pleck' holiday cottage with the camping meadow all to yourselves. The Pleck sleeps 6 and comes complete with a kitchen and dining area. It's perfect for families – kids can camp in the meadow while the Mums and Dads are snug in the cottage!
The time of year shapes what extent of labyrinth the glade will be in. Spring flowers make way for bending branches laden with fruit come autumn.The campsite is adjoined to the owner’s organic nursery, so a mass of colour and scent emits from the flowerbeds and greenhouses, while the backdrop is the stunning British Camp – an Iron-Age hill fort atop the most easterly of the Malvern Hills that inspired many a poet, including WH Auden.
You will awaken to the sound of wild birds and perhaps a field mouse or two. And when you doze off, it’ll be to the sound of your personal campfire’s crackling embers.
The Malvern Hills offer no shortage of outdoor walks and bike trails. Take a bottle with you to fill with the famous water from one of the many shrine-like springs dotted around the hills – the village of Malvern Wells is a particularly good spot for them. The Malvern Theatres (01684 892277) is an arts centre featuring the latest cinema releases and contemporary plays.
The Wellington Inn (01684 540269) serves yummy food within strolling distance. The gorgeous market town of Ledbury, 3 miles away, has some great food shops.