Riverside glamping in West Midlands

South of Birmingham, the lush countryside of Warwickshire affords plenty of options for scenic strolls, picnics, and pub lunches looking out along the canal ways. This is Shakespeare Country, so a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon is a must, followed by a visit to Warwick Castle, where adventurous campers can even enjoy medieval glamping.

Rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tree-lined canals blanket the Worcestershire countryside. Stroll the flower gardens at Croome Park, cycle along shady trails in the Wyre Forest, or go hiking in the Malvern Hills, a dramatic nine-mile range of volcanic hills rising from neighbouring meadows. This is where you’ll find some of the region’s best campsites, from spacious caravan parks to glamping in bell tents or luxury pods.

West of Birmingham, the wild landscapes of Herefordshire stretch to the Welsh border, dotted with castle ruins and rural market towns. Campers love this pastoral paradise’s rich green fields, the famous Hereford cattle, and villages such as Eardisley, Eardisland, and Pembridge. Take to the hills for a hike or bike ride, paddle along the River Wye in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or explore in the footsteps of C.S.Lewis in the Golden Valley. To the south, the Wye Valley has camping options by the water, in the hills, or hidden away in the forest.

Sparsely populated Shropshire is the rural arm of the West Midlands, where you can escape the crowds and camp amid miles of open countryside, castles, and pretty villages tucked against the Welsh-English border. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ironbridge Gorge, take a ride on the Severn Valley steam railway, or hike the grassy plateau of Long Mynd, then stay up late to gaze up at the country stars. Ludlow is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading gourmet destinations, though most campers visit Shropshire to explore the Shropshire Hills). Strap up your walking boots and strike out along the Iron Age hill forts evidencing hundreds of years of struggle between the Welsh and English.

• If you’re looking for a Shropshire pub with an idyllic location, The Bridges (01588 650260) is hard to beat. Set at the foot two rivers, this family-run pub uses local ingredients and serves food all day, every day. In winter, the log burner is a snug spot where campers relax, while summer visitors paddle in the stream with an ice cream.
• Hiding in the quiet village of Armscote, near Stratford-upon-Avon, The Fuzzy Duck (01608 682635) offers classic pub food with a sophisticated twist. Formerly the Fox & Goose, this one-time coaching inn also serves real ale and a good wine list. Pets can run free in the secure garden, where they’ll be welcomed with biscuits and blankets.
• The Nags Head (01684 574373) in Malvern offers a choice of ales, a friendly welcome, and delightfully eclectic décor. Away from the lager taps is the much-loved Bathams Best, sublime liquid gold from the Black Country. Antique chairs are grouped around an open fire, and the low-beamed walls are wonderfully cluttered to keep eyes busy.
• As a proper pub gem, The Unicorn (01584 873555) features sloping floors, mahogany panelling, and beamed ceilings. If you’re staying at a Shropshire campsite and looking to acclimatise to the relaxed pace of life, head here to nurse a pint of Ludlow Best in front of the fire. In summer, the beer garden overlooking the River Corve is a nice spot.
• Considering the awards Titley’s Stagg Inn (01544 230221) has won for its grub (it’s got a Michelin star!), a visiting camper would be forgiven for thinking it’s purely a fine-dining establishment. The country inn is still a place where locals gather for a pint. There’s no jukebox—just the hum of good conversation and Herefordshire accents.